Dubai Court Freezes $456M in TrueUSD Reserve Dispute Linked to Justin Sun
The Dubai Digital Economy Court has upheld a worldwide freezing order tied to the $456 million reserve shortfall that forced Justin Sun to rescue TrueUSD (TUSD) token holders earlier this year. The order targets funds allegedly diverted from the stablecoin’s reserves into illiquid investments managed by Aria Commodities DMCC, a Dubai-based trade finance firm.
Funds Allegedly Misused in Illiquid Ventures
According to the claimant, Techteryx Ltd, which owns TrueUSD, funds meant to back the stablecoin were improperly transferred to Aria Commodities in 2021 and 2022 through accounts managed by Hong Kong trustee First Digital Trust. The transferred funds were reportedly used to finance commodity shipments, mining projects, and private deals across emerging markets — activities that Techteryx says breached the stablecoin’s custody terms.
Techteryx argues that the reserves were converted into long-term, illiquid investments that could not be redeemed when holders sought withdrawals, leading to the liquidity crisis that ultimately triggered Sun’s intervention.
Court Finds “Serious Issues to Be Tried”
In a ruling dated October 17, 2025, Justice Michael Black KC of the Dubai Digital Economy Court found that Techteryx had demonstrated “serious issues to be tried” and a credible claim that the funds were held under constructive trust. The court ordered the assets frozen to prevent dissipation or concealment before Hong Kong courts determine ownership.
Justice Black’s judgment noted that Aria provided “no evidence” explaining how the money was transferred or who owns the assets purchased with it. He also highlighted a “real risk” that Brittain, Aria’s controlling figure, could restructure or dissipate assets to avoid enforcement of future rulings.
A Landmark Ruling for Dubai’s Digital Economy Court
The decision marks the first worldwide freezing order issued by the Dubai Digital Economy Court (DEC), underscoring the UAE’s growing role in cross-border digital asset and financial disputes. The DEC, part of the DIFC Courts, was established to handle complex cases involving emerging technologies, including digital assets, blockchain, and fintech.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over reserve transparency and governance in the stablecoin sector, as regulators worldwide tighten oversight on how reserve assets are managed and audited.
Full details of the ruling can be found on the DIFC Courts’ official website here.
