Haliey Welch Cleared by FBI SEC After HAWK Token Collapse

Haliey Welch, known for the “Hawk Tuah” meme, has publicly stated that she has been cleared by both the FBI and the SEC following a months-long investigation into the collapse of the HAWK token. The token, which was launched in partnership with Web3 launchpad OverHere Limited, briefly reached a market cap of $400 million before plummeting over 90% amid allegations of insider manipulation. The dramatic rise and fall of the HAWK token triggered federal probes, with investors accusing the project team of orchestrating a pump-and-dump scheme.

Welch revealed in a recent podcast episode that she was questioned by the FBI shortly after the collapse. Investigators visited her grandmother’s home and looked through her communications with anyone connected to the project. Following the FBI’s interrogation, the SEC launched a separate inquiry, during which Welch submitted her phone for review. Both agencies ultimately cleared her of any legal involvement, stating that she was not named in the investor lawsuit and had no legal trouble because she did not do anything wrong.

After the HAWK token crash, a group of investors who claimed to have lost around $151,000 filed a lawsuit against key figures tied to the launch, including Alex Larson Schultz, OverHere Limited, Clinton So, and the Tuah the Mood Foundation. Despite being the public face of the coin, Welch was not named as a defendant in the case. She stated she was advised not to speak publicly during the legal process, which is why she remained silent until now.

Welch expressed regret for her involvement in the project, acknowledging that she did not have enough knowledge about crypto to get involved. She was approached by multiple crypto teams pitching token launches tied to her viral fame and eventually accepted one of the proposals, not realizing the complexity and legal risks involved. Her involvement was limited to social media promotion, and she only received a marketing fee, adding that she “did not make a dime” from the token’s launch or performance.

Now, the 23-year-old influencer says she is completely done with crypto and will not entertain any more Web3-related offers. She also expressed remorse for her fans who lost money, acknowledging that her promotion may have encouraged others to invest in the doomed project. “I let them down,” she said.

Welch's clearance by the FBI and SEC is a significant development in the ongoing saga of the HAWK token collapse. It underscores the regulatory bodies' commitment to holding accountable those responsible for financial misconduct in the cryptocurrency market. The investigation into the token's collapse has been extensive, involving multiple agencies and legal proceedings. The outcome of these investigations will have far-reaching implications for the future of digital assets and the regulatory framework governing their use.

Welch's decision to step away from crypto is a notable development in the industry. Her prominence as a meme star and her association with the HAWK token made her a high-profile figure in the cryptocurrency world. Her departure may signal a broader trend of individuals and institutions reassessing their involvement in digital currencies, given the risks and uncertainties associated with the market. The future of the cryptocurrency industry will depend on its ability to address these challenges and build a more stable and transparent ecosystem.