I just finished watching Netflix’s Biggest Heist Ever, which documents the Bitfinex hack that resulted in $4.2 billion worth of Bitcoin being stolen.
One of the things that stood out to me was the surprising support the hackers seemed to receive from parts of the online community. Some cheered them on, thinking they were “sticking it to the man,” while others even compared them to Robin Hood. A few went as far as calling it a victimless crime.
This kind of thinking really frustrates me.
If you’ve been involved in crypto, especially in the DeFi space, you’ve probably been scammed in some way—big or small. I’ve written about various scams and have been transparent about my own experiences with being scammed.
When an exchange is hacked, it’s not just the company or a large institution that suffers—it’s the everyday investor who loses their funds. Sure, there are precautions to take, and I always recommend using a Ledger and never keeping a large percentage of your funds on an exchange. But at the end of the day, no one asks to be hacked. And there are always real victims when an exchange loses funds.
And for those who romanticize it as “Robin Hooding,” let’s set the record straight: these hackers didn’t “steal from the rich and give to the poor.” They stole from everyone and kept the funds for themselves, splurging on luxuries for their inner circle.
At the end of the day, the Bitfinex hack wasn’t some revolutionary act or a blow against powerful elites. It was theft, plain and simple, and the people who truly suffered were the investors—individuals like you and me—who had their hard-earned funds stolen. While crypto is still a new and evolving space, it’s crucial to remember that we all have a stake in its integrity. We can’t afford to romanticize actions that put our security at risk, nor should we overlook the real-world consequences of these crimes. The only way forward is by prioritizing transparency, security, and respect for the community we’re building. Only then can we ensure a future where crypto is used for its potential to empower, not for exploitation.
Finding People in the Crypto World you can Trust
As I’ve discussed throughout this article, trust is essential in the world of crypto. Having been a part of this space for over three years and staying transparent about both the highs and lows, I understand how crucial it is to back projects that are trustworthy and have the right intentions.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce Kings of Red, an NFT game launching in early 2025, where I’ll be bringing my commitment to integrity and quality into the gaming world. In the wake of numerous scams and hacks that have plagued the crypto space, Kings of Red is designed with the player in mind, ensuring that everyone who joins will be a part of something special, rewarding, and built to last.
Kings of Red is an exciting and unique NFT game that allows players to build and rule their own kingdoms, collect valuable tokens like Food and Gold, and engage in battles against fierce enemies. Beyond that, the game’s pet NFTs can lay eggs that generate even more NFTs, helping to grow your empire and wealth over time. The NFT art is truly a visual masterpiece, showcasing rare characters from clans like Kings, Samurai, Pirates, and more—all meticulously designed to be collectible and valuable.
What sets Kings of Red apart is our focus on creating a game where both the NFTs and tokens retain real value. We are intentionally keeping token and NFT prices in check, ensuring that your investment holds long-term potential.
For those interested in early access, we will soon be opening a limited number of slots for early investors, giving you a chance to secure exclusive NFT drops and special bonuses. These early investors will be a crucial part of shaping the game’s success, and we’re thrilled to have you on board as we prepare for launch.
In a space that has often been marred by scams, I want Kings of Red to be a beacon of trust and transparency. I’ve always been open about my journey in the crypto world, and I’m excited to bring that same level of honesty to the gaming community. Stay tuned for more details, and I look forward to having you join us in this exciting new adventure!