On-chain message negotiating with exploit perpetrator to return 90% of stolen funds and keep 10% as settlement.
Security & Exploits ·
An on-chain message was sent to an address believed to be associated with a recent exploit, proposing a settlement where the perpetrator would retain 10% of stolen funds while returning 90% to the victim. The message, transmitted via Ethereum mainnet, frames the arrangement as a way to mitigate legal consequences while preserving the affected project and user holdings. The sender emphasizes the broader harm caused by the exploit, including damage to users' livelihoods and the compromised protocol itself, as rationale for the perpetrator's cooperation.
The communication represents an unconventional negotiation tactic—publicly broadcasting settlement terms on-chain where both parties can verify the transaction. This approach lacks anonymity but creates an immutable record of the proposal and may exert social or reputational pressure on the exploit actor. The message invokes law enforcement risk as an incentive, though it remains unclear whether this reflects actual legal scrutiny of the incident or serves as a deterrent.
Whether the perpetrator responds—either by returning funds, rejecting the offer, or engaging further—has not been reported. The proposal's outcome and the identity of the affected protocol or address initiating the settlement remain unconfirmed.