Crypto Detective ZachXBT Spots Abnormal ETH Withdrawals to MTG Cards
Renowned cryptocurrency detective ZachXBT shared his analysis of unique and unconventional uses for important cryptocurrency funds. According to his investigation, unidentified individuals withdrew more than 11,200 ETH worth approximately $25 million from Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency tumbler known for its privacy features. This large sum was primarily used to purchase trading cards for Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a popular collectible competitive card game.
ZachXBT meticulously tracked the flow of these funds, revealing a complex process involving multiple steps. The individual involved first withdrew 100 ETH in batches from Tornado Cash to a total of 11 different addresses. The ETH was then converted to WETH (Wrapped Ethereum) and transferred to a new address. WETH was then unpacked back to ETH and converted to ETH. USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. This USDC was used to facilitate transactions with MTG brokers.
Identification of MTG brokers was an important part of the ZachXBT investigation. He discovered the broker’s involvement through cross-referencing usernames on Instagram and OpenSea, a popular platform for trading digital collectibles. Further inquiry into the on-chain interactions of MTG sellers and brokers provided further clarity. Interestingly, the buyer’s behavior in these transactions was noteworthy for several reasons. The individual appeared to have overpaid by approximately 5-10% for the MTG items, with payments being made upfront in cryptocurrency. Despite this large-scale transaction, the seller was unable to determine the identity of the buyer.
The investigation revealed that the funds were distributed to various deposit addresses associated with major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Kraken, Bitpay, and Coinbase. This aspect of the investigation hints at a wider network of financial activity and raises questions about the source and ultimate destination of these significant funds.
ZachXBT’s analysis does not conclusively establish the source of the funds. However, he considers the possibility that it originated from top Tornado Cash depositors such as Anubis, Cashio and Uranium. These guesses are based on observed withdrawal and spending patterns and the timing and scale of related activity.
This case stands out for its unique combination of large-scale cryptocurrency trading and the world of collectible trading cards. The significant sums spent on MTG cards and the sophisticated methods used to obscure the trace of the funds highlight the diverse and sometimes unexpected ways in which cryptocurrencies can be utilized. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in tracking and understanding the flow of digital currencies, especially when privacy-preserving tools like Tornado Cash are used. The case continues to attract attention, shedding light on the complex and often opaque nature of cryptocurrency trading.
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