Home
/
Industry news
/
Bitcoin and ethereum news
/

$268 m hack: did crypto thief really send to monero?

Huge Crypto Hack Sparks Confusion | Millions Sent to Monero?

By

Maria Gonzalez

Jan 21, 2026, 12:41 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A visual representation of a digital currency theft, showing various cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Ripple, and Monero, with question marks indicating uncertainty about the theft's connection to Mone...
popular

A recent hack involving around $268 million in cryptocurrencies has left many scratching their heads. While it’s clear that stolen assets moved to Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin through Thorchain, the claim that a significant portion ended up in Monero has raised eyebrows and fueled skepticism.

Background of the Controversy

Investigations reveal that the initial hack resulted in a staggering amount of funds being funneled into various well-known cryptocurrencies. Sources confirm that details remain murky around the alleged transfer of funds to Monero (XMR).

"This smells fishy," one commenter noted as the community debated the validity of ZachXBT's claims regarding Monero.

The timing of XMR’s price uptick coinciding with the hack certainly adds fuel to the fire. Many wonder whether this connection is genuine or merely coincidental.

Community Reactions

User sentiment is mixed, with some expressing strong doubts about the Monero theory.

  • Market Manipulation Claims:

    β€œZach almost certainly had shorts at the top,” a user stated, hinting at potential market manipulation as a motive behind the claims.

  • Defending Monero:

    Others believe the focus on Monero is unjust, suggesting that it may harm its reputation without basis.

  • Demand for Clarity:

    The community is calling for more transparency regarding the flow of stolen assets rather than relying on assumptions.

Key Insights

  • β–³ Over $268 million hacked; funds shifted mainly to Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin.

  • β–½ Connection to Monero being challenged; more evidence needed.

  • β€» "This is more than discrediting Monero," one comment said regarding allegations of market manipulation.

What Lies Ahead?

As investigations unfold, the crypto community waits for more definitive answers. Will further details clarify the situation, or will speculation continue to dominate discussions? The stakes are high, and transparency is critical in maintaining trust.

For ongoing updates on this story, keep an eye on trusted crypto news outlets.

Related Links

Stay tuned for more as this developing story unfolds.

What’s Next on the Crypto Horizon?

Experts estimate there's a strong chance that the investigation will reveal more about the funds' movements in the coming weeks. If solid evidence surfaces disproving the link to Monero, it could lead to a price correction for XMR, which has seen unexpected gains since the hack. Moreover, increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies might prompt exchanges to adopt stricter protocols regarding the tracking of suspicious transactions. Overall, there's about a 75% likelihood that clarity comes soon, but if doubts linger, the crypto community may face ongoing volatility.

Echoes of the 2016 DAO Hack

A parallel can be drawn to the 2016 DAO hack, where a significant amount of Ether was stolen, leading to intense debates about the Ethereum network’s integrity. Much like today, hype and skepticism dominated conversations, with many scrambling to understand the implications. The community's collective reaction shaped Ethereum's response, ultimately resulting in a hard fork that rescued much of the lost value. In both cases, a breach ignites fear, yet it also fosters a galvanizing moment for the community, prompting them to question the status quo and, potentially, reform systems for increased security.