Bitfunder and WeExchange Hack
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Improper storage combined with a lack of transparency enabled this operation to continue for many years as an insolvent firm. This also shows the very real tendency of some exchange operators to hide key details of hacks that occur, which is why a mandated level of transparency is so critical. Regular audits alone are only effective if the results are communicated and verifiable by the general public.
This exchange or platform is based in United States, or the incident targeted people primarily in United States.
About Bitfunder/WeExchange
“In July 2013, BitFunder’s software was said to be hacked, enabling the theft of 6,000 bitcoin from Montrol’s companion fiat-to-crypto platform, WeExchange. Montrol allegedly failed to communicate the lost monies with investors or regulatory authorities. On one occasion, he promoted the operation as “commercially successful” instead of insolvent.”
This exchange or platform is based in United States, or the incident targeted people primarily in United States.
The background of the exchange platform, service, or individuals involved, as it would have been seen or understood at the time of the events.
Include:
- Known history of when and how the service was started.
- What problems does the company or service claim to solve?
- What marketing materials were used by the firm or business?
- Audits performed, and excerpts that may have been included.
- Business registration documents shown (fake or legitimate).
- How were people recruited to participate?
- Public warnings and announcements prior to the event.
Don't Include:
- Any wording which directly states or implies that the business is/was illegitimate, or that a vulnerability existed.
- Anything that wasn't reasonably knowable at the time of the event.
There could be more than one section here. If the same platform is involved with multiple incidents, then it can be linked to a main article page.
The Reality
This sections is included if a case involved deception or information that was unknown at the time. Examples include:
- When the service was actually started (if different than the "official story").
- Who actually ran a service and their own personal history.
- How the service was structured behind the scenes. (For example, there was no "trading bot".)
- Details of what audits reported and how vulnerabilities were missed during auditing.
What Happened
The specific events of the loss and how it came about. What actually happened to cause the loss and some of the events leading up to it.
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 1st, 2013 12:00:18 AM | First Event | This is an expanded description of what happened and the impact. If multiple lines are necessary, add them here. |
Total Amount Lost
The total amount lost is unknown.
How much was lost and how was it calculated? If there are conflicting reports, which are accurate and where does the discrepancy lie?
Immediate Reactions
How did the various parties involved (firm, platform, management, and/or affected individual(s)) deal with the events? Were services shut down? Were announcements made? Were groups formed?
Ultimate Outcome
What was the end result? Was any investigation done? Were any individuals prosecuted? Was there a lawsuit? Was any tracing done?
Total Amount Recovered
It is unknown how much was recovered.
What funds were recovered? What funds were reimbursed for those affected users?
Ongoing Developments
What parts of this case are still remaining to be concluded?
Prevention Policies
Coming soon.
References
U.S. arrests operator of shuttered bitcoin investment platform | Reuters (Feb 11)
Bitcoin Stock Exchange Operator Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud (Feb 11)
Founder of Two Closed Cryptocurrency Services Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges | Bitcoinist.com (Feb 11)
Bitcoin Exchange Admin Charged for Lying About Hack (Mar 7)
FBI Arrests Exchange Operator for Lying About 6000 Bitcoin Hack – Share Talk (Mar 7)
6000 BITCOIN HACK - V-Coins (Mar 7)
WeExchange - Bitcoin Wiki (Feb 3)
WeExchange (Mar 7)