After months of silence, Richard Rawlins, who faces legal attacks on his professional integrity over cryptocurrency dealings through his family trust, has come out fighting, calling into question the roles of key individuals in seeking the trust’s liquidation.

According to a report in The Herald, he also stated that the trust had been solvent as at 27 August, based on an audit report he had commissioned.

In an affidavit submitted to the Eastern Cape High Court (East London) to oppose the liquidation of the trust, Rawlins places the spotlight on the actions of independent trustee Gary Klinkradt, liquidation applicant Russel Linde and East London attorney Angus Pringle.

In his affidavit, Rawlins:

* Holds Klinkradt responsible for reckless trades that led to losses totalling about R18m after the independent trustee demanded control of the cryptocurrency account codes from Rawlins.

* Formally exposes Linde as the trust’s attorney who drafted documents and provided advice until days before the liquidation proceedings.

* Claims Pringle sat in on an 28 August meeting at the offices of Drake Flemmer and Orsmond where the Rawlins couple was allegedly bullied into signing a letter stating the trust was insolvent.

Rawlins lists various disclaimers in the trust's agreement with investors, including reference to the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and a clause indemnifying the trust against any losses.

He said Linde’s claim was not covered by the Insolvency Act, because he was not a creditor.

Full report in The Herald (subscription needed)