Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Price Surge Boosts Hacker's Stolen Assets to 93.5% ROI

A hacker involved in the October 2024 exploit of DeFi protocol Radiant Capital has significantly profited from Ethereum’s price surge, converting stolen assets into a 93.5% return on investment. The attack, which initially resulted in the theft of $58 million on the BNB Chain, saw the perpetrator convert the funds into 21,957 ETH. As Ethereum’s price climbed, the value of the stolen assets nearly doubled to $103 million by August 2025 [1].

The hacker has since sold a portion of the ETH, including 9,631 units, which were converted into DAI. This strategic movement suggests a calculated approach to capitalizing on Ethereum’s upward trend. The success of the exploit highlights the potential for substantial returns through opportunistic holding and selling in a fast-moving crypto market [1].

Ethereum’s price surge has been fueled by a record influx into U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs, with over $2.3 billion flowing into these funds within six days. BlackRock’s ETHA and Fidelity’s FETH accounted for the majority of these inflows, pushing ETH above $4,900 and nearing its 2021 all-time high. Institutional interest has been a key driver, with major investors accumulating large amounts of ETH, including one buyer who spent $1.8 billion over ten days [2].

On-chain data indicates growing confidence in Ethereum’s long-term potential, with increased withdrawals from major exchanges and reduced selling pressure. Standard Chartered has raised its ETH price forecast to $7,500 by the end of 2025, citing ETF inflows, institutional adoption, and network improvements as key factors. The bank also projects a $25,000 price target for 2028 [2].

Despite the bullish momentum, Ethereum remains near critical resistance levels. A sustained close above $4,800 could open the door to $5,200 and potentially $6,400. However, failure to hold above $4,630 could lead to a significant pullback. This volatility underscores the importance of timing and risk management in navigating the current market environment [2].

The Radiant Capital case also raises concerns about the security of DeFi platforms. As crypto markets mature, protocols may be compelled to implement stricter security measures to prevent similar exploits. The incident highlights how price movements can amplify the value of stolen assets, turning an initial breach into a long-term financial gain for the perpetrator. This dynamic underscores the need for greater transparency and robust safeguards in the rapidly evolving DeFi ecosystem [1].

Source: [1] title1 (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689ed3deddbd4b3a5f793cf8/)

[2] title2 (https://bitcoinist.com/analysts-call-ethereum-a-strategic-buy-etf-inflows/)