Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX has filed a lawsuit against cross-chain protocol LayerZero Labs, seeking to recover $21 million in funds that were allegedly illegally withdrawn prior to FTX’s shutdown in November.

The case traces back to transactions made from January to May 2022 between Alameda Ventures — the venture capital arm of Alameda Research, FTX’s sister company — and LayerZero.

According to court documents filed on Sept. 9, Alameda Ventures paid more than $70 million in two transactions to acquire a stake of roughly 4.92% in LayerZero. Also, in March, Alameda Ventures paid another $25 million for 100 million STG tokens at a public auction, to be distributed over a period of six months beginning in March 2023.

Amid these transactions, in February, LayerZero loaned $45 million to Alameda Ventures’ parent, Alameda Research, under a promissory note bearing an annual interest rate of 8%.

When FTX’s crisis unfolded in early November, LayerZero sought a deal for the return of its stake owned by Alameda. The agreement included the return of shares to LayerZero in exchange for the forgiveness of the $45 million loan. Another deal related to 100 million STG tokens was also reached, which LayerZero purchased back at a discount for $10 million on Nov. 9. This transaction, however, was never completed. LayerZero did not pay for the tokens, and Alameda Ventures did not transfer the tokens.

FTX alleges in the lawsuit that LayerZero exploited Alameda Ventures during a liquidity crisis:

“LayerZero was well aware that Alameda Research was facing a liquidity crisis and, within about 24 hours, negotiated a fire-sale transaction with Caroline Ellison, Alameda Research’s then-CEO.”

In addition to cancellation of the agreement, the complaint seeks recovery of funds withdrawn days before FTX bankruptcy filing, including approximately $21.37 million from LayerZero Labs, as well as $13.07 million from Ari Litan, its former chief operating officer, and $6.65 million from a subsidiary, Skip & Goose.

LayerZero Labs isn’t the first company to be sued by FTX. The bankrupt company is also attempting to recoup billions in funds from transactions made by a number of subsidiaries before the collapse of its conglomerate.

Cointelegraph reached out to LayerZero Labs, but did not receive a response at the time of publication. The lawsuit is not related to LayerZero Power Systems, a company that owns the LayerZero trademark and does not operate in the crypto industry.  

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