Swan Bitcoin has filed a lawsuit against several former employees and consultants, alleging they orchestrated a plan to steal its bitcoin mining business with assistance from Tether, Swan’s former fundraising partner.
The suit claims six individuals misappropriated Swan’s trade secrets—including proprietary code and financial models—before launching a rival mining venture called Proton Management.
The lawsuit, filed after the alleged coup culminated in a mass resignation of key employees on Aug. 8, does not name Tether as a defendant but accuses it of providing tacit support for the scheme. Tether previously funded Swan’s bitcoin mining operations in Tasmania and had entered talks to lead Swan’s $25 million Series C fundraising round, which would have valued Swan at $1 billion.
According to the complaint, Tether’s advisor, Zach Lyons, allegedly encouraged Swan’s former employees to leave and suggested that Tether no longer saw value in Swan’s business. The lawsuit details meetings where Lyons reportedly undermined Swan’s leadership and offered legal cover for the employees to create Proton Management, a copycat of Swan’s mining operations.
The alleged conspiracy caused massive turmoil for Swan Bitcoin. By July 22, the company had dropped its initial public offering (IPO) plans, shut down its managed mining unit, and laid off 45% of its staff. Swan’s valuation plummeted as the promised $25 million funding from Tether never materialized.
On Aug. 9, Tether’s legal team sent Swan a “Notice of Event of Default,” claiming Swan had breached its funding agreement due to its inability to maintain the necessary personnel. This was followed by the engagement of Proton Management, the new entity formed by Swan’s former employees, which claimed to offer the services of the same team that had left Swan.
For its part, Tether denied any wrongdoing, stating it is aware of the allegations but is not named as a defendant in the case.
Legal experts noted that while the complaint implies Tether’s involvement, no direct legal claims have been made against the company. Swan is seeking permanent injunctions, restitution, and punitive damages against Proton Management and the other named defendants.
