Crypto Dispensers (aka Virtual Assets LLC), a Chicago-based ATM operator that allows users to purchase and send Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, said on Friday that it was Weighing a Potential Sale Valued at around $100 million.
The announcement came just days after the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint Against the company and its founder and CEO Firas Isa, alleging that they perpetrated a $10 million money laundering scheme.
Crypto Dispensers and Isa have pleaded not guilty to the single money laundering conspiracy charge against each of them, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The DOJ filing alleged that Isa and his company received funds from victims and criminals through Bitcoin ATMs. Despite know-your-customer (KYC) requirements intended to prevent money laundering, prosecutors say Isa converted these illicit funds into cryptocurrency and transferred them to other wallets.
If found guilty, Isa and his company will pursue forfeiture of their assets, including any property involved in the alleged money laundering, with the government able to replace the assets if necessary.
Crypto Dispensers said Friday that it was “evaluating a potential sale valued at approximately $100 million” and that it had “retained advisors to support the review as consolidation accelerates in the cryptocurrency and digital asset infrastructure sector.”
“This review aims to understand the next stage of growth and determine which path creates the most value for the platform we have built,” Isa said in a statement.
Decrypt has contacted Crypto Dispensers to clarify whether the company has identified a potential buyer or is instead announcing its openness to a deal. Decrypt He also sought comment regarding the U.S. accusations, but did not immediately receive a response to those questions.
The potential sale of Crypto Dispensers comes as markets have crashed after a huge rally in the first 10 months of the year. Bitcoin fell to almost $81,000 Early Friday, hitting its lowest price since April. BTC set a record high of $126,000 in early October.
