XRP News Today: XRP Lawyer Deaton Condemns Linqto Refund Plan as Unfair

John Deaton, a prominent lawyer known for his advocacy of XRP, has made a clear stance on the refund plan proposed by Linqto, a private equity investment platform that halted operations in February 2025 due to regulatory scrutiny. Deaton has emphasized that returning investors’ initial contributions without accounting for asset appreciation would be a serious injustice.

In a detailed post on X, Deaton highlighted what he views as a deeply flawed refund scenario. He argued that simply reimbursing principal investments would allow Linqto to benefit from the substantial profits earned from pre-IPO shares of companies like Ripple and Circle. Deaton pointed out that his $30,000 investment in Circle, now worth $157,000, would result in Linqto keeping over $120,000 in gains if only the original amount was refunded. He emphasized that he did not invest so that Linqto could profit from his capital.

Deaton also referenced Ripple’s June 2024 buyback at $175 per share, noting his average purchase price was just $33. Many investors entered even lower. If Linqto kept the appreciated equity while returning only initial contributions, Deaton said the financial windfall it would retain would be unacceptable and deeply unfair to those who funded the purchases.

Deaton’s position is not personal; he is calling for collective resistance. He warned that any refund structure must reflect the current market value of the shares acquired with user funds, not just the entry price. The crypto space is filled with scammers and opportunists looking to benefit from others, and while Linqto may not resemble popular scam attempts, its actions are a breach of trust and ethics. Deaton stated that he won’t allow those responsible to “benefit from screwing us over,” reflecting the anger now fueling investor backlash.

Deaton warned investors to be wary of opportunists offering to buy their positions at a discount, aiming to exploit fear and frustration. He urged users not to act out of desperation, especially while the true value of assets remains far above original investment levels. While some assets like Polysign may no longer hold value, Deaton stressed that others, particularly Ripple and Circle, have seen significant gains. Ignoring that in any refund plan would unfairly benefit the wrong party.