White-hat security team traces ~$54k in stolen WETH across Base and Arbitrum, offers 10% bounty for return within 24 hours.
Security & Exploits ·
A white-hat security team has traced approximately $54,000 in stolen WETH across Base and Arbitrum blockchains, posting an on-chain message directly to the wallet holding the funds. The team identified 23.08 WETH consolidated on Base and 10.70 WETH on Arbitrum, totaling roughly 33.7 WETH.
The message offers a 10% bounty—approximately 3.4 WETH—if the remaining 30 WETH is returned within 24 hours to the originating address. In exchange for recovery, the team pledges no legal action and public credit for responsible disclosure. The message warns that any movement of the funds to a centralized exchange or mixer will trigger asset freeze requests and law enforcement involvement, citing documented transaction records.
The outcome of the offer remains unclear. It is not yet known whether the funds will be returned, whether the 24-hour window was met, or whether the recovery attempt will succeed. The incident underscores an emerging practice among security teams to use public on-chain messaging and financial incentives as an alternative to immediate legal escalation.