SlowMist analysts have raised alarms regarding a 100 ETH transaction initiated from an AssangeDAO address and sent to an entity seemingly associated with the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) on March 10th.
Amidst growing worries within the community about a possible “Soft Rug Pull,” the analysts emphasized the critical need for transparency in DAO activities. They highlighted that substantial fund movements “have sparked numerous inquiries, especially regarding the eventual destination of the funds.”
Community Concerns Rise as AssangeDAO Faces Potential Fund Transfer Issues
Concerns arose within the AssangeDAO community on March 10, 2024, following a transfer of 100 ETH from the DAO’s multisig address, 0x5DAEA26517788b1c0DDB0200c6Fa6d8248076143. This event triggered worries of a potential “Soft Rug Pull,” prompting collaborative efforts between SlowMist and RescuETH Rescue to address these concerns in a joint article.
According to the article, the AssangeDAO multisig address received 16,600 ETH in March 2022 and has since transferred nearly 12,000 ETH over two years, leaving a balance of 5,018.59 ETH.
Further transactions include 580.745 ETH transferred to a contract address (0xeD2…131) on April 8, 2022, 34.99 ETH to Kraken, and 829.64 ETH to another contract address (0x8a1…262) on May 9, 2022.
Between June 8, 2022, and February 16, 2024, the address transferred 9,750 ETH across 65 transactions, primarily to (0x323339bc28028da8cd11b584747ee8ec873616b4). Notably, the last two transfers of 150 ETH each were directed to (0x2f988a4f26280a108a5761a889e63bd7f91d517e), commencing on January 23, 2024.
Between March 6 and 10, 2024, a total of 200 ETH was transferred to (0x2f988a4f26280a108a5761a889e63bd7f91d517e).
Analysis highlights concentration in two addresses: (0x323339bc28028da8cd11b584747ee8ec873616b4), associated with transfers to Kraken, and (0x2f988a4f26280a108a5761a889e63bd7f91d517e), which recently received large transfers.
Upon closer examination of these addresses, a pattern emerges of significant ETH movement and redistribution, prompting questions about the purpose and nature of these transactions. Despite uncertainty surrounding AssangeDAO’s intentions, investors are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence.
As of now, AssangeDAO has not issued any public statements regarding these developments.
AssangeDAO Faces Scrutiny Over Fund Transfers Amid Assange’s Legal Battles
Established in 2022, AssangeDAO rose to prominence through its connection to Julian Assange, the Australian activist renowned for founding WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks is a platform dedicated to revealing classified information from anonymous sources.
Assange faces extradition to the US on 18 charges, including 17 under the Espionage Act and one under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. These charges stem from WikiLeaks’ publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked confidential military files and diplomatic documents related to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. If convicted, Assange could face up to 175 years in prison.
Following a 2021 UK High Court ruling on his extradition, supporters rallied to create AssangeDAO to advocate for his cause. The campaign garnered over 17,400 ETH in cryptocurrency donations, with the funds earmarked for Assange’s legal defense and additional initiatives aimed at raising awareness.
Following the success of ConstitutionDAO, AssangeDAO launched a fundraising campaign on JuiceBox to support Julian Assange’s legal defense and promote awareness of free speech issues. As part of the campaign, AssangeDAO bid on an NFT titled “Clock 1/1,” created by Assange and Pak, symbolizing his period of imprisonment. The proceeds from this NFT auction were designated for Assange’s legal defense and advocacy efforts.
On November 8, 2023, AssangeDAO announced that 16 members of the US Congress had signed a letter urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to dismiss the charges against Assange. However, on March 26, a UK court granted Assange permission to appeal his extradition to the United States.
