Bitcoin Wallet Under Threat
Recent reports indicate that a significant Bitcoin wallet, originally associated with the infamous Mt. Gox exchange hack, is drawing the attention of cybercriminals. The wallet in question, which once held nearly 80,000 BTC and symbolizes a substantial loss from the 2011 breach, is currently valued at approximately $8.7 billion.
Scam Attempts and Communication
As highlighted by BitMEX Research, hackers have initiated communication with the wallet owner by sending a transaction encoded with OP_RETURN—a controversial method of embedding data into Bitcoin transactions. This transaction includes a prompt directing the wallet holder to visit a specific website.
Ironically, the site’s message suggests that the wallet is either lost or abandoned, claiming that a client is attempting to assert ownership over it. It further claims affiliation with Saloman Brothers, a financial institution that has long ceased operations.
However, experts from BitMEX have cautioned that this site appears to be part of a broader scam, designed to extract personal information from the wallet’s legitimate owner. Along with the current wallet, several addresses related to Bitcoin transactions from 2011 have reportedly fallen victim to similar schemes.
Historical Context of the Wallet
The historical context of this wallet is stark, as it is linked to the collapse of Mt. Gox, which was one of the earliest and largest Bitcoin exchanges. Following various hacks, approximately 850,000 BTC were taken, leading to losses amounting to over $92 billion at current prices.
In an effort to recover some losses for users, a rehabilitation proposal that aims to resolve claims for around 90% of the owed assets was approved in 2021. Despite law enforcement’s attempts to recover funds, only 140,000 Bitcoin has been returned to creditors, leaving the remainder dormant in wallets like the one now under siege by scammers.
