ZachXBT, a well-known pseudonymous researcher in the crypto space, has successfully recovered most of the funds from the sale of a rare DeGods nonfungible token (NFT) that was stolen back in May 2023. In a post on February 24, ZachXBT shared the results of his nine-month investigation into the theft of the DeGods #3251 NFT and announced that the majority of the funds have now been returned to the victim.
The NFT was originally sold for 99 Ether (ETH), equivalent to approximately $177,000 at the time. After realizing that his wallet had been drained, the victim reached out to ZachXBT for assistance in recovering his stolen digital art. ZachXBT’s investigations can vary in duration depending on the complexity involved, and he often uses diagrams to illustrate the phishing scams and track the movement of funds, even across crypto mixers. Despite the lengthy process, ZachXBT expressed his satisfaction in being able to share success stories of fund recovery with his followers.
In addition to his work in recovering stolen funds, ZachXBT has been actively involved in various aspects of the crypto industry. He has assisted individuals and national authorities in deciphering crypto crimes. In fact, his research was instrumental in helping the French authorities catch the fraudsters responsible for a $2.5 million NFT theft. Christophe Durand, the deputy chief of France’s national cyber unit, acknowledged ZachXBT’s contribution to the investigation after coming across his findings on social media.
However, ZachXBT recently announced his decision to conclude his pro bono blockchain investigation work. This decision came after he received frustrated messages from users who expected him to assist them in recovering their stolen crypto, despite his repeated clarification that his services are provided free of charge. ZachXBT expressed his disappointment in the lack of appreciation and support, stating that it is the reason why he is stopping his public goods work.
Overall, ZachXBT’s work in recovering stolen funds and assisting in crypto crime investigations has made a significant impact in the industry. His dedication and expertise have been recognized by individuals and authorities alike. Despite the challenges he has faced, ZachXBT has been committed to helping victims and sharing his success stories, but the lack of gratitude has led to his decision to step back from his public work in the future.