Summary: ZachXBT is a renowned crypto investigator, known for his on-chain analysis and exposing scams and unethical practices in the crypto industry.
With over 600,000 followers on his pseudonymous X account, he has uncovered major frauds, including a $200M laundering scheme by the North Korea-based Lazarus Group and various pump-and-dump schemes by influencers.
Who is ZachXBT?
ZachXBT is a prominent figure and considered a guardian within the crypto community, renowned for his expertise in on-chain analysis and investigations into scams and misconduct. Using the pseudonymous X account (@zachxbt), he has amassed over 600,000 followers.
ZachXBT's detailed work in tracking and tracing digital assets across the blockchain has been key in exposing fraudulent projects, actors and scams within the space. His reputation as a digital detective instills accountability and fear among those engaging in unethical practices within the crypto industry.
Most Popular ZachXBT Threads
ZachXBT is renowned for his Twitter threads that use on-chain analysis to expose fraudulent activities, rug pulls, and security breaches in the cryptocurrency space.
- Unmasking Cryptocurrency Frauds: ZachXBT analyzes significant scams, highlighting deceptive tactics. He investigated the SaveTheKids token scandal, detailing manipulation and exploitation.
- Munchables NFT Game $62M Exploit: ZachXBT uncovered a $62-million theft from the Munchables NFT game on the Blast blockchain, identifying the attacker’s wallet with 17,413 ETH. The breach was linked to a developer known as “Werewolves0943.”
- Crypto Hack Forensics: His threads often analyze major cryptocurrency thefts. For instance, his breakdown of the PolyNetwork heist traced stolen assets and decoded the hackers' strategies.
- Influencer Exposés: ZachXBT investigates influential figures in the crypto market. His exposés on Scott Melker, Tom Bilyeu, and Ran Neuner reveal the impacts of influencers' activities on market dynamics by pumping and dumping coins on their audiences.
- ZachXBT vs. Logan Paul: In May 2022, ZachXBT exposed Logan Paul for endorsing pump-and-dump NFT projects. Using Paul’s public address, ZachXBT traced transactions showing involvement in schemes like Elongate, where Paul allegedly cashed in $112k from the scam.
ZachXBT's threads increase awareness and help protect investments from common cryptocurrency scams.
ZachXBT and MachiBigBrother Lawsuit
Jeffrey Huang, known as Machi Big Brother, sued ZachXBT in June 2022 over an article alleging Huang embezzled 22,000 ETH from Formosa Financial. Huang claimed these allegations damaged his reputation. He later withdrew the lawsuit, recognizing ZachXBT’s contributions to the crypto community.
ZachXBT revised the article to soften the language but retained the facts about the 22,000 ETH from Formosa's ICO wallet and Huang's involvement with Cream Finance. After the settlement, ZachXBT, who raised over $1 million for his defense, pledged to refund the unused donations to his supporters.
ZachXBT and Lazarus Group
ZachXBT's investigations exposed how the North Korean Lazarus Group laundered $200M from over 25 crypto hacks between 2020 and 2023. He tracked stolen funds from hacks on CoinBerry, Unibright, CoinMetro, Nexus Mutual, EasyFi, and Bondly. The group funneled assets through intermediary wallets and mixers like Tornado Cash, then used P2P marketplaces like Paxful and Noones to convert crypto to fiat.
ZachXBT's work identified key laundering addresses and methods, leading to the freezing of significant funds and increased scrutiny on the group's activities, enhancing crypto security and awareness.
ZachXBT Net Worth
ZachXBT's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, he has received significant financial support for his contributions to the crypto community. He was awarded 150,000 OP tokens from Optimism's third RetroPGF distribution, valued at around $225,000. This funding is part of Optimism's initiative to distribute $3.3 billion in OP tokens to key contributors, supporting the Ethereum layer-2 network through 2024.
Additionally, blockchain analytics platform Arkham awarded ZachXBT a $150,000 bounty for identifying Martin Shkreli as the creator of the Donald Trump-themed DJT token. This came after an unverified report linked DJT to former U.S. president Donald Trump, causing the token to spike over 300%. ZachXBT provided definitive evidence of Shkreli's involvement, solving Arkham's bounty challenge.
Bottom Line
ZachXBT has established himself as a vital asset in the crypto community, leveraging his expertise in on-chain analysis to uncover scams, fraudulent activities, and unethical practices.
With over 600,000 followers on Twitter, ZachXBT continues to be a key figure in safeguarding the integrity of the cryptocurrency space.