XRP News Today: XRP Validator Flags Suspected Price Manipulation via Large Exchange Transfers

Grape, an XRP Ledger (XRPL) validator, has raised concerns about potential price manipulation of XRP, citing on-chain transaction data that reveals frequent and large-scale transfers of the asset [1]. The validator, who has been operating since July 12, 2025, developed a Python-based system to monitor transactions exceeding 10,000 XRP, uncovering patterns of recurring transfers that appear inconsistent with typical retail trading activity [2]. These transactions, some reaching hundreds of thousands of XRP, occur at regular intervals and often involve transfers between exchange-controlled addresses, such as those belonging to Bitget and Binance [1].

Grape emphasized that such behavior could distort key market metrics, including volume-weighted price indexes and overall market capitalization. When large quantities of XRP are repeatedly moved between exchange wallets without corresponding retail activity, it may artificially inflate trading volume and create a false impression of demand. The validator described this as a form of "wash trading," a tactic commonly used in unregulated markets to mislead traders and trigger algorithmic responses based on misleading volume data [1].

The validator’s findings are based on direct analysis of the XRPL ledger and include visual evidence from the XRPL Console, showing large transfers between exchange addresses. This evidence suggests a coordinated movement of XRP, rather than organic trading behavior. Grape stressed that “data doesn’t lie,” but also acknowledged that no conclusive proof of manipulation has been established [1].

The implications of such patterns extend beyond the technical aspects of the XRP Ledger. Wash trading in crypto markets can distort price stability and mislead investors, particularly in a space where regulatory oversight remains inconsistent. While such practices are illegal in traditional financial markets, enforcement in crypto remains a challenge [2]. Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, has previously stated that no single entity controls the XRP Ledger, reinforcing the network’s decentralized nature [3].

The validator has committed to continuing the monitoring of large XRP transactions, urging the community to remain vigilant about repeated movements between exchange wallets. The claims, while unverified, have contributed to an ongoing dialogue around the transparency and integrity of the XRP market [1].

Source:

[1] The Cryptobasic - [https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/13/xrpl-validator-shares-transaction-data-allegedly-showing-xrp-price-manipulation/](https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/13/xrpl-validator-shares-transaction-data-allegedly-showing-xrp-price-manipulation/)

[2] Times Tabloid - [https://timestabloid.com/xrpl-validator-claims-xrp-price-manipulation-with-evidence/](https://timestabloid.com/xrpl-validator-claims-xrp-price-manipulation-with-evidence/)

[3] AInvest - [https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-ripple-cto-debunks-xrp-myths-decentralization-lost-transactions-2508/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-ripple-cto-debunks-xrp-myths-decentralization-lost-transactions-2508/)