Libra token creator implicated in alleged Argentine presidential influence scheme

Published 19/02/2025, 15:44
Libra token creator implicated in alleged Argentine presidential influence scheme

Argentine media reported an alleged attempt by Hayden Davis, CEO of Kelsier Ventures and a figure behind the Libra cryptocurrency, to influence Argentine President Javier Milei through his sister, Karina Milei. Text messages purportedly sent by Davis to an executive at a crypto investment firm in December suggested a scheme to control the president’s actions in exchange for payments to his sister.

According to the report by La Nacion on February 18, Davis claimed he could arrange for President Milei to promote the Libra token and meet with interested parties. "I send $ to his sister and he does whatever I say and does what I want," one message allegedly from Davis read. The investment firm executive, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly rejected the offer.

Davis has denied sending such messages and making payments to the Milei siblings. A spokesperson for Davis stated that he had no record of the message on his phone and could not recall sending it. CoinDesk reported that Davis also refuted claims of making any payments to either Javier or Karina Milei.

Karina Milei currently holds the position of general secretary for Argentina’s presidential office and is considered a close adviser to her brother. She has been seen accompanying President Milei on his recent official trips abroad.

The controversy surrounding the Libra token, which at its peak reached a market cap of $4.5 billion before plummeting by approximately 95%, has brought scrutiny to Davis and Kelsier Ventures. Despite the token’s success, Davis asserted that he did not own any Libra tokens and had no intention of selling them.

President Milei has faced legal action accusing him of promoting the Libra token, which he has contested. In an interview with Todo Noticias on February 17, Milei insisted he did not promote the token but merely "spread the word" about it. He emphasized his "good faith" and recognized the need to establish better judgment on appropriate conduct moving forward. Milei also stated that any issues arising from the token launch should be confined to the parties involved, excluding the state’s role.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.