Solana Co-Founder Sued by Ex-Wife Over Alleged Theft of Millions in Staking Reward

Stephen Akridge, co-founder of Solana, is being sued by his ex-wife, Elisa Rossi, who claims he misappropriated millions in cryptocurrency from her wallet.

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, accuses Akridge of using Rossi’s lack of technical knowledge to redirect her Solana staking rewards for his own benefit between March and May 2023.

Rossi, who divorced Akridge in February 2023 after ten years of marriage, seeks damages for breach of contract, fraud, and unjust enrichment.

Akridge, a former Qualcomm engineer, co-founded Solana with Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal. The case has drawn attention after Akridge reportedly dismissed Rossi’s efforts to reclaim the funds.

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This legal battle adds to growing crypto-related disputes, with notable cases including Joshua Jarrett’s lawsuit against the IRS over staking income tax and the high-profile FTX collapse.

Despite these challenges, Solana’s value rebounded strongly in 2024, increasing by over 70%.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.