The NH Bureau of Securities Regulation is taking action against two cryptocurrency companies for allegedly defrauding New Hampshire residents.

The bureau said in a news release that it has submitted separate staff petitions against Jersey City, N.J.-based Voyager Digital Ltd. and Celsius Network Inc., based in Hoboken, N.J., as well as their subsidiaries and affiliates, accusing both of fraud and selling unregistered securities.

The agency said Voyager offered and sold unregistered securities in the form of purported interest-earning accounts. Investors opened these accounts by transferring fiat currency, cryptocurrency or other digital assets to Voyager.

It charges that Celsius also offered and sold unregistered securities in the form of purported interest earning accounts that investors open by transferring cryptocurrency.

Both companies entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in July 2022. The state submitted its bankruptcy claims in both matters, seeking restitution for New Hampshire investors.

The Bureau of Securities Regulation has requested an immediate cease and desist against both companies from fraudulent conduct and selling securities. It is also seeking restitution of any losses incurred by investors as well as the imposition of fines and a bar from future registration by the bureau.

Anyone who has invested in Celsius or Voyager can contact the bureau with questions or concerns by calling 603-271-1463.

— JEFF FEINGOLD