B.C.-incorporated cryptocurrency firm appeals record $176 million Fintrac penalty

Advertisement

Advertise with us

TORONTO - A cryptocurrency firm incorporated in British Columbia is appealing a $176 million penalty issued by Canada's anti-money-laundering agency last month. 

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$0 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.75/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

TORONTO – A cryptocurrency firm incorporated in British Columbia is appealing a $176 million penalty issued by Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency last month. 

Xeltox Enterprises Ltd. says in an appeal filed in Federal Court that Fintrac’s penalties for violations of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act were based on “errors of law.”

The company says Fintrac found the company in violation for failing to report suspicious transactions, including more than 7,500 with connections to Iran, over which Xeltox claims it had “no knowledge or control.”

The logo of Cryptomus is shown in an undated handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Cryptomus (Mandatory Credit)
The logo of Cryptomus is shown in an undated handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Cryptomus (Mandatory Credit)

The appeal says Xeltox licenses its software from a Panama-based company that owns the Crytomus platform, and Fintrac “misapprehended” them as the same entity.

Xeltox Enterprises says it’s registered with Fintrac as a money services business under the act, and the alleged violations were committed by “foreign licensees” of the Cryptomus platform with no connection to Canada. 

Fintrac director and CEO Sarah Paquet said in a statement last month that “numerous violations” in the case involved child sexual abuse material, fraud, ransomware payments and sanctions evasion, leading to the record penalty issued against the firm. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 19, 2025. 

Report Error Submit a Tip

Business

LOAD MORE