Bitfinex Offers $400 Million To Recover Bitcoin Stolen In 2016

Sahana Kiran
August 4, 2020 Updated May 14, 2024
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Losing funds via hacks have become quite common in the crypto industry. While several, resort to legal means to take down the attackers, Bitfinex seems to have something else in mind. 

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Bitfinex Takes A Different Route

The crypto-verse transitioned from being unknown to being valuable. While this did take time, it also spurred up the adoption rate. Along with the good comes the bad. The crypto industry was prey to several attacks over the years. Regardless of the magnitude of the attack, huge amounts of cryptocurrencies have been lost due to these attacks. While authorities still continue to probe certain unsolved hacks, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange has taken a different route to catch the attackers.

Hoping to recover the amount lost in an attack that took place back in 2016, cryptocurrency exchange, Bitfinex proposed a prize to those who could direct the exchange to the attackers. Back on 2 August 2016, the security system of the exchange was infiltrated which further caused a loss of almost 120,000 Bitcoins. Bitfinex, in its blog post, highlighted that those who could lead the exhcnage to the hackers would be rewarded with almost a whopping 400 million USD. Elaborating on the same, the exchange suggested that a total of 5 percent of the recovered Bitcoin would go to those who help reaching the hackers.

Back in February 2019, the authorities investigating the hack in the United States reportedly recovered a total of 27.66270285 Bitcoins from the 2016 hack. This would further leave the exchange with a total of $1.344 billion worth of Bitcoin.

Furthermore, the hackers would not be left without anything, as the exhcnage plans on letting the hackers keep about 25 percent of the recovered Bitcoin. Bitfinex pointed out that the details of those who help the exchange along with the details of the hackers would remain confidential. Speaking about the incident, the exchange wrote,

“This incident is a dark chapter in our exchange’s history, and we are pleased to offer this reward as further evidence of our determination to obtain the lost property.”

Soon after the exchange made this announcement, several from the community lauded the exchange for cutting a fair deal with everyone involved in the attack. However, a few others pointed out that law enforcement would still probe into the matter.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Sahana Kiran is a graduate in Political Science, Economics and Journalism. She is a full-time crypto writer at CoinGape and takes a keen interest in cryptocurrencies, especially Ethereum and Bitcoin. Even though she's not a HODLER yet, she has eyes on Bitcoin.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.