Christopher Harborne, Proprietor of AML Global Ltd., a Thailand-Based Aviation Fuel Broker, Institutes Legal Action Against The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) for Defamation
On February 28, 2024, in a Delaware state court, Christopher Harborne, the owner of AML Global Ltd., filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The legal action stems from an article published by WSJ in March 2023, which Harborne asserts contained defamatory allegations against him and his company. According to the complaint, Harborne and AML Global were falsely accused of participating in illegal activities linked to stablecoin issuer tether and crypto exchange Bitfinex.
Background of the Disputed Article
The article in question, titled “Crypto Companies Behind tether Used Falsified Documents and Shell Companies to Get Bank Accounts,” reported that tether and Bitfinex faced challenges in accessing the global banking system, prompting them to employ intermediaries, create shell companies, and falsify documents. The allegations made against Harborne and AML Global in this article implicated them in “committing fraud, laundering money, and financing terrorists,” according to the lawsuit.
Editor’s Note and Removal of Controversial Section
Following Harborne and AML Global’s objection to the reporting regarding them, WSJ removed the contentious section from the article on February 21, 2024. The newspaper’s editor’s note acknowledged the removal to avoid any potential implications of wrongdoing in their efforts to open an account at Signature Bank.
WSJ’s Response and Intention to Defend
The WSJ has reacted to the lawsuit, asserting that their reporting was removed after Harborne and AML Global disputed it. The newspaper also criticized the complaint for containing “inaccuracies and distortions” and announced its intention to vigorously defend the case.
Harborne’s Relationship with Bitfinex
The lawsuit brings to light Harborne’s relationship with Bitfinex. He holds approximately a 12% stake in the crypto exchange, acquired through Bitfinex’s reimbursement plan for clients affected by a 2016 hack. The lawsuit clarifies that Harborne has never assumed any managerial or executive position at Bitfinex or tether. Instead, he is classified as a minority shareholder.
