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Crypto Worth $99 Million Withdrawn from Milei-Backed Libra Token

Wesley ParkWednesday, Feb 19, 2025 7:25 pm ET
2min read

In a stunning turn of events, researchers have uncovered that a staggering $99 million worth of cryptocurrency has been withdrawn from the Libra token, a project backed by Argentine President Javier Milei. This revelation comes just days after Milei's endorsement of the token, which initially sparked a trading frenzy before the token's value plummeted.



The Libra token, launched on the Solana network, initially soared to a market cap of $4.5 billion following Milei's endorsement. However, within hours, the token's value dropped by 89%, erasing billions in market value. Blockchain analytics firms like Bubblemaps and Lookonchain have since revealed that insiders cashed out over $107 million in liquidity within hours of the token's launch, leading to its catastrophic collapse.

The rapid collapse of the Libra token has raised serious concerns about the project's legitimacy and the role of political endorsements in the crypto space. Milei's endorsement of the token, without proper due diligence, has led to significant losses for investors and has brought scrutiny to his judgment and economic credibility. Opposition politicians have seized on the scandal, questioning his economic credibility and judgment, and some investors have even filed lawsuits against him, arguing that his endorsement misled them into making risky investments.

The concentrated ownership of the Libra token supply, with 82% of the supply held by a small number of addresses, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the token's rapid collapse. This centralization allowed insiders to manipulate the market by dumping their tokens, leading to a massive sell-off and a 94% price decline within hours of the token's launch.

The Libra token debacle serves as a cautionary tale for future crypto projects, highlighting the importance of decentralization, transparency, and thorough due diligence before seeking political endorsements. As Argentina grapples with economic instability, Milei's latest crypto misstep only intensifies the debate over the role of politicians in influencing financial markets and the need for stricter regulations in the crypto space.

In the future, regulators may consider implementing stricter guidelines for public figures endorsing crypto projects, requiring them to disclose any conflicts of interest or lack of knowledge about the project's details. Additionally, regulators may explore ways to better protect investors from fraudulent or poorly vetted projects, such as mandating more stringent disclosure requirements and increasing oversight of crypto projects.

As the crypto market continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to remain vigilant and conduct thorough research before investing in any project, regardless of endorsements from public figures. The Libra token's rapid collapse serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with concentrated ownership, lack of transparency, and political endorsements in the crypto world.
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