Green United Founder Wright Thurston Faces Mounting Legal Challenges in Crypto Mining Fraud Case

The legal battle surrounding the Green United crypto mining operation has reached a critical juncture, with appeals being systematically dismissed by federal courts. According to reports, the scheme orchestrated by founders including Wright Thurston collected approximately $18 million from investors between April 2018 and December 2022 through what authorities describe as an elaborate deception involving fictitious mining equipment and inflated return promises.

The $18 Million Crypto Mining Deception

At the heart of this case lies an alleged fraudulent operation that sold investments in “Green Boxes” and “Green nodes” to unsuspecting investors. These products were purported to generate Bitcoin mining returns, but the SEC claims they were nothing more than worthless investment vehicles. The lengthy operational window—spanning from 2018 through 2022—allowed the promoters to accumulate substantial funds before regulators intervened. The scheme represents one of the more significant cases demonstrating how crypto mining fraud exploited retail investor enthusiasm during the industry’s expansion.

Court Rejects Kristoffer Krohn’s Appeal Challenge

On November 26, 2025, U.S. District Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen firmly rejected an appellate challenge filed by Kristoffer Krohn, one of the scheme’s key promoters. Krohn had attempted to overturn Judge Allen’s September 23, 2025 decision allowing the SEC’s lawsuit against Green United LLC to move forward. In her ruling, Judge Allen determined that Krohn’s arguments lacked sufficient legal merit to warrant reconsideration.

Krohn’s defense centered on a technical interpretation of what constitutes a security, specifically challenging whether the “Green Boxes” qualified as investment contracts under federal law. He attempted to apply the Howey test—the legal framework used to determine what meets the definition of a security—arguing the SEC had misapplied its elements. However, Judge Allen found that Krohn selectively cited legal definitions without presenting binding precedent, ultimately dismissing his arguments as legally unfounded and insufficient for an interlocutory appeal.

Wright Thurston’s Status Remains Unresolved

While Krohn’s appeal was definitively rejected, Green United founder Wright Thurston has also filed a motion seeking dismissal of the lawsuit. Unlike Krohn’s fate, the court has not yet ruled on Thurston’s request, leaving his legal standing in the crypto fraud case uncertain. The SEC’s original 2023 filing accused both men and their associates of orchestrating the fraudulent mining operation, with the evidence suggesting a coordinated effort to misrepresent investment returns and equipment capabilities to retail investors participating in the crypto sector.

The case underscores the SEC’s continued focus on fraudulent crypto schemes and its determination to pursue operators who deceive investors under the guise of legitimate mining operations. As Wright Thurston awaits the court’s decision on his dismissal motion, the precedent set by Judge Allen’s rejection of Krohn’s appeal strengthens the regulatory agency’s position in holding crypto promoters accountable.