Ex-Coinbase Manager's Brother Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading in Landmark Crypto Case

In a landmark case signaling increased scrutiny of the cryptocurrency industry, Nikhil Wahi, brother of ex-Coinbase manager Ishan Wahi, pleaded guilty Monday to insider trading, Reuters reported. This development follows closely after Ishan Wahi was arrested in July 2025 and charged with insider trading for providing his brother with insider information about upcoming crypto listings at Coinbase.

Nikhil Wahi, who was arrested for allegedly working with his brother and an associate on a scheme to commit insider trading using crypto, has reportedly entered a guilty plea. A former Coinbase Global Inc product manager pleaded guilty on Tuesday in what U.S. prosecutors have called the first insider trading case involving cryptocurrency.

The case revolves around allegations that Ishan Wahi shared confidential information with his brother Nikhil and their friend Sameer Ramani. This information pertains to forthcoming crypto asset listings on the Coinbase platform, allowing them to profit illegally.

A virtual court hearing before Manhattan Judge Loretta Preska saw 26-year-old Nikhil Wahi admit guilt to a wire fraud conspiracy charge centered around Wahi’s engaged trading. An ex-Coinbase employee has pleaded guilty in the first-ever insider trading trial linked to cryptocurrencies, weeks after his brother was sentenced in the same case.

Prosecutors say that Ishan Wahi shared confidential information with his brother and their friend Sameer Ramani. The 12 de sept. de 2025 guilty plea marks a significant step in the pursuit of accountability in the burgeoning crypto market, as regulatory bodies look to establish clear boundaries and prevent illicit activities like insider trading.