ZachXBT Exposes Secret Crypto Deals: Influencers Under Fire

Crypto influencer marketing has come under intense scrutiny after blockchain investigator ZachXBT released a leaked spreadsheet showing over 160 influencers were paid to promote a crypto project without proper disclosure.

The leak has stirred debates about ethics, transparency, and legal obligations in crypto promotions.

While the project in question, Memenetic, admitted planning the payments, the vast majority of posts failed to clearly identify them as paid promotions.

This revelation not only highlights the risk to retail investors but also exposes influencers and brands to potential legal consequences.

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Key Takeaways

1. Influencers paid: Over 160 crypto influencers reportedly accepted payments for token promotions, yet less than five disclosed them.

2. Financial risk: Promoting crypto products without disclosure violates regulations in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. and U.K.

3. Ethics under fire: ZachXBT’s leak underscores the need for transparency and regulatory enforcement in the crypto marketing space.

Crypto Influencers Paid to Promote

It is widely known that some crypto influencers receive compensation for promoting tokens and platforms. However, the ZachXBT leak exposes just how rarely these payments are disclosed.

The spreadsheet details usernames, Solana wallet addresses, and direct transaction hashes, showing payments ranging from $50 to $60,000 per post.

Influencer responses varied widely. Some, like @Atitty_, admitted to being paid and expressed regret, while others like @sibeleth insisted that disclosure was handled appropriately.

Most posts, however, lacked any mention of being paid promotions, which is a violation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines in the United States and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules in the U.K.

The leak also showed tiered pricing structures, with top-tier influencers charging tens of thousands per post.

Multi-post packages were common, revealing a highly organized, industrial approach to paid influence in the crypto sector.

Read Also: ZachXBT Calls Out Ripple, Saying XRP Community Adds No Value

Memenetic in the Spotlight

The project at the center of the leak, Memenetic, acknowledged planning the payments. They also claimed that certain intermediaries diverted funds, further complicating the scenario.

According to the team, $232,000 in USDC was misappropriated by two promoters, who replaced influencer wallets with their own addresses.

This incident highlights both the risks of outsourcing promotion campaigns and the importance of transparency.

Even legitimate marketing efforts can be undermined by misconduct or failure to disclose payments.

The leak has prompted discussions about how influencers and projects alike can maintain ethical standards while navigating the high-stakes world of crypto promotion.

Read Also: Blockchain Backer: Who Is He as a Crypto Influencer and Analyst

Regulatory Implications and Transparency

Under U.S. law, the FTC mandates that influencers clearly disclose any material connections to brands, especially financial products.

In the U.K., the FCA has brought crypto advertisements under strict financial promotion rules, requiring disclosures, risk warnings, and proper approvals. Yet, enforcement remains weak.

ZachXBT’s exposure demonstrates how pseudonymity and cross-border crypto payments allow widespread non-disclosure.

Only a small fraction of influencers face consequences, and enforcement actions often result in minor content removals rather than meaningful accountability.

This scandal serves as a warning for investors to critically assess crypto promotions and for influencers to adhere strictly to disclosure rules.

It also stresses the importance of platforms like Bitrue, which provide a safer and more regulated environment for trading crypto assets.

Read Also: Top Crypto Content Creators to Follow for Insights in 2025

Conclusion

ZachXBT’s leak of over 160 crypto influencers accepting undisclosed payments has exposed major ethical and legal concerns in the crypto marketing industry.

The case highlights risks for retail investors, potential regulatory violations for influencers, and challenges for projects seeking transparency.

For traders and investors, navigating the crypto market requires careful attention to promotional claims and credible trading platforms.

Bitrue offers a secure, user-friendly environment for buying, selling, and tracking cryptocurrencies.

Its robust verification and safety measures make it easier to avoid misleading promotions and market manipulation, empowering users to trade with confidence while monitoring potential breakout opportunities in projects like Memenetic and other trending tokens.

FAQ

Who is ZachXBT?

ZachXBT is a blockchain investigator known for exposing crypto scams, fraudulent promotions, and misconduct through detailed analysis and leaked documents.

What did the leak reveal?

The leak showed over 160 influencers accepted payments for promoting a crypto project without disclosing them, violating disclosure rules.

Which project was involved?

The leak centers around Memenetic, an AI memecoin platform, which admitted planning payments to influencers.

Are undisclosed crypto promotions illegal?

Yes, in many jurisdictions like the U.S. and U.K., failing to disclose payments for financial promotions can lead to legal consequences.

Where can I safely trade cryptocurrencies?

Bitrue is a secure platform offering a reliable environment for trading crypto with strong safety measures and transparency.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.