SHIB Launches Hack Repayment Plan Amid Technical Recovery Push

• Shiba Inu developer Kaal Dhairya acknowledged 2025 as the project's most challenging year due to a hack and leadership absence.
• The team launched the 'Shib Owes You' (SOU) repayment framework using Ethereum-based NFTs for Plasma Bridge hack victims.
• On-chain data shows significant SHIB token burns and exchange supply reduction, signaling potential supply contraction.
• SHIB's price remains range-bound near historical support levels despite emerging technical signals.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) enters 2026 navigating fallout from a turbulent year that tested community confidence. Developer Kaal Dhairya recently characterized 2025 as the project's most difficult period following a major security incident. Technical recovery efforts near completion while the team shifts focus toward core development and tokenomics revisions. Market participants watch for signs of stabilization after weeks of downward price action.

What Challenges Did Shiba Inu Face in 2025?

Leadership absence during the Shibarium crypto hack marked a critical low point. Kaal Dhairya confirmed collaboration with federal investigators regarding the 2025 incident while technical recovery nears finalization. The team will shutter non-revenue projects to concentrate resources on core protocol development. Recent community messages emphasized healing and collective rebuilding after the challenging period. These operational shifts aim to stabilize SHIB's ecosystem foundations moving forward.

Project moderators reinforced messages of continued progress and faith during holiday communications. Official statements stressed themes of rest and recovery while preparing for renewed development efforts. Community support remains vital for SHIB's resilience amid ongoing restructuring.

How Is SHIB Addressing the Hack Repayments?

The novel 'Shib Owes You' framework converts verified hack claims into transferable Ethereum NFTs. These blockchain-based instruments record owed amounts in real-time and remain tradable via marketplaces. Users can merge or split claims as needed within the SOU structure. Funding originates from strict cost controls across ecosystem projects and future licensing revenue.

Enhanced safeguards now protect the Plasma Bridge including hardware-based custody solutions. The team implemented week-long withdrawal delays to prevent similar incidents. Investors should avoid third-party sites offering premature SOU access during pre-launch phases. This repayment approach aims to balance transparency with operational sustainability.

What Are the Market Indicators Saying About SHIB?

On-chain metrics reveal substantial SHIB supply contraction recently. Daily token burns surged over 10,000% at one point, removing 173 million tokens from circulation. Exchange balances dropped by 200 billion SHIB in 24 hours, reducing readily tradable supply to 81 trillion tokens. Fewer tokens on exchanges typically signals reduced near-term sell pressure.

Holder growth continues with 70,000 new addresses added annually despite price declines. Long-term investors have accumulated approximately 60 trillion SHIB tokens off exchanges. SHIB trades between $0.00000698-$0.00000729 since December 23 with 24-hour volume around $99 million. Technical patterns suggest potential base formation near historical support zones.

The 50-day EMA's approach toward the 200-day EMA could signal a golden cross pattern later in 2026. Momentum indicators show early bullish flips while stochastic RSI improves. These technical signals combine with supply dynamics to suggest possible inflection points ahead.