Imagine trusting a crypto exchange, only to find out the people running it might have played against you. That’s exactly the claim two former BitMEX users have leveled against the exchange’s co-founders Arthur Hayes, Samuel Reed, and Benjamin Delo as well as related companies. They say the platform engaged in insider trading that hurt its own customers.

The lawsuit arrived just as BitMEX announced plans to shut down permanently in September 2026. This timing raises questions about what was happening behind the scenes during the exchange’s final stretch.

BitMEX was once a giant in the crypto use market, drawing heavy trading volume from around the world. Its sudden closure puts a spotlight on long-simmering issues, including concerns about transparency and fairness for its users.

Allegations like these aren’t rare in crypto. The market has seen a rise in lawsuits targeting insiders accused of exploiting privileged information at the expense of everyday traders. BitMEX’s case adds to a growing list that challenges the trust users place in major platforms.

This development follows recent moves in the sector where institutional investments have surged, such as Citadel Securities’ large stake in Crypto.com, showing that as crypto matures, regulatory and legal scrutiny intensifies.