Craig Wright Still Owes $143 Million Judgment Two Years Later
Almost two years have passed since a $143 million judgment was ordered against Craig Wright, yet he has failed to pay up. Lawyers tasked with recovering the funds have made no effort to enforce sanctions, according to Ira Kleiman, the brother of Wright’s late friend and associate, Dave Kleiman.
In a recent court filing, Kleiman revealed that a “stay” issued by W&K Info Defence Research attorneys in June 2024 has halted any progress in collecting the owed amount. This stay, which was requested by W&K’s counsel, can only be lifted if Wright secures new representation or if the attorneys permit it. However, neither scenario has materialized, leading Kleiman to believe that the stay is being used as a tactic for indefinite delay.
Kleiman expressed frustration over the lack of action taken by the attorneys, stating, “Counsel has declined to pursue the sanctions, materially undermining the ability to locate and secure assets.” He emphasized that this delay has allowed Wright to evade accountability despite the court’s explicit order.
Judge Rules in Favor of W&K
Despite Kleiman’s efforts to push for enforcement of the judgment, Judge Beth Bloom rejected his motion, citing that he is not authorized to represent W&K’s estate as it is already represented by legal counsel. She further stated that even if the estate was not represented, Kleiman would not be permitted to act as a pro se party without confirmation of his sole beneficiary status.
Wright’s $143 million judgment stemmed from Kleiman’s case against him in 2023, where he was found guilty of converting W&K’s intellectual property. However, Kleiman argues that little progress has been made in enforcing the judgment against Wright.
Kleiman, acting as a personal representative for his late brother’s estate, has taken independent steps to delay the dissolution of Wright’s UK investment firm, which reportedly holds £1.5 billion ($2 billion) in cash. He believes that court-assisted enforcement is necessary to hold Wright accountable.
He has urged Judge Bloom to lift the stay and allow his counsel to pursue Wright for the unpaid judgment, hire specialists to collect his assets, and issue injunctions to prevent Wright from transferring his funds.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Wright has pivoted to farming, leaving the unresolved judgment hanging over his head.