The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched its Ethereum-based token, NexFundAI, to identify and entrap crypto market manipulators. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing fraudulent activities within the cryptocurrency industry.
The #FBI launched a token named #NexFundAI as "bait" to catch market manipulation.On-chain data shows that a wallet that manipulated $SAITAMA to earn more than $11M once funded the NexFundAI deployer with 0.01 $ETH. #Saitamainu The manipulator wallet spent only $7,357 to buy… pic.twitter.com/IeFstAdBLd
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) October 10, 2024
On-chain data reveals that a wallet, previously involved in manipulating $SAITAMA and earning more than $11 million, funded the NexFundAI deployer with 0.01 $ETH. The wallet had initially spent $7,357 to buy 875.8 trillion $SAITAMA tokens, selling 687.66 trillion for $8.85 million and depositing $2.75 million worth of tokens on OKEx and Gate.io.
FBI Targeting Market Fraudsters with NexFundAI
The FBI’s operation, part of a broader crackdown on crypto market manipulation, is tied to an unsealed indictment against firms such as Gotbit, CLS Global, MyTrade, and ZM Quant. These companies and 18 individuals are charged with inflating token prices through sham trades.
NexFundAI was explicitly developed to entrap these manipulators. Special Agent Jodi Cohen, leading the Boston Field Office, emphasized that this action is part of a considerable effort to curb wash trading in cryptocurrency. FBI will use the launched token as bait to catch the market manipulators and overcome fraudulent activities in crypto trading.
Active On-Chain Monitoring and Crypto Trading
NexFundAI is still trading with a market capitalization of $177,000, and its trading volume surged by 5,000% to $3.5 million within 24 hours, according to DEXScreener. Additionally, FBI-linked wallets have engaged in multiple trades involving memecoins such as Pornrocket, EthereumMAX, and BONE.
On-chain data also shows that FBI wallets control at least 75% of NexFundAI’s total token supply. While the Bureau continues to monitor the situation, it has urged individuals affected by these fraudulent schemes to come forward.
This investigation, which exposes several high-profile fraudsters in the crypto industry, has already prompted legal action. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed lawsuits against Gotbit Consulting, ZM Quant Investment, and CLS Global.
Additionally, the FBI has identified other tokens involved in manipulation, including Robo Inn, VZZN, and Lillian Finance. With its ongoing on-chain investigations, the FBI sends a clear message to potential fraudsters about its evolving approach to monitoring cryptocurrency.