KelpDAO Hacker Launders $175M ETH Into BTC via THORChain
CoinCentral·60-word summary·1 min read
The KelpDAO hacker laundered $175 million worth of ETH into BTC via THORChain, complicating recovery efforts. The breach, which triggered $800 million in laundering volume, led to Arbitrum freezing part of the stolen ETH. The attacker quickly exited the cross-chain swaps, making the stolen funds harder to trace and increasing DeFi security concerns.
JPMorgan reports that ongoing DeFi exploits and stagnant total value locked (TVL) are reducing institutional interest. The bank notes that persistent hacks are driving investors to Tether's USDT, especially during periods of stress, as users withdraw funds from DeFi platforms. This trend highlights security concerns impacting DeFi's growth and institutional adoption.
Lido’s $3 million first-loss buffer was tested after a security breach at Kelp, a liquid restaking protocol, on April 23, 2026. The incident impacted Lido’s EarnETH vault, prompting the platform to pause deposits and withdrawals. Lido is addressing issues related to exposure to a compromised asset and a liquidity squeeze, highlighting ongoing security risks in DeFi.
Chinese APT group has exploited multiple cloud tools, including Microsoft Outlook, Slack, Discord, and file.io, to conduct online espionage targeting Mongolia. The threat actor used these platforms for command and control, highlighting vulnerabilities in cloud-based communication tools. The attack underscores ongoing security risks associated with cloud service abuse by state-sponsored cyber espionage groups.
Meta faces a class-action lawsuit for allegedly generating $16 billion from scam ads, exposing major security and regulatory issues. The lawsuit, filed by the Consumer Federation of America, seeks damages and aims to hold Meta accountable for failing to protect users from fraudulent advertising, raising concerns over platform security and user safety.
JPMorgan highlights ongoing security issues in DeFi, citing a $20 billion loss from the KelpDAO exploit as evidence of systemic risks. Despite stablecoin growth, Ethereum-denominated activity remains flat, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities. These security flaws continue to hinder DeFi’s appeal to institutional investors, emphasizing the need for improved safeguards in the sector.
Tensions between the US and Iran escalated in April 2026, with Iran seizing ships in the Strait of Hormuz, raising security concerns. The incident threatens regional stability and could impact global oil markets. The ongoing standoff highlights the increasing risks in the area, with potential implications for international trade and security.