Stephen Akridge, the co-founder of Solana Labs, is embroiled in a serious lawsuit that raises eyebrows. His ex-wife, Elisa Rossi, is alleging that Akridge has been hiding away “millions of dollars” in crypto staking rewards, a situation that has emerged following their divorce.
In this lawsuit, filed in a San Francisco court, Rossi claims that Akridge unlawfully withheld substantial crypto rewards linked to Solana (SOL) tokens. As part of their divorce settlement, Rossi was given access to three crypto wallets. However, it seems that the stakes might be higher than she realized. Court documents reveal that Akridge allegedly rerouted the staking rewards to wallets under his control, leaving Rossi in the dark about the true value of what was at stake.
Rossi notes that she uncovered Akridge’s actions just two months after finalizing their divorce in March. Her claim emphasizes that Akridge exploited the knowledge gap in the cryptocurrency world between them. As someone deeply immersed in the blockchain sphere, he supposedly handed her control of wallets without disclosing the significant rewards being generated from the Solana tokens.
In a particularly unsettling twist, it’s reported that when Rossi inquired about the staking rewards, Akridge dismissed her concerns, reportedly saying, “Good luck getting those staking rewards from me.” This exchange adds a layer of tension to the already fraught situation, characterized by accusations of fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.
Rossi is now pursuing legal action for actual and compensatory damages, the total amount to be determined in court. She is also aiming for punitive damages and interest, calculated at the maximum legal rate.
As this case unfolds, it underlines not just personal strife but also highlights the complexities intertwined with cryptocurrency and divorce agreements. The outcome could have implications beyond just Akridge and Rossi, potentially setting a precedent for how crypto assets are treated in similar legal situations.
