FTX, the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange, has taken significant legal action by filing lawsuits against NFT Stars Limited and Kurosemi Inc. The lawsuits come as part of FTX’s ongoing efforts to recover assets for creditor payouts following its collapse in 2022. According to the statements issued by the exchange and its recovery trust, the two companies failed to meet their contractual obligations by not delivering the tokens as agreed.

FTX’s Legal Strategy in Asset Recovery

FTX, which filed for bankruptcy after a massive liquidity crisis and an $8 billion shortfall in its financial accounts, has been working diligently to recover as many assets as possible for its creditors. As part of this ongoing effort, the exchange initially attempted non-litigation negotiations with NFT Stars and Kurosemi. However, these efforts failed to yield results, leading to the lawsuits. The exchange’s legal team is also working with various other token issuers and has warned that further lawsuits will be filed against entities that refuse to cooperate in returning assets that rightfully belong to FTX.

In a statement, FTX’s recovery team emphasized its willingness to take legal action if the involved parties continue to disregard their obligations. “We urge token and coin issuers to return assets that rightfully belong to FTX, and are willing to initiate litigation barring adequate engagement,” the statement said. This marks a notable escalation in FTX’s legal strategy as it aims to maximize recoveries for its estate and return funds to the creditors affected by the exchange’s collapse.

Background of FTX’s Bankruptcy

FTX’s bankruptcy was triggered in November 2022 following the sudden revelation of a massive financial shortfall and liquidity crisis. This ultimately led to the exchange’s collapse, leaving countless investors and creditors in limbo. The latest lawsuits against NFT Stars and Kurosemi come after FTX initiated its first round of fund distributions in February 2025. These distributions were made to holders of approved claims within FTX’s Convenience Class.

The Next Phase of Fund Distributions

FTX has declared that the second round of fund distributions will begin on May 30, 2025. This will include claims from Class 5 Customer Entitlement Claims, Class 6 General Unsecured Claims, and additional Convenience Claims approved after the initial record date in April. This distribution aims to recover some of the losses experienced by FTX’s customers and creditors. However, the road to full recovery remains long, and lawsuits like those against NFT Stars and Kurosemi are critical to ensuring that FTX can reclaim assets tied up in these legal disputes.

Legal Setbacks and Challenges

While FTX has made progress in recovering funds, its legal battles are far from over. One notable setback occurred last month when Three Arrows Capital (3AC) raised its claim against FTX from $120 million to $1.5 billion. This amendment was approved despite objections from FTX and highlights the complicated nature of FTX’s ongoing efforts to resolve its liabilities.

Moreover, the collapse of FTX serves as a cautionary tale for the broader crypto industry. To prevent future occurrences of such a systemic collapse, US Senators recently proposed the PROOF Act. This bill seeks to ensure greater transparency and protection for consumers by mandating that crypto exchanges separate customer funds from institutional assets. It also requires exchanges to undergo monthly audits to confirm the availability of assets, enhancing consumer confidence and reducing the risk of a similar situation.

Future Outlook

FTX’s aggressive stance in legal recovery efforts is a key part of its strategy to resolve its financial woes. By filing lawsuits against entities like NFT Stars and Kurosemi, the exchange is signaling its intent to recover as many assets as possible to repay creditors. Although the second round of fund distributions is set to begin, there are still many challenges ahead, including the resolution of claims like those raised by Three Arrows Capital.

While FTX continues to work on asset recovery, the broader industry is keeping a close eye on these developments. The success of FTX’s efforts will be crucial for restoring confidence in the crypto market, especially for investors who may have been affected by the exchange’s collapse. The future of FTX and other crypto exchanges may hinge on regulatory changes and more stringent oversight, with the PROOF Act standing as a potential model for ensuring transparency and stability in the industry moving forward.

As FTX presses forward with its asset recovery initiatives, more lawsuits could be on the horizon, intensifying the legal landscape for other companies in the crypto sector.