In a significant revelation, pseudonymous blockchain investigator ZachXBT has alerted the crypto community about a group of scammers responsible for multiple decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol rug pulls. This warning highlights the ongoing risks in the DeFi space, particularly concerning new and lesser-known protocols.
History of Deception
ZachXBT’s investigation uncovers the fraudulent activities of a group linked to notorious rug pulls, where they abruptly withdrew millions of dollars from projects, leaving investors with significant losses. These scams include Magnate, which lost $6.5 million, Kokomo with a $4 million loss, Solfire at $4.8 million, and Lendora. In total, the scammers have orchestrated thefts exceeding $20 million across various blockchain platforms such as Base, Solana, Scroll, Optimism, Ethereum, Avalanche, and others.
The Leaper Finance Scam
The latest scheme involves Leaper Finance, a lending protocol on the Blast network. ZachXBT revealed that this group had seeded Leaper Finance with nearly $1 million, funds that were laundered from their previous scams. This injection was purportedly meant to attract and ensnare more victims by bolstering the protocol’s apparent legitimacy and liquidity.
Response and Retaliation
Following the exposure, the individuals behind Leaper Finance retorted to ZachXBT’s allegations on X, mockingly praising the investigator while likening themselves to the infamous hacker group, Lazarus. Subsequently, both the Leaper Finance and Glori Finance accounts on X were deactivated, and their associated websites were taken offline, indicating a possible retreat or end to their operations.
Broader Impact and Warnings
This situation underscores the persistent vulnerabilities within the DeFi ecosystem, where the excitement over technological advancements and potential gains can often overshadow the risks of fraud and theft. The ease with which these scammers moved across different blockchains to perpetrate similar frauds highlights a critical need for greater diligence and stronger security measures within the industry.
As the community reacts to these developments, it serves as a stark reminder for investors to perform due diligence before committing funds to any DeFi projects, especially those that appear new or untested. The ongoing efforts by investigators like ZachXBT are vital in policing the DeFi space and providing the necessary warnings to prevent further victimization by such fraudulent schemes.
