Prominent crypto investigator ZachXBT has revealed explosive findings in the 2022 Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT theft case, alleging that law enforcement may have wrongfully detained a suspect tied to the $1.4 million hack. According to ZachXBT’s on-chain analysis, critical digital evidence points to a different individual still at large, raising questions about investigative methods in crypto crimes.
The case centers on Sam Curry, a former Yuga Labs security researcher detained at an airport in 2023. Authorities suspected his involvement in the theft, but ZachXBT claims Curry was falsely accused. The investigator explained that Curry used a private key planted by the attacker during his own probe—a technical move that may have triggered misguided suspicion. While Curry has since been released, the incident has sparked debates about the risks faced by cybersecurity experts.
ZachXBT traced stolen funds to a crypto wallet linked to a deleted X (Twitter) account. The account’s activity reportedly aligns with the theft timeline, including transactions and social media posts. “It’s alarming that a researcher became a target while clear clues exist,” ZachXBT stated, urging authorities to cross-analyze blockchain records and social media data.
This case exposes growing tensions between blockchain transparency and traditional law enforcement practices. Despite ZachXBT submitting a detailed report, officials have yet to confirm if they’re pursuing the newly identified suspect. The incident underscores unresolved challenges in linking anonymous wallets to real-world identities—a gap criminals continue to exploit.
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