X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has recently blown the lid off a bribery scandal that has rocked the cryptocurrency world. According to the company, a network of intermediaries sought to bribe Xβs employees to reinstate suspended crypto accounts involved in scams and market manipulation. This revelation not only raises concerns about internal security but also highlights the lengths to which some are willing to go to exploit the burgeoning crypto space.
Bribery Network and Methods
The bribery scheme, as reported by X, was not a simple case of banned users directly contacting employees. Instead, it involved a more sophisticated approach where middlemen were deployed to act on behalf of these users. These intermediaries allegedly made financial offers to the staff, hoping to convince them to overturn account suspensions linked to crypto fraud and coordinated market manipulation. Reports suggest that this network might be connected to a larger cybercriminal group known as βThe Com,β which is notorious for its activities in the digital underworld.
Xβs Global Government Affairs team took to social media to expose these nefarious activities, emphasizing their commitment to rooting out and taking strong action against the bribery network. The team underscored the importance of maintaining platform integrity, especially when faced with attempts to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain.
The Scale and the Links
As law enforcement and platform teams delve deeper into the investigation, questions arise about the scale of this operation. Xβs Global Government Affairs team has identified multiple instances of attempted bribery, but specific details regarding the number of employees approached or the success rate of these attempts remain undisclosed. Moreover, investigators have pointed out that similar tactics have been employed against other social services and gaming communities, indicating a broader issue that transcends X’s platform alone.
The potential connections to “The Com” further complicate the picture, suggesting that this bribery network might be just one facet of a larger, more organized cybercriminal operation. The implications of such connections are significant, as they could indicate coordinated efforts to manipulate online platforms across the board.
Legal Action and Internal Review
In response to these alarming revelations, X has initiated legal proceedings against individuals linked to the bribery network. The company is actively collaborating with external authorities to share evidence and pursue justice. While no public filings or indictments have been announced yet, the ongoing investigations signal Xβs determination to hold those involved accountable.
Internally, X plans to bolster its checks and audits to safeguard against potential employee collusion. The company is keenly aware that its reputation hinges on its ability to maintain a secure and trustworthy platform for its users. By tightening approval processes for account actions, X aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Numbers and Context
The scale of abuse on X is underscored by the platformβs recent suspension of hundreds of millions of accounts β a staggering 335 million, according to some reports. These suspensions are part of Xβs broader effort to purge scams and bad actors from the site. While these figures are eye-opening, they also reflect the ongoing battle against crypto phishing and fraud, which have become increasingly prevalent.
Industry reports have documented substantial financial losses due to crypto-related fraud, though these figures are not directly linked to the bribery ring exposed by X. Nevertheless, the statistics paint a picture of a digital landscape fraught with challenges for platforms and users alike.
What This Means for Users
For the average user, the potential reinstatement of accounts tied to scams poses a significant risk. Should internal controls falter, these accounts could once again propagate phishing links, fake giveaways, and other fraudulent activities, potentially ensnaring unsuspecting individuals.
X is acutely aware of these risks and is actively working to mitigate harm. By pursuing legal action against wrongdoers and tightening internal procedures, the platform hopes to reassure its user base of its commitment to security and integrity.
Conclusion
The exposure of this bribery network by X serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the digital age. As cryptocurrency continues to grow and reshape the financial landscape, platforms must remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit it for personal gain. Xβs proactive stance in addressing this scandal is a commendable step toward ensuring that the platform remains a safe space for all users.
As the investigations continue, the crypto community will be watching closely, hopeful that justice will be served and that such breaches of trust will be swiftly and effectively addressed.

Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.