DMM Bitcoin to Secure $300M for BTC Buyback and Victim Compensation

DMM Bitcoin, a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange, has announced plans to raise over $300 million to compensate users affected by a recent hack. 

The exchange aims to use these funds to buy back Bitcoin and restore confidence among its users.

On June 5, DMM Bitcoin confirmed it had secured a 5 billion yen ($32 million) loan on June 3. The exchange plans to raise an additional 48 billion yen ($308 million) by June 7. Moreover, DMM Bitcoin intends to secure an extra 2 billion yen ($12.8 million) through subordinated loans on June 10. The exchange has assured that its BTC purchases will be conducted carefully to avoid disrupting the market.

Details of the hack and fundraising

The hack, which occurred on May 31, resulted in the theft of 4,502 BTC, equivalent to nearly $305 million. This incident has been identified as the sixth-largest cryptocurrency hack in history. While the exact cause of the breach remains unclear, blockchain security firm Beosin has suggested that DMM Bitcoin’s multi-sig private key might have been compromised. Alternatively, the exchange wallet controller could have fallen victim to an address spoofing scam.

DMM Bitcoin continues its investigation and promises to share more details once it is complete. In the meantime, Arkham Intelligence, a blockchain analytical platform, has offered a bounty to help identify the attackers. The exchange’s fundraising efforts are supported by its group companies, indicating strong backing from within its corporate structure.

Market impact and analyst predictions

The planned BTC buyback is expected to impact the cryptocurrency market positively. According to crypto analyst Guanyuhan, DMM Bitcoin’s purchase of assets at a premium could lead to price increases. Arbitrageurs are likely to take advantage of the high prices on Japanese platforms, which could further boost prices globally. Guanyuhan noted that this operation might lead to a market surge but emphasized the importance of controlling risks.

This incident has pushed the total crypto thefts this year to $821 million, with May experiencing the highest monthly loss. The crypto industry has seen several large-scale hacks in recent years, including the $620 million Ronin Network hack and a $400 million incident involving the bankrupt FTX exchange.

DMM Bitcoin’s position and plans

DMM Bitcoin, a subsidiary of DMM Financial and part of the DMM Group established in 1999, remains committed to compensating its users and restoring trust. The exchange’s careful approach to its BTC buyback and robust support from its parent company highlights its determination to overcome this setback.

Despite the challenges, DMM Bitcoin’s efforts to raise substantial funds and conduct a controlled buyback demonstrate a proactive approach to resolving the crisis. The exchange aims to reassure users and the broader crypto community of its commitment to security and transparency.

The investigation into the hack continues. DMM Bitcoin’s priority remains to compensate affected users and prevent future incidents. The exchange’s transparent communication and decisive actions are crucial in regaining user trust and stabilizing its operations.

DMM Bitcoin’s fundraising efforts and planned BTC buyback underscore its commitment to compensating users and restoring market confidence. The exchange’s careful purchasing of BTC aims to minimize market disruption while addressing the hack’s financial impact. As the investigation progresses, the crypto community will closely watch DMM Bitcoin’s actions and their implications for the broader market.

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