Former B2C2 Co-CEO Faces Allegations of Drug Use and Inappropriate Behavior
Phillip Gillespie, former co-CEO of crypto trading firm B2C2, is facing allegations involving drug use and inappropriate relations with a young intern. The claims against Gillespie were made in a lawsuit filed by Bradley Nagela, the firm’s global head of options trading.
Gillespie is accused of excessive substance consumption and distributing illicit drugs, including cocaine, at a Bitcoin conference last year. Nagela alleges that he was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about Gillespie’s behavior. Gillespie, who stepped down as CEO in November, denies the allegations and points out that Nagela was not present at the conference.
Personnel Issues in the Crypto Industry Revealed
The lawsuit sheds light on internal conflicts within the cryptocurrency industry, which is already grappling with market volatility and corporate failures. It also highlights the frenzied social scene that often accompanies major crypto events.
Last year’s Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami attracted over 25,000 attendees, including high-profile figures like Michael Novogratz and Peter Thiel. The abundance of after-parties led to the creation of an Excel sheet to keep track of the festivities.
The lawsuit took a disturbing turn when an email from the intern’s father raised concerns about her invitation to travel from Thailand to Miami, suggesting potential involvement in illicit activities.
A Look into B2C2’s Operations
B2C2, owned by SBI Holdings Inc., specializes in executing crypto trades for institutional clients and brokerages like Robinhood. Founded in 2015, the London-based firm recruited Gillespie, a former Goldman Sachs employee, in 2018.
Hot Take: A Scandal Unveils Cryptocurrency Industry’s Challenges
The allegations against Phillip Gillespie, former co-CEO of B2C2, expose the personnel issues and social dynamics prevalent in the cryptocurrency industry. This scandal comes at a time when the industry is already facing significant challenges related to market volatility and corporate failures. The revelations from this lawsuit serve as a reminder that the crypto world is not immune to internal conflicts and controversies. It also raises questions about the responsibility of industry leaders and the need for proper governance within crypto companies.