Fake Flare Network Website Stole $8.5 Million Worth of XRP

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-07-30Last updated on 2026-07-30

Abstract

A fake staking website, impersonating Flare Network and FXRP, stole approximately 3.4 million XRP (worth around $8.5 million USD) from 71 investors over eight days in October last year. The fraudulent site lured victims by promising guaranteed principal and monthly returns of 1.5% to 1.8%. It tricked investors into withdrawing their XRP from local exchanges and sending it to wallets controlled by the scammers via offshore platforms. The site was shut down on October 23, and its operators vanished. Seoul police tracked assets worth 27.3 billion won ($18.8 million) linked to the scam, freezing 17.3 billion won. Two individuals involved have been handed over to prosecutors on aggravated fraud charges, and another is under investigation for document forgery. Police executed 54 search and seizure warrants and arrested a suspect who had returned from hiding abroad. South Korean authorities have declared a zero-tolerance policy for cryptocurrency fraud this year, warning investors to verify official sources before sending funds as part of heightened vigilance against such scams.

In October of last year, a fake staking website, operational for eight days, stole 3.4 million $XRP from 71 investors. This amount is equivalent to 8.5 million US dollars. Seoul police stated that this fraudulent operation deceived investors by posing as Flare Network and FXRP. The fake website promised investors monthly returns of 1.5% to 1.8%, while also claiming the principal was guaranteed.

Details of the Fraud

The fraudulent operation involved tricking investors into withdrawing their $XRP from local exchanges and transferring them to wallets controlled by the fraudsters via offshore platforms. The website was shut down on October 23, and its operators disappeared. Police reported that the scammers spread disinformation on platforms such as blogs, online news articles, and Wikipedia, and also created videos using a paid lookalike on YouTube.

Police Investigation and its Results

Seoul police tracked assets totaling 27.3 billion won ($18.8 million) related to the fraud and froze 17.3 billion won. Two individuals involved in the fraud were handed over to prosecutors on charges of aggravated fraud. Furthermore, another person is under investigation on charges of document forgery related to the fraud. The police issued 54 search and seizure warrants in connection with the fraud and arrested one suspect who had returned from abroad and was in hiding.

South Korean police this year announced a policy of zero tolerance for cryptocurrency fraud and warned investors to check official sources before sending funds. This is seen as part of heightened vigilance and measures to combat cryptocurrency fraud in South Korea.

Trending Cryptos

CitreaCTR

wrapped stUSDTWSTUSDT

US Senate Makes Important Amendments to "Conflict of Interest" Section of Cryptocurrency Bill

The U.S. Senate has taken a key step regarding the CLARITY Act, which could shape the future of the U.S. crypto market. On July 29, Senators Tom Tillis and Ruben Gallego finalized amendments to the bill's "conflict of interest" rules, one of its most contentious aspects. The bipartisan bill aims to tighten restrictions on high-level federal officials' ties to digital assets. The new text, crafted as an alternative to a White House-endorsed ethics code, is expected to impose stricter rules limiting officials' ability to issue or directly participate in digital asset projects. However, with Congress entering an August recess and the revised text not yet reviewed by much of the Senate, the bill's timeline is uncertain. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated a procedural vote could occur between July 29 and August 1 but expressed doubt the full bill could pass before the break. The House-approved CLARITY Act, passed in July 2025, has been under Senate negotiation for over a year. Key goals of the CLARITY Act include clarifying jurisdictional boundaries between the SEC and CFTC, setting rules for digital commodity spot markets, and addressing topics like stablecoin yields, DeFi, and illicit financing. The stablecoin yield provisions could significantly impact U.S.-based DeFi protocols, exchanges, and issuers, affecting their global competitiveness. The outcome is being closely watched by both the U.S. and global digital asset markets.

cryptonews.ru8m ago

US Senate Makes Important Amendments to "Conflict of Interest" Section of Cryptocurrency Bill

cryptonews.ru8m ago

MoonPay Launches PayBox

MoonPay, a payments infrastructure company for crypto and traditional currencies, has launched PayBox, a new type of payments wallet that enables AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT to execute transactions. Users can manage digital assets and pay for online services directly within chat interfaces. Upon request, AI can perform actions such as purchasing PYUSD, swapping tokens, cross-chain transfers, funding DeFi protocols, and booking flights. Users confirm each transaction with an access key before it is processed. PayBox initially supports Solana and EVM-based blockchains like Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Hyperliquid, Tempo, and Robinhood Chain, with plans to add more networks. It can store both crypto wallets and payment cards. Security is provided via MPC (Multi-Party Computation) technology and secure execution environments, ensuring no single party—including MoonPay or the AI assistant—has full access to user assets. The wallet offers two permission modes: "Always Ask," requiring manual approval for each action, and "Autonomous," where AI can execute transactions within user-set limits. Permissions can be altered or revoked anytime. PayBox is built on technology from Sodot, a secure wallet solutions provider acquired by MoonPay earlier this year. This infrastructure reportedly secures over $50 billion in digital assets across more than 10 million wallets.

cryptonews.ru16m ago

cryptonews.ru16m ago

Pavel Durov Designated as a Terrorist in Russia. What Does This Mean for Telegram Users?

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been added to Russia's list of terrorists and extremists by Rosfinmonitoring, as published on July 30. The entry includes his name and date of birth. The designation follows an announcement by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on July 29, which charged Durov with aiding terrorist activity. The FSB alleges that a Telegram dating bot named "DaiVinchik" was used to recruit 46 individuals for attacks on police and arson, orchestrated by Ukrainian special services. The FSB also accuses Telegram's administration of failing to remove channels and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups. Durov is reportedly subject to an international arrest warrant. Inclusion on the Rosfinmonitoring list leads to significant restrictions: the freezing of Durov's bank accounts and assets, severe limitations on financial transactions, and a ban on election participation, media interaction, and event organization. Transfers to his accounts may be considered terrorism financing. For ordinary Russian Telegram users, purchasing Telegram Premium is not classified as financing terrorism, according to an IT expert. General use of the messenger—messaging, managing channels—does not automatically make a user a participant in extremist activity. There has been no official decision to ban Telegram itself. It is noted that French authorities are also investigating Durov over allegations of inadequate measures against criminal activity on the platform and insufficient cooperation with law enforcement. Durov denies all charges.

cryptonews.ru17m ago

Pavel Durov Designated as a Terrorist in Russia. What Does This Mean for Telegram Users?

cryptonews.ru17m ago

Casper Prepares Launch of Updated csprUSD

The Casper blockchain platform, in collaboration with investment firm Sarson Funds, is preparing to launch an upgraded version of its csprUSD stablecoin. Upon release, it will become the primary dollar-pegged stablecoin within the Casper ecosystem. A key use case will be facilitating automated payments between AI agents via the x402 protocol. This development follows the recent establishment of the x402 Foundation under the Linux Foundation, which includes members like Visa, Mastercard, Google, Coinbase, Circle, Stripe, AWS, and Cloudflare. The x402 protocol enables AI agents to autonomously pay for goods and services online using standard HTTP requests, bypassing traditional payment systems. The new csprUSD will be compatible with Casper 2.0 and support the CEP-3009 standard. It will allow users and AI agents to confirm payments off-chain, with final settlement occurring on the blockchain. The ecosystem will also integrate Casper's ProofLayer technology, which provides cryptographic verification for off-chain data. This will be used to verify the dollar reserves backing csprUSD and to monitor token issuance and redemption. Prior to the mainnet launch, the stablecoin's smart contract will undergo an independent security audit. Casper has also recently reduced its minimum transaction fee from 2.5 CSPR to 0.1 CSPR following the approval of proposal CEP-97.

cryptonews.ru18m ago

Casper Prepares Launch of Updated csprUSD

cryptonews.ru18m ago

Ethereum Blockchain Turns 11 Years Old. How 'Ether' Has Grown and What's Next

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, celebrated its 11th anniversary on July 30. The blockchain's genesis block was launched in 2015. Its ICO in 2014 raised approximately $18 million, setting the initial ETH price around $0.31. As of mid-2026, Ethereum's market capitalization exceeds $230 billion, and its price of $1,920 represents a growth of nearly 6,200 times from the ICO price. Despite this long-term growth, Ethereum's performance over the past five years has been challenging. After nearly reaching $5,000 in 2021 and again in 2025, its price had fallen about 60% from its 2021 peak by July 2026. This period coincided with governance stagnation following its transition to proof-of-stake in 2022 and ongoing discussions about its economic model and development funding. Recently, the Ethereum developer community has reignited efforts for a major ecosystem overhaul. Key focus areas include building AI infrastructure, enhancing network privacy and scalability, and even exploring quantum computing resistance. These initiatives, alongside efforts to attract more institutional investment, signal a new phase of development aimed at addressing fundamental challenges and propelling the network forward.

cryptonews.ru47m ago

Ethereum Blockchain Turns 11 Years Old. How 'Ether' Has Grown and What's Next

cryptonews.ru47m ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

What is XRP 2.0

XRP 2.0: A New Frontier in the Cryptocurrency Landscape Introduction to XRP 2.0 In the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrency, new projects continuously emerge, vying for attention and adoption. One such promising initiative is XRP 2.0, a novel cryptocurrency project designed to leverage advanced blockchain technology and robust encryption methodologies. While the name draws parallels with Ripple’s XRP, it’s crucial to note that XRP 2.0 operates independently, focusing on enhancing transaction security, privacy, and scalability. As the digital financial landscape increasingly embraces decentralized solutions, XRP 2.0 aims to contribute meaningfully to web3 and the overall expansion of crypto projects. What is XRP 2.0? At its core, XRP 2.0 is a cryptocurrency project that aims to create a secure and decentralized digital currency ecosystem. Its foundational technology integrates sophisticated blockchain principles with cutting-edge encryption techniques. The overarching goal of XRP 2.0 is to establish itself as a reliable and efficient platform enabling swift transaction execution while prioritizing enhanced privacy protections for its users. The project is promoted as a solution to many limitations faced by existing cryptocurrencies, proposing a system that can handle a higher volume of transactions with improved speed and privacy. This versatility positions XRP 2.0 as a significant contender in a marketplace riddled with various digital currencies. Who is the Creator of XRP 2.0? The identity of the creator behind XRP 2.0 has been flagged as ‘Wilbur.’ However, comprehensive details regarding Wilbur or their associated entity remain elusive. The anonymity of many cryptocurrency creators is not an uncommon phenomenon in the industry, often designed to maintain a degree of privacy and security. Who are the Investors of XRP 2.0? As of now, specific information related to the investment foundations or organizations supporting XRP 2.0 is not publicly available. In the cryptocurrency sector, the backing by reputed investors can significantly influence a project's credibility and success, yet the transparency regarding the financial supporters of XRP 2.0 has not been established. How Does XRP 2.0 Work? XRP 2.0 stands out by employing a combination of blockchain technology and advanced encryption algorithms that ensures secure and decentralized transactions. Its innovative structure includes unique features designed to foster user engagement and broaden functionalities beyond conventional cryptocurrency transactions. Among these features, XRP 2.0 incorporates AI-powered capabilities, such as text-to-image and text-to-speech functionalities. These additions are designed to enhance the interactive experience for users, promoting broader applicability across various sectors. By bridging technological advancements with user-centered design, XRP 2.0 aims to capture the attention of a diverse range of individuals and enterprises looking to integrate cryptocurrency solutions into their operational frameworks. Timeline of XRP 2.0 Understanding XRP 2.0 requires examining the milestones that have defined its journey thus far: July 23, 2023: XRP 2.0 is introduced as a novel cryptocurrency project, aiming to revolutionize secure and decentralized transaction capabilities in the blockchain domain. September 8, 2023: The launching of another project, XRP20, occurs, marking the emergence of an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain that remains unrelated to XRP 2.0. November 13, 2023: The XRP Ledger undergoes a significant update with the release of rippled server software version 2.0.0. It is essential to note that this development is disconnected from the XRP 2.0 cryptocurrency project. Key Points About XRP 2.0 To distill the essence of XRP 2.0, several critical factors emerge: Unique Features: The inclusion of features like AI-powered text-to-image and text-to-speech further diversifies the potential applications of XRP 2.0. Blockchain Technology: The framework utilizes advanced blockchain mechanisms and encryption protocols, ensuring a secure and decentralized environment for transactions. Scalability and Privacy: XRP 2.0 prioritizes enhanced privacy protections in transaction processes and the scalability necessary to accommodate a growing user base. No Affiliation with Ripple: Importantly, despite its name, XRP 2.0 does not have any allegiance or collaboration with Ripple’s XRP, distinguishing its operational framework and objectives within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Conclusion XRP 2.0 represents an ambitious venture into the cryptocurrency sphere, aiming to offer a combination of security, privacy, and efficiency in digital transactions. By integrating sophisticated technologies and user-friendly features, the project sets out to broaden the horizons of what cryptocurrency can achieve in today's digital economy. While the anonymity of its creator and lack of disclosed investors might raise questions for some, XRP 2.0's focus on advanced functionalities and decentralisation enhances its appeal amidst an increasingly crowded crypto market. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, XRP 2.0 may yet emerge as a pivotal player in the expansion of secure and scalable blockchain solutions.

1.3k Total ViewsPublished 2024.04.01Updated 2024.12.03

Hot Tokens Learning Week 6: Solana Meme Revival | 2026 as a Potential Transformational Year for XRP

Grayscale Outlook: 2026 is the transformational year for XRP and the beginning of the institutional era.

26.5k Total ViewsPublished 2026.01.13Updated 2026.01.13

Hot Tokens Learning Week 6: Solana Meme Revival | 2026 as a Potential Transformational Year for XRP

Hot Tokens Learning Week 13: HIP-4 Mainnet Launch Expected in Mid-2026 as Market Focus Shifts to Scaled Adoption of Major Cryptos Including XRP

HIP-4 will introduce permissionless prediction markets, outcome/binary contracts, and 0DTE options.

25.4k Total ViewsPublished 2026.04.22Updated 2026.04.22

Hot Tokens Learning Week 13: HIP-4 Mainnet Launch Expected in Mid-2026 as Market Focus Shifts to Scaled Adoption of Major Cryptos Including XRP

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of XRP (XRP) are presented below.