The Winklevoss Twins are well-known figures in the cryptocurrency industry. The two brothers, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, became Bitcoin billionaires over the years and are still very active in the space. According to The New York Times, the twins are accusing Charlie Shrem, with who they partnered up in their early forays into cryptocurrency, of stealing 5,000 Bitcoin.

The Winklevoss Twins, Bitcoin billionaires and founders of the Gemini exchange and its dollar-backed Gemini Dollar (GUSD) stablecoin, are accusing an old ‘friend’ of stealing 5000 Bitcoin. The person in question: Charlie Shrem.

Charlie Shrem is an early bitcoin investor and entrepreneur. Shrem was the CEO of a crypto exchange called BitInstant. In 2014, Shrem spent 2 years in prison for money laundering and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business related to the BitInstant exchange that he founded.

Now, Shrems seems to have another lawsuit hanging over his had. According to the Winklevoss Twins, Shrem had accepted $1 million to buy bitcoin on their behalf in 2012. The problem: apparently Shrem had not given them the full value of the amount in bitcoin. The Winklevoss Twins are claiming to be short by roughly 5,000 bitcoin, worth almost $32 million at today’s prices. At the time of the deal in 2012, one bitcoin was worth approximately $12.50.

Shrem has revealed in recent interviews that when he went to jail, he had no money left in his bank account. Strangely, however, is that after Shrem got released from prison, he has bought 6 properties, Maseratis, and boats. Therefore, the twins claim that Charlie is spending the money gained from the Bitcoins he stole from them in 2012.

One part of the accusation reads:

Either Shrem has been incredibly lucky and successful since leaving prison, or — more likely — he ‘acquired’ his six properties, two Maseratis, two powerboats and other holdings with the appreciated value of the 5,000 Bitcoin he stole.”

Despite the accusations, Shrem has revealed via multiple interviews and even podcasts that he wants to go straight. The felon revealed that he worked as a dishwasher after getting out of prison, and refused to check his emails during that period. Charlie’s lawyer, Brian Klein, dismissed the Winklevoss’ claims and assured that his client is ready for a court battle to clear his name.

To be continued….

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