BitMEX faces UK lawsuit while Banco BAI Europa cooperates with Portuguese police

In the United Kingdom, software engineer Lewis Barber has filed a lawsuit in the London Commercial Court against HDR Global Trading, the operator of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX. Barber is seeking the return of 324.8 bitcoins, valued at approximately £20.4 million or $27.2 million, following contested derivative trades conducted between 2018 and 2022. The lawsuit alleges that the platform operated without authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and challenges the validity of 1,053 specific transactions that resulted in losses.

Separately, in Portugal, Banco BAI Europa issued a statement confirming its cooperation with the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) following search operations conducted by authorities. The searches, carried out in conjunction with the Tax Authority, have targeted several entities including Banco Carregosa, Banco Angolano de Investimentos, various real estate agencies, and law firms. Banco BAI Europa stated it is operating in full compliance with applicable legislation and will not provide further comments due to the nature of the ongoing investigation.