# Investigation Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Investigation", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

EDGE Price Plummets 77%: External Manipulation or Internal Script?

On June 2, the native token EDGE of the edgeX protocol experienced a violent flash crash, plummeting over 77% from around $1.14 to a low of $0.32 before partially recovering to approximately $0.64. edgeX officially ruled out a hack or platform security flaw, attributing the event to suspected market manipulation by external actors. The incident reignited community concerns regarding the project's transparency and past controversies. Prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT highlighted that EDGE supply has long been controlled by a small group, with low circulating liquidity. This structure traces back to a disputed airdrop in April 2026, where the majority of tokens were allocated to partner wallets instead of the community, leading to accusations of a "well-designed rug pull." Despite having notable backers like Circle Ventures and Amber Group, and generating substantial protocol fees, edgeX faces criticism for a recurring pattern of "low float, high control, and opaque market making." While the team investigates the crash and emphasizes its core contracts are operational, user sentiment remains severely damaged, with many expressing a lack of trust in the team's integrity. Meanwhile, prediction markets have already opened betting pools on EDGE's future price.

marsbit2 days ago 06:02

EDGE Price Plummets 77%: External Manipulation or Internal Script?

marsbit2 days ago 06:02

Kalshi Sues Minnesota Over New Law Blocking Prediction Markets

Prediction market platform Kalshi has sued the state of Minnesota over a new law that would restrict most prediction market activity and impose criminal penalties on related contracts. Kalshi argues that its event contracts are federally regulated financial products under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's exclusive oversight, not gambling subject to state law. Minnesota lawmakers, however, view such contracts as a form of gambling operating outside consumer protection rules and have enacted criminal penalties for operating or promoting them. The lawsuit follows increased regulatory scrutiny, including a federal investigation announced in May into Kalshi and Polymarket regarding the detection of insider trading, prompted by suspicious trades linked to US military and geopolitical events.

bitcoinist05/28 23:23

Kalshi Sues Minnesota Over New Law Blocking Prediction Markets

bitcoinist05/28 23:23

Polymarket Faces Ban In Indonesia Amid Growing Global Crackdown

Indonesia has blocked access to the prediction market platform Polymarket, joining a growing global regulatory crackdown. The ban was enacted after a widely shared bet on the premature end of President Prabowo Subianto's term drew attention. Authorities declared that platforms facilitating real-money wagers on events, even using crypto or blockchain, constitute illegal gambling. The government is also targeting social media accounts promoting such services and warning the public against participation. This move aligns with actions taken by other jurisdictions. Several countries, including Taiwan, Thailand, China, India, Singapore, Colombia, and Argentina, have previously restricted or blocked Polymarket, often citing its unlicensed gambling operations. In March, Brazil's central bank banned prediction markets like Polymarket over regulatory non-compliance. In the United States, the sector faces scrutiny from lawmakers. A formal investigation was recently launched into Polymarket and Kalshi regarding suspicious trades and compliance measures, coinciding with legal setbacks for the companies in Nevada and Washington.

bitcoinist05/26 11:19

Polymarket Faces Ban In Indonesia Amid Growing Global Crackdown

bitcoinist05/26 11:19

Netting $2.4 Million: These 9 Insider Addresses Knew the US-Iran War Best

On May 18th, Bubblemaps investigators disclosed the discovery of nine highly correlated anonymous accounts on Polymarket that netted over $2.4 million from prediction markets tied to US military actions, with a 98% win rate. The accounts focused almost exclusively on the 2026 US-Iran conflict, placing bets with uncanny precision days before key events like the "Operation Epic Fury" strike on February 28th, which eliminated Iran's Supreme Leader. Bubblemaps' analysis linked four core accounts—each profiting around $400k—and five others through synchronized timing, transaction patterns, and fund flows. The money moved through shared wallet networks, suggesting professional obfuscation. This case is six times larger than the earlier prosecution of US Army Sergeant Gannon Van Dyke for insider trading on Polymarket. While platforms like Polymarket have established AI monitoring and explicit rules against trading on stolen or confidential information, the incident has spurred controversial "insider copy-trading" services that help users follow high-success accounts, raising new regulatory questions.

marsbit05/25 02:06

Netting $2.4 Million: These 9 Insider Addresses Knew the US-Iran War Best

marsbit05/25 02:06

Polymarket And Kalshi Are Now Under Congressional Investigation — The Evidence That Triggered It Is Hard To Dismiss

Congress has launched a formal investigation into prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi, led by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer. The probe demands explanations on how the platforms prevent insider trading, sparked by suspicious bets tied to classified U.S. military actions. Evidence includes a U.S. soldier's trades before the Venezuela incursion and accounts netting millions from well-timed wagers on U.S.-Iran strikes and a ceasefire announcement. Both companies, which recently updated their rules, face scrutiny over their rapid growth and Washington lobbying. This investigation poses a significant threat that could reshape the prediction market industry.

bitcoinist05/22 17:32

Polymarket And Kalshi Are Now Under Congressional Investigation — The Evidence That Triggered It Is Hard To Dismiss

bitcoinist05/22 17:32

Tax Evasion Goes Digital: Criminals Shift To Novel Crypto Instruments – Analysts

Italian police uncovered a tax fraud case worth over $1 million where the suspect used novel Bitcoin-based tools, the Ordinals protocol and BRC-20 token standard, to conceal undeclared capital gains. The individual allegedly created and sold tokens, funneling profits back into a primary Bitcoin wallet in a repeated cycle to avoid tax records. Analysts from Chainalysis note that while tax evasion using cryptocurrency is not new, methods are becoming more creative, with bad actors increasingly turning to NFTs, DeFi, and new token standards. However, a fundamental weakness exists: the blockchain provides a permanent, unchangeable record of all transactions. Blockchain intelligence tools can trace these transactions and link them to individuals, especially when combined with data from exchanges. This case demonstrates that technical novelty does not guarantee anonymity. The tax gap remains a significant issue globally, with studies showing low reporting rates among crypto owners. As new digital assets generate wealth, the discrepancy between on-chain activity and declared income is drawing increased scrutiny from investigators worldwide.

bitcoinist05/22 09:01

Tax Evasion Goes Digital: Criminals Shift To Novel Crypto Instruments – Analysts

bitcoinist05/22 09:01

Farage’s $6.7M Crypto-Linked Gift Raises Eyebrows After $1.8M Home Acquisition

A parliamentary ethics probe is examining Nigel Farage, leader of the UK's Reform Party, following reports he purchased a $1.8 million property weeks before entering office. The purchase was facilitated by a $6.7 million personal gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage argues no rules were broken as the gift was received before he became an MP, but critics contend it should have been declared. The case occurs amid broader UK political concerns about cryptocurrency donations, with a legislative proposal to temporarily ban them currently under consideration. Farage and his party oppose such a ban.

bitcoinist05/15 23:32

Farage’s $6.7M Crypto-Linked Gift Raises Eyebrows After $1.8M Home Acquisition

bitcoinist05/15 23:32

Crypto Billionaire’s $7M Gift Puts UK Reform Leader Under Ethics Spotlight

UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage is under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards for allegedly failing to properly declare a £5 million ($6.7 million) gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. The donation, made in early 2024 before Farage's election to Parliament, is under scrutiny as MPs must register significant benefits received in the 12 months prior to their election. Farage claims the money was a private, unconditional gift for personal security costs. Opposition parties, including the Conservatives who filed the complaint, are demanding transparency. This follows a prior late registration of interests by Farage, which was deemed accidental. The inquiry could result in outcomes ranging from an apology to suspension from Parliament.

bitcoinist05/14 12:02

Crypto Billionaire’s $7M Gift Puts UK Reform Leader Under Ethics Spotlight

bitcoinist05/14 12:02

An 18-Year-Old Hacker Brags on Discord, Accidentally Reveals a $19 Million Theft Case

An 18-year-old American hacker, Dritan Kapllani Jr., has been exposed by on-chain investigator ZachXBT for allegedly masterminding a series of social engineering attacks that stole approximately $19 million from crypto users. The investigation began after a Discord voice call on April 23, 2026, where Dritan shared his screen to boast, revealing an Exodus wallet holding around $3.68 million. Tracing this address, ZachXBT linked it to a major March 14, 2026 theft of 185 BTC (worth ~$13 million at the time), with about $5.3 million of that sum funneled into Dritan's wallet. Further analysis revealed the wallet also contained over $5.85 million from multiple social engineering thefts dating back to 2025. In a May 11, 2026 unsealed criminal complaint against another individual, Trenton Johnson, a key co-conspirator marked "CC-1" is identified, with the on-chain community pointing to Dritan. While not formally charged yet, he is now named in the judicial narrative. Another individual, Meme coin KOL yelotree, faces charges for allegedly assisting in money laundering. Dritan, known for a lavish lifestyle on social media, was previously seen as having a "protagonist aura" within hacking circles, evading consequences as associates were apprehended. However, now that he has turned 18, he is facing legal accountability for his past actions.

marsbit05/13 00:51

An 18-Year-Old Hacker Brags on Discord, Accidentally Reveals a $19 Million Theft Case

marsbit05/13 00:51

18-Year-Old Hacker's Boastful Discord Display Leads to Uncovering of $19 Million Theft Case

An 18-year-old hacker from the U.S., Dritan Kapllani Jr., has been exposed by on-chain investigator ZachXBT for his alleged involvement in multiple cryptocurrency social engineering attacks, with total funds stolen estimated at $19 million. The case gained attention after Dritan inadvertently revealed his involvement during a Discord voice call in April 2026, where he screen-shared his Exodus wallet containing approximately $3.68 million to show off his wealth during a "Band 4 Band" argument. Tracing this wallet address led investigators to uncover its connection to a major theft from March 14, 2026, where 185 Bitcoin (worth around $13 million at the time) was stolen. Approximately $5.3 million from that heist was funneled into Dritan’s wallet. Further analysis linked the same wallet to over $5.85 million from other social engineering attacks dating back to 2025. While Dritan has not yet been formally charged, he is identified as "Co-Conspirator 1" in recently unsealed court documents related to the 185 Bitcoin theft case. Another individual, Meme coin KOL yelotree, is also implicated for allegedly assisting with money laundering through a car rental business. Dritan, who had been living a lavish lifestyle and was previously seen as untouchable within hacking circles, turned 18 recently, making him legally accountable. His previous "immunity" has ended as law enforcement closes in.

Odaily星球日报05/13 00:45

18-Year-Old Hacker's Boastful Discord Display Leads to Uncovering of $19 Million Theft Case

Odaily星球日报05/13 00:45

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