Ex-Malaysian PM Mahathir’s X Account Hacked to Shill Meme Coins

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s X account was hacked to promote a fraudulent meme coin called MALAYSIA, highlighting the ongoing threat of crypto scams exploiting high-profile individuals.

• Mahathir Mohamad’s X account hacked to promote MALAYSIA meme coin
• Hackers stole over $1.7 million, linked to Evil Corp
• Similar scams targeted other high-profile figures

In a bold move that redefines audacity, hackers hijacked the X account of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to promote a fraudulent meme coin named MALAYSIA. The hackers brazenly claimed this token was Malaysia’s official cryptocurrency, launched on a popular blockchain platform called Solana. The message they posted read:

Malaysia’s Official Cryptocurrency MALAYSIA is Now Live on Solana! This marks a significant milestone in showcasing the strength of our people and our nation’s presence in the digital economy. It is an honor for us to demonstrate Malaysia’s power on the global crypto network.

This deceptive announcement caused the MALAYSIA token’s market cap to skyrocket to $3.4 million before crashing down to a mere $153,000. In the process, hackers managed to swindle over $1.7 million from unsuspecting investors, showcasing the dark side of the crypto world where fraudsters prey on enthusiasm and trust.

This incident is far from isolated; it’s part of a worrying trend of politically themed crypto scams. Similar schemes recently targeted Brazil’s former president, the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump with the BARRON Trump token, and even actor Dean Norris, known for his role in “Breaking Bad.” Cybersecurity experts have noted a pattern, with SlowMist’s founder Yu Xian linking these scams to the notorious Russian cybercrime syndicate, Evil Corp. Known for sophisticated financial frauds, Evil Corp’s involvement underscores the global reach and organized nature of these cybercrimes.

The crypto community hasn’t taken these threats lying down. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has been vocal in warning against these manipulative schemes, emphasizing the need for skepticism and due diligence. Buterin’s concerns echo those of cybersecurity experts who stress the importance of staying vigilant in the face of seemingly lucrative opportunities.

The hack of Mahathir Mohamad’s account isn’t the only recent high-profile exploit. The official X account of Jupiter, a Solana-based crypto trading platform, was also compromised. Hackers used it to promote a fake token, and Jupiter’s founder, @weremeow, speculated that the breach might have been facilitated by a physical attack on a key team member, Mei, while traveling. This incident highlights the lengths to which hackers will go to carry out their fraudulent schemes.

These scams not only highlight the ongoing battle against cybercrime in the crypto space but also the need for robust security measures. Hackers, with their PhDs in audacity, exploit the influence of high-profile figures to spread misinformation and execute pump-and-dump schemes. To combat these threats, individuals can take practical steps such as using multi-factor authentication and regularly updating their passwords. Meanwhile, crypto platforms are stepping up their efforts to enhance security and educate users about the risks of investing in meme coins and other high-risk assets.

Despite these challenges, the promise of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as tools for financial freedom and disruption remains strong. However, the community must remain vigilant, informed, and critical to protect itself and foster a healthy ecosystem. As we navigate the balance between innovation and security, staying informed and cautious is crucial in thwarting the efforts of those looking to undermine the potential of decentralized technologies.

Here are some key questions and takeaways:

• What was the fraudulent meme coin promoted through Mahathir Mohamad’s hacked X account?

  The fraudulent meme coin was called MALAYSIA.

• How much money did hackers steal through the MALAYSIA token scam?

  Hackers stole over $1.7 million from unsuspecting investors.

• What organization did Yu Xian link these scams to?

  Yu Xian linked these scams to the Russian cybercrime syndicate, Evil Corp.

• Who else warned against manipulative crypto schemes besides cybersecurity experts?

  Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also warned against these schemes.

• What other high-profile individuals or entities were recently targeted by similar scams?

  Brazil’s former president, BARRON Trump, Dean Norris, and Solana-based DEX aggregator Jupiter were also targeted.

• What was the speculated cause of the breach in the Jupiter DEX case?

  Jupiter’s founder, @weremeow, speculated that Mei, a key team member, may have been physically targeted while traveling.