This Monday, the crypto world was stunned by a suspicious transfer of over 3,520 BTC, valued at around $330.7 million.

This Monday, the crypto world was stunned by a suspicious transfer of over 3,520 BTC, valued at around $330.7 million. The XMR token, known for its privacy features and frequent use in illicit transactions, was the subject of this massive transfer that had experts baffled.

Among those following the case was ZachXBT, a renowned blockchain investigator who suggested a link to a recent Monero hack. But what really had experts talking wasn’t just the size of the transaction or its suspicious nature. It was the unusual route chosen to launder such a huge sum. It seems this wasn’t just a heist; it was a case of calculated market manipulation on a grand scale.

Why Choose XMR Token for Laundering?

The use of the XMR token for such a large transfer is surprising. Typically, hackers prefer stablecoins like USDT or ETH, which are more liquid and easier to convert. But Monero, with its privacy features, hides both the sender and receiver, making tracing nearly impossible. However, its low liquidity can cause significant slippage, increasing the risk for anyone moving such a large amount.

But this crypto hacker went all-in, suggesting a high-risk, high-reward strategy. The trade-off was obvious: anonymity over efficiency.

A hacker went full degen when laundering $330M through pumping and dumping XMR while trying to trade it out of the chain using derivatives.

This might be the worst idea ever (for the hacker). The Monero liquidity is so low that even with small buys the price went up massively. pic.twitter.com/ZWVT2TclhU

— Zacharias Close (@ZachXBT) August 28, 2024

Derivative Markets Were Also in Play

Interestingly, this wasn’t just about hiding tracks. The transfer coincided with abnormal activity in crypto derivatives markets, which is where the real twist lies.

According to DeepCoin's analysis, the attacker may have pumped the XMR price by initiating spot purchases, which were then used to profit from long positions in derivatives. This method closely resembles previous attempts at crypto price manipulation seen with smaller tokens like JELLY and even alludes to the notorious Mango Markets exploit of 2022. It seems the Monero hack wasn’t just about an attempt at concealment but rather about gaming the system at multiple levels.

A Familiar Playbook of Crypto Manipulation

The techniques used by this crypto hacker align with a playbook that's becoming all too familiar in decentralized finance (DeFi). The concept is simple: manipulate the price of an illiquid asset to profit from positions in more liquid derivative markets.

This strategy was previously employed with the token JELLY on HyperLiquid and formed a central part of the $114 million Mango Markets hack, which led to the conviction of Avi Eisenberg in 2024. In both instances, illiquid assets were targeted, and false pricing was used to generate massive profits. This new case involving the XMR token seems to fit seamlessly into that same category.

Slippage and Risk in Monero Trading

Using Monero in this way is a bold move due to its limited liquidity. Exchanges don't offer deep Monero markets, so moving large amounts can result in price changes before trades are completed, a risk known as slippage. The XMR price can spike or crash with minimal trading volume.

This volatile nature makes laundering $330 million especially risky, yet the hacker may have relied on this very instability to create pricing pressure in the derivatives market. The result? A well-timed, albeit suspicious, opportunity to profit from synthetic trading.

Lesson After Monero Hack

The future of the XMR token remains uncertain. While Monero’s privacy makes it attractive for legitimate privacy advocates, its frequent association with cybercrime and laundering cases like this could bring regulatory pressure.

The Monero hack case is a clear example of how privacy coins can be exploited when used creatively by a crypto hacker. Whether it’s the XMR price manipulation or the growing number of similar schemes, it’s clear that blockchain transparency is being tested. The balance between privacy and regulation might soon tip, and Monero could be at the centre of that shift.