UK launches major crypto fraud investigation into collapsed Basis Markets project

• Two men were arrested during searches in London and near Bradford.
• Basis Markets raised at least $28 million from investors in 2021.
• Investors received valueless NFTs and tokens during the fundraising rounds.

UK authorities have opened a wide-scale criminal investigation into Basis Markets, bringing new attention to a failed crypto project that raised millions during the height of digital asset enthusiasm.

The Serious Fraud Office revealed on 20 November that it has begun examining how the project operated, how retail investors were drawn in with promises of low-risk arbitrage returns, and how at least $28 million disappeared following two fundraising rounds in 2021.

The renewed scrutiny arrives after years of silence and reflects growing concern over unregistered crypto schemes that expanded rapidly during the 2021 boom before collapsing without clear explanations.

Raids conducted in London and West Yorkshire

SFO investigators, alongside local police officers, carried out coordinated raids in London and West Yorkshire earlier in the day.

Two men—one in his 30s and another in his 40s—were detained on suspicion of multiple fraud and money-laundering offences.

The SFO said the arrests mark a significant step in its inquiry into the scheme, which it described as a “suspected fraudulent operation” rather than a registered company.

According to the agency, Basis Markets raised roughly $28 million (£21.4 million) through two public fundraisers held in November and December 2021.

Investors purchased non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that were marketed as a means of seeding a crypto hedge fund.

The money was allegedly intended to support the creation and operation of this fund.

However, by June 2022—six months after the capital raise—investors were reportedly informed that the project could no longer move forward due to proposed new US regulations.

The SFO’s investigation is expected to focus on the legitimacy of this explanation and what ultimately happened to the funds collected from investors.

Concerns over investor losses and regulatory explanations

The SFO said it is not yet able to provide further details on the nature of the regulatory concerns cited by the project’s operators.

Investigators are examining whether the statement about US regulatory changes was used as a pretext to halt operations and whether funds were improperly handled or diverted.

This case highlights the growing scrutiny facing crypto fundraising activities, particularly those involving NFTs and promises of high-yield investment vehicles such as hedge funds.

The collapse of Basis Markets adds to a string of high-profile cases in which retail investors have suffered losses amid insufficient transparency and minimal formal oversight.

Authorities have appealed for anyone who invested in or has knowledge of Basis Markets to come forward to assist the inquiry.

The SFO emphasized that tracking the flow of investor money will be central to determining whether fraudulent activity occurred.

SFO expands crypto capabilities amid rising enforcement needs

The launch of this investigation comes as the SFO moves to strengthen its capabilities in digital asset enforcement.

Earlier this year, the agency secured more than £8 million in additional funding over three years to support its ability to track, analyse, and recover crypto assets across jurisdictions.

SFO Director Nick Ephgrave said the agency is committed to pursuing individuals who misuse cryptocurrency to defraud the public.

“With our expanding cryptocurrency capability and growing expertise in this area, we are determined to pursue anyone who would seek to use cryptocurrency to defraud investors,” he said.

Ephgrave added that Thursday’s action represents an important milestone in the investigation and urged affected investors and potential witnesses to support the inquiry.

As the SFO deepens its work in digital asset enforcement, the Basis Markets case could become a key test of how the UK’s fraud authorities handle complex crypto-linked financial misconduct in an evolving regulatory landscape.

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