Friday, January 9, 2026

DOJ to file criminal charges against Align Assets for illegal investment solicitation following SEC complaint

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally authorized the filing of criminal charges against Align Assets and its key officers for operating an unauthorized investment scheme. The move follows a successful investigation and complaint initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In a resolution promulgated on November 27, 2025, state prosecutors confirmed the existence of prima facie evidence with a reasonable certainty of conviction. The DOJ aims to indict the firm for multiple violations of Republic Act No. 8799 (The Securities Regulation Code) in relation to RA No. 10175 (The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The resolution highlights that Align Assets operated without the necessary licenses required to solicit investments from the public. Key legal violations include:

  • Section 8 (SRC): Selling or offering securities without a registration statement approved by the SEC.

  • Section 28 (SRC): Engaging in the business of buying or selling securities without being registered as a broker or dealer.

  • Section 26.2 (SRC): Fraudulent transactions involving the use of untrue statements or the omission of material facts to obtain money from the public.

Align Assets marketed itself as a UK-based “decentralized” trading platform. It claimed to operate without human intervention, alleging that an automated “bot” managed its cryptocurrency trading activities to generate returns for investors.

In addition to the entity, state prosecutors recommended charges against the company’s Philippines Head of Operations, Rex Tamaray Mayam, and the following individuals:

Kristina Mabborang Famisan Gerald Villamin Gallardo Kenneth Eusebio
Girlie Claveria Lacarte Jocelyn Lintag Juco Ann Janen Toyhacao Hinacay
Alma Estropegan Briz Kyla Napolis Bornilla Jayson Calubaquib Dela Cruz
Roberto Mayam Alcanzaren Ariel Tamaray Mayam

The SEC continues to warn the public against investing in entities that lack the proper registration and permits. Under the Securities Regulation Code, any person or entity found to be misrepresenting material facts or soliciting investments without a license faces severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and substantial fines.

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