tl;dr
X, formerly Twitter, is taking legal action against banned users linked to a bribery network allegedly tied to "The Com," a criminal organization involved in crypto scams and platform manipulation. The network paid intermediaries to bribe employees and reinstate suspended accounts. The FBI has flagg...
**X (Formerly Twitter) Strikes Back: Legal Action Against Crypto Scammers and Bribery Network**
Social media giant X, once known as Twitter, is ramping up its fight against a shadowy network of crypto scammers and criminal actors. In a recent announcement, the platform revealed it’s taking legal action against banned users who allegedly attempted to bribe employees to regain access to the site. The scheme, tied to a broader criminal organization dubbed “The Com,” highlights the escalating battle between social media platforms and cybercriminals exploiting the digital space.
According to X, the bribery network was linked to “wider criminal organizations” and involved suspended accounts linked to cryptocurrency scams and platform manipulation. The company stated that perpetrators paid intermediaries to bribe employees, aiming to reinstate their banned profiles. “X has exposed and is taking strong action against a bribery network targeting our platform,” the statement read. The company is collaborating with law enforcement but declined to share further details about the banned accounts or the extent of the scheme.
The Com, the group allegedly behind the bribes, has been flagged by the FBI as a growing threat. In July, the agency warned of “a growing and evolving online threat group” composed largely of minors, whose activities range from cybercrime to money laundering. The FBI noted that The Com’s tactics have become increasingly sophisticated, with members using complex methods to hide identities, obscure financial transactions, and move illicit funds.
This isn’t the first time X has faced crypto-related chaos. In 2020, hackers exploited the platform to impersonate high-profile accounts—including those of Barack Obama, Apple, and Kanye West—to promote a Bitcoin scam. Last year, similar tactics were used to push a Solana-based meme token, compromising accounts belonging to Lenovo, film director Oliver Stone, and soccer star Neymar Jr.
The latest crackdown underscores the vulnerability of social media platforms to criminal exploitation. Scammers often target users through fake accounts, phishing schemes, and even bribery, leveraging the reach of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Roblox to spread their schemes. As X emphasizes its commitment to “strong action,” the case raises questions: How can platforms balance free speech with security? And what does this mean for the future of crypto and online trust?
As the digital landscape evolves, so too do the methods of those seeking to profit from its chaos. For users, the message is clear: Stay vigilant. For platforms, the challenge is to stay one step ahead of the ever-adaptive criminal underworld. What’s your take on the role of social media in combating such threats?