# Telegram to pay $18.5 million, return investor money to settle SEC charges | Tech News (HT Tech) > SEC has taken the position that initial coin offerings are securities offerings and therefore subject to SEC offering rules, which require companies to file registration and disclosure documents. # Telegram to pay $18.5 million, return investor money to settle SEC charges ## SEC has taken the position that initial coin offerings are securities offerings and therefore subject to SEC offering rules, which require companies to file registration and disclosure documents. Aug 20 2022, 21:42 IST Share via: ### By REUTERS Telegram lands in trouble (Telegram) Telegram Group Inc has agreed to return $1.2 billion (972.84 million pounds) to investors and pay an $18.5 million civil penalty to resolve charges over an unregistered digital token coin offering, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Friday. The regulator in October halted a $1.7 billion digital token offering by the firm, which is best known for its messaging app, saying Telegram had raised capital to finance its business by selling 2.9 billion "Grams" to global investors. The SEC said in a statement on Friday it had obtained court approval of the settlements with Telegram and its TON Issuer subsidiary. Telegram neither admitted to or denied the SEC's allegations. Also Read Telegram rolls out in-app video editor, updates two-step verification and more ALSO READ: Amid pandemic, crypto crime surges in first 5 months: Report The agency has been seeking to crack down on the fledgling cryptocurrency industry. "New and innovative businesses are welcome to participate in our capital markets, but they cannot do so in violation of the registration requirements of the federal securities laws," said Kristina Littman, chief of the SEC Enforcement Division's cyber unit. Because Telegram missed a deadline to launch its TON platform due to a court injunction, the firm had to return funds to purchasers, Telegram said in a statement, saying it had already returned $1.2 billion to purchasers either directly or in the form of loans. "We hope the regulatory environment for blockchain technology in the US becomes more favorable for others in the future," it said. Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel. 27 Jun, 18:16 IST telegram blockchain cryptocurrency Top Sections - Home - Mobiles Mobile Finder Latest Mobiles Upcoming Mobiles Rumoured Mobiles Ai Mobiles Mobiles By Brand Apple Samsung Vivo Oppo Oneplus Mobiles By Price ₹5000- ₹15000 ₹10000- ₹20000 ₹15000- ₹25000 ₹20000- ₹30000 ₹30000- ₹40000 - Laptops Laptop Finder Latest Laptops Laptops By Brand Asus Hp Acer Lenovo Dell Apple Primebook Laptops By Price ₹20000- ₹30000 ₹30000- ₹40000 ₹40000- ₹50000 ₹50000- ₹60000 ₹60000- ₹70000 - Gadgets & Appliances Gadgets Tablets Smart Watches Fitness Bands Appliances Tvs Washing Machines Air Fryers - Compare Compare Mobiles Compare Laptops Compare Tablets - News & Reviews News Mobile News Laptops/pc News Gaming News Wearable News Reviews Mobile Reviews Laptops/pc Reviews Gaming Reviews Home Appliances Reviews Wearables Reviews - Power List Awards 2026 - More Apple Event Samsung Event Photos Webstories Videos Brand Stories User Reviews Explore Tech - About Us - Contact Us - Sitemap - RSS - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - HT Tech Authors Copyright © HT Media Limited All rights reserved.