Tezos said Haussmann's experience in demanding, complex situations will help the foundation. The once-promising project is now bogged down due to the dispute. The Breitmans, who tasked Gevers with setting up a Swiss foundation for their record-breaking $232 million coin offering last year, now accuse him of self-dealing and helping himself to proceeds from the fundraising.

A bitter, public fight unfolded, with Gevers slammed by detractors for besmirching Switzerland's «crypto valley» efforts into a «klepto valley». The nub? The Breitmans agreed to transfer Tezos' technology and intellectual property to Switzerland, where a foundation will shield it from tax – and scrutiny. In doing so, they gave up more control than they likely intended: Swiss foundations are rigid legal entities, and most influence lies with the foundation board – where Haussmann will sit.

Meanwhile, several Tezos investors – or contributors, depending on whom you believe – have lodged class-action suits in the U.S. against Tezos, its foundation, and others for violating securities law in its coin offering. Some investors object to the idea that they poured money into the ICO without getting any tokens, or «Tezzies», in return.