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<p>In recent years, the crypto market has been repeatedly shaken by news of random investors turning small sums into millions by investing in meme tokens. Headlines like <em>“Unknown trader buys a token for $50, and a day later it’s worth $1 million”</em> fuel the hopes of thousands of people. But is there more to these stories than just luck? Some analysts and researchers suspect that meme coins may serve not only as a tool for quick profits but also as a way to conceal the illicit origins of cryptocurrency.</p><h3 id="luck-or-a-well-planned-strategy">Luck or a Well-Planned Strategy?</h3><p>There’s no denying that cryptocurrency is a world of limitless opportunities. Some make hundreds of times their investment by successfully predicting trends, while others lose everything in the chase for quick profits. But it’s worth considering: if only a handful of people win in a casino while the majority lose, isn’t something similar happening with meme tokens? Perhaps behind some of these unbelievable success stories lies not mere chance but a carefully orchestrated scheme.</p><h3 id="how-is-cryptocurrency-laundered">How Is Cryptocurrency Laundered?</h3><p>Imagine a scenario: a hacker breaches someone’s wallet. The methods vary, from phishing attacks to advanced malware that grants full access to the victim’s device. The stolen funds are now under the hacker’s control, but what’s next?</p><ul><li><strong>Withdraw to an exchange?</strong> KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is required, increasing the risk of exposure.</li><li><strong>Cash out via P2P?</strong> High chance of account freezing.</li><li><strong>Use money mules (drops)?</strong> Expensive and risky.</li><li><strong>Crypto mixers?</strong> Regulators are shutting them down.</li></ul><p>Traditional laundering methods are becoming less viable. However, there’s a more sophisticated approach.</p><h3 id="meme-coins-as-a-laundering-tool">Meme Coins as a Laundering Tool</h3><p>In February 2025, blockchain researcher ZachXBT published an investigation revealing how hackers used the <strong>Pump.fun</strong> platform to launder stolen funds. They created meme tokens, artificially inflated their value, and then dumped them on unsuspecting buyers, effectively converting stolen funds into &#34;clean&#34; cryptocurrency.</p><h4>How Does It Work?</h4><ol><li>A new meme coin with low liquidity is created.</li><li>Some tokens are bought using insider wallets to create the illusion of demand.</li><li>The hacker injects stolen funds, causing an explosive price surge.</li><li>Regular investors start FOMO-buying, hoping to &#34;catch the rocket.&#34;</li><li>At the peak, insiders sell their tokens, converting illicit funds into clean money.</li></ol><p>As a result, not only do the stolen funds disappear from traceable wallets, but the hacker also makes additional profit. This isn’t magic—it’s just crowd psychology and greed at play.</p><h3 id="regulatory-response">Regulatory Response</h3><p>The meme coin boom has caught the attention of financial regulators. The U.S. <strong>Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</strong> is already considering regulating meme coins, arguing that some may fall under securities laws.</p><p>Moreover, platforms that allow the easy creation of such tokens are being accused of enabling fraud. For example, <strong>Pump.fun</strong> has tightened transaction monitoring and now blocks suspicious projects.</p><h3 id="conclusion-conspiracy-or-reality">Conclusion: Conspiracy or Reality?</h3><p>Previously, the idea that meme tokens could be used for money laundering sounded like a conspiracy theory. But now, concrete examples suggest these schemes are real. Of course, not every meme coin is created for criminal purposes, but the <strong>Pump.fun</strong> case highlights that the crypto market remains a Wild West where regulations are still taking shape.</p><p>While some investors dream of striking it rich on hype, others are turning meme tokens into a tool for financial manipulation.</p>

How Hackers Launder Stolen Cryptocurrency Through Meme Coins?

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