- Raj Gokal Targeted in Data Leak: Solana co-founder Raj Gokal’s personal info, including passport and ID photos, was leaked on rapper Migos’ hacked Instagram account. The post hinted at a failed extortion attempt demanding 40 BTC (~$4.3M).
- Social Engineering Suspected: Web3 analyst ZachXBT believes Gokal’s accounts were compromised through social engineering. The incident may be linked to the recent Coinbase data breach from mid-May.
- 2025 Sees Surge in Crypto Hacks: Q1 2025 recorded $1.63B in crypto-related hacks—a 131% jump year-over-year. Major hits include Bybit, Cetus Protocol, and Coinbase, highlighting growing risks for both DeFi and centralized platforms.
In a strange twist that sent ripples through the crypto space, Solana’s co-founder Raj Gokal found himself in the middle of a data leak drama. Personal photos of him and his wife, including passport and ID scans that looked like KYC docs, ended up posted on Instagram. Not just any account, either—the images showed up on U.S. rapper Migos’ profile, which, yep, was apparently hacked.
The caption, oddly enough, read “you should’ve paid the 40 BTC,” hinting at a failed extortion. That’s over $4.3 million at today’s rate. The post’s been removed now, but the internet doesn’t forget easily.
Crypto Hacks Aren’t Slowing Down
Not long after the leak, ZachXBT, a well-known Web3 sleuth, chimed in. He suspects Raj was hit by a classic case of social engineering—someone tricking their way into his personal accounts, maybe to demand ransom later. With no payment made, the hackers appear to have posted the data out of spite (or boredom, who knows?).
Funny enough, just a week before this went public, Raj actually warned his followers that someone had been poking around his email and socials. Coincidence? Maybe not—especially considering Coinbase also reported a massive breach mid-May, leaking sensitive user data. Some users think Raj’s info might’ve come from that.
The Bigger Picture: 2025’s Crypto Security Mess
While Gokal hasn’t said if he lost funds, the numbers speak volumes. 2025 has been brutal for security in crypto. According to PeckShield, Q1 alone racked up $1.63 billion in losses across 60+ hacks—a whopping 131% jump compared to Q1 2024. The Bybit exploit led that charge.
And it didn’t end there. Cetus Protocol on Sui lost $223 million this quarter. With Coinbase’s breach also drawing potential claims of over $400 million, both DeFi and centralized systems are taking heavy hits.
Bottom line? If you’re in crypto, don’t trust every DM or sketchy support link. Scammers are out in full force, and they’re getting bolder. Stay sharp.
