Blockchain company Chain has announced it is considering legal action against Tron Network founder Justin Sun. The move follows accusations made by Sun about alleged market manipulation involving Chain’s associated token, Onyxcoin (XCN). The controversy has gripped the cryptocurrency community, drawing significant attention to both parties.
Sun’s Allegations Stir Up Crypto Market
On January 24, Sun took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Chain of engaging in high-leverage trading practices that he claimed could endanger crypto exchange users. While details were sparse, Sun called on leading trading platforms—such as Kraken, Bybit, and Coinbase—to scrutinise the situation.
Sun didn’t stop there. He declared his intention to alert U.S. regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ), to Chain’s alleged “illegal activities.” Ben Zhou, CEO of Bybit, was among those who responded, reaffirming his firm’s commitment to curbing market manipulation.
But for Chain, these accusations were a step too far.
Chain’s Rebuttal and Legal Countermoves
Chain swiftly denied Sun’s allegations, asserting that it has no involvement in the trading of Onyxcoin. The blockchain firm clarified that the token is managed by OnyxDAO, an independent organisation. In its official statement, Chain labelled Sun’s claims as baseless and harmful to its reputation, adding that it is now evaluating potential legal actions against him.
Interestingly, Sun’s response to the threat of a lawsuit was dismissive. He redirected his criticism towards OnyxDAO and reiterated his call for regulatory intervention.
Onyxcoin Defies the Drama
Despite the ongoing conflict, Onyxcoin has exhibited remarkable resilience. The token has seen significant price gains, leaving traders largely unfazed by the controversy. Over the past week, Onyxcoin’s value soared by an astounding 400%, driven by heightened trading activity.
Even on January 24, as tensions between Chain and Sun reached new heights, Onyxcoin continued to climb. CoinMarketCap data reveals a 31.72% daily increase, with a trading volume surge of 276.18% to reach $1.42 billion. At $0.02424 per token, Onyxcoin is now ranked the 114th largest cryptocurrency by market cap.
Quick Stats on Onyxcoin (XCN):
- Current Price: $0.02424
- Market Cap: $746.41 million
- 24-Hour Trading Volume: $1.42 billion
- Weekly Price Gain: 400%
The Bigger Picture: Sun Faces Scrutiny
This is not the first time Justin Sun has faced legal and reputational challenges. The outspoken founder of the Tron Network has often found himself at the centre of crypto controversies. His recent allegations against Chain could either shine a spotlight on overlooked issues or backfire if Chain succeeds in proving the claims false.
Sun’s critics argue that his public accusations could be seen as an attempt to distract from challenges within the Tron ecosystem. TRX, Tron’s native token, has recently shown signs of consolidation, prompting questions about the network’s future trajectory.
What Lies Ahead for Chain and Sun?
As the situation unfolds, the industry awaits clarity. Will Chain pursue its legal threat, or will the matter dissipate under regulatory scrutiny? For now, both parties remain firm in their positions. Chain maintains its innocence, while Sun continues to rally regulators and exchanges to investigate further.
Meanwhile, Onyxcoin’s performance amid the dispute could signify growing confidence in decentralised finance projects, even as allegations of manipulation loom.