Crypto CEO Accused of Bribing Argentine President

Hayden Davis, CEO of Kelsier Ventures and a key figure behind the Libra cryptocurrency, has been implicated in an alleged scheme to influence Argentine President Javier Milei. Argentine media reported that Davis attempted to control the president's actions in exchange for payments to his sister, Karina Milei, who serves as the general secretary for Argentina’s presidential office and is a close adviser to her brother.

According to a 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. 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. "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.

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.