ZachXBT Uncovers $172M ETH Move by Blockchain Bandit

Blockchain Bandit has resurfaced after two years of silence. This hacker, known for stealing 51,000 Ether by exploiting weak private keys, recently transferred the entire sum to a single wallet. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT revealed this activity on Dec. 30.

History of High-Stakes Hacking

The Blockchain Bandit earned notoriety through a method called “Ethercombing.” By exploiting weak random number generators and flawed code, the hacker uncovered 732 private keys. These keys gave access to over 49,000 transactions, amassing nearly 45,000 Ether.

On Dec. 30, between 8:54 pm UTC and 9:18 pm UTC, the hacker moved all 51,000 Ether. The funds, previously spread across 10 wallets, now reside in a multisignature wallet labeled “0xC45…1D542.” This marked the first movement of the stolen Ether since January 2023.

What Comes Next for the Blockchain Bandit?

The Bandit’s most significant thefts occurred in 2018, leaving security experts puzzled. Crypto analyst Adrian Bednarek suggested the involvement of a state actor, possibly North Korea. The scale of the operations and the precision of the attacks support these suspicions.

The recent transfer has raised alarms within the cryptocurrency community. Experts believe the hacker may plan to launder or sell the stolen assets. This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures across blockchain platforms.

The Blockchain Bandit’s return highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in digital ecosystems. As authorities investigate, this case serves as a chilling reminder that no digital asset is entirely secure.