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The dark side of crypto: founders under fire in 2026

The Dark Side of Crypto | Founders Face Major Backlash in 2026

By

Diana Kim

Feb 7, 2026, 09:50 PM

Edited By

David Kim

Updated

Feb 8, 2026, 10:11 AM

2 minutes reading time

A group of crypto founders looking worried, with negative headlines and symbols of market manipulation around them, while one figure stands confidently representing integrity and innovation in the cry...

The crypto world is in turmoil as allegations of misconduct among key figures surface. Accusations against leading cryptocurrency founders have sparked outrage, further shaking trust in the digital currency market.

Allegations Against Key Founders Grow

Bitcoin's controversial origin story continues to unfold. Reports indicate that its founder mined nearly 5% of the total supply before disappearing, raising fears of potential market manipulation, should this individual decide to sell. Additionally, it has emerged that three Bitcoin developers were funded by Jeffrey Epstein in 2015, fueling doubts about the project's integrity.

Critics are also targeting Ethereumโ€™s founder, who dramatically held 40% of the supply until 2021. Many view his role in "The Merge" as a betrayal, questioning the future of Ethereum.

Tether and Its Market Manipulation Claims

Tether's CEO faces scrutiny for reportedly inflating the crypto market by creating billions of USDT each month. Investors express concerns as the CEO seems to prefer buying gold over bolstering Bitcoin, signaling a lack of faith in the crypto sector.

Misconduct and Market Exploitation

The founder of BNB is accused of liquidating extensive crypto assets while holding more than 90% of BNB. His previous legal issues raise serious concerns. Moreover, Rippleโ€™s CEOโ€™s massive sell-offs of XRP alarm investors about its potential growth.

A popular forum comment captures the growing frustration: "Theyโ€™re just dumping coins on us!"

In a shocking revelation, Solana's founder faces accusations of manipulating markets and neglecting his own chain. Tronโ€™s leader is also under fire for fraud and insider trading allegations, further damaging faith in major crypto projects.

A Closer Look at Charlie Lee's Commitment

In stark contrast to his peers, Charlie Lee, the creator of Litecoin, emerges as a figure of stability. Despite controversy surrounding his decisions, including past sales, Lee has channeled his efforts into supporting the Litecoin Foundation.

"Charlie is in a league of his own. He has been quietly building and funding Litecoin and Bitcoin for over a decade," a supportive comment notes.

Lee's work on enhancing Litecoinโ€™s privacy features with the MWEB upgrade is viewed as a significant step toward achieving fungibility, thus positioning it as genuine digital cash. His involvement with Lite Strategy suggests he is committed to increasing Litecoinโ€™s mainstream adoption, helping Wall Street embrace LTC.

Key Insights on the Current Crypto Scene

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Founders continue to face growing allegations, raising investor discontent.

  • โœ… Charlie Leeโ€™s commitment sets him apart:

    • Focused on long-term support for both Bitcoin and Litecoin.

    • Actively involved in securing Litecoin's future through institutional partnerships.

  • โ— Doubts about manipulation and accountability are prevalent, leaving many questioning the sector's trajectory.

What Lies Ahead for Crypto?

As scrutiny increases, there are hints that regulatory changes could be on the way. Lawmakers might lobby for stricter compliance standards targeting the behavior of top players, with about 70% of financial analysts agreeing this shift could enhance trust and broaden crypto adoption.

Historical Lessons for Crypto Leaders

The mismanagement seen in the grain crisis of the 1980s serves as a cautionary tale for todayโ€™s crypto leaders. Poor decisions can swiftly damage trust and investor confidence in their projects. As communities urge for accountability, it remains uncertain whether meaningful changes will manifest in this rapidly shifting market.