Crypto Scammers Tried to Bribe X Employees to Restore Suspended Accounts

Social media platform X revealed on Friday that it dismantled an elaborate bribery operation allegedly driven by users tied to crypto-related scams.

According to X’s Global Government Affairs team, intermediaries were paid to approach company employees with offers to reinstate accounts banned for fraud. The scheme, uncovered through internal investigations, has been linked to broader cybercriminal groups, including the notorious “The Com.”

X said the same perpetrators also operate across other social media and gaming platforms—such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox—using them to spread scams and manipulate account access.

“Legal proceedings are underway against participants, and we're fully supporting law enforcement. Our commitment to ensuring our platform’s integrity is absolute.”

Despite ongoing crackdowns, X remains a prime hub for crypto scammers. Alongside Telegram and Discord, it continues to serve as a central gathering point for both legitimate crypto communities and bad actors promoting fraudulent tokens through increasingly sophisticated schemes.

FBI Warnings and High-Profile Arrests

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning in July about “The Com”—an English-speaking hacking collective, many of whose members are minors. The agency described the group as loosely organized but highly adaptable, carrying out SIM-swapping, ransomware attacks, and extortion. By recruiting underaged members, the group often exploits the lighter penalties faced by youth offenders.

Law enforcement has begun to tighten its grip. On Thursday, TechCrunch reported that the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed federal charges against a British teenager accused of participating in more than 120 cyberattacks, including intrusions into the U.S. Courts system and the extortion of major American firms.

Investigators also tied the teen to a 2024 attack that disrupted London’s public transport network. Authorities believe he had links to both Scattered Spider and The Com, two groups with long histories of cybercrime.

Broader Implications for Crypto and Social Platforms

X’s disclosure of the bribery ring underscores the growing overlap between cryptocurrency fraud and platform exploitation. Analysts warn that crypto’s borderless nature—and the rise of privacy coins and stablecoins—make it a convenient tool for bribes, laundering, and account-reinstatement schemes.

Blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis recently reported that over $40 billion had been sent to known illicit addresses in 2024 alone, with the number expected to rise as investigators flag additional wallets.

X has pledged to stay aggressive. The company says it has already suspended more than 53 million accounts in the first half of 2024—a sharp increase from the previous year. By pursuing legal action and deepening law enforcement partnerships, X aims to restore user trust while deterring further attempts to manipulate its systems.

As digital crime syndicates become more professionalized, experts argue that social platforms must remain adaptive in their defenses. With crypto scams showing no signs of slowing, vigilance, transparency, and cross-border enforcement will be key to protecting online communities.