ZachXBT, the self-proclaimed “on-chain sleuth,” has cast a critical eye on some of the sponsors of the upcoming Token2049 conference, slated to take place in Singapore this September. Known for his incisive investigations into the crypto world, ZachXBT has identified several projects backing the event that, while basking in the limelight, might be peddling more smoke and mirrors than genuine innovation.
The Glittering Facade
Token2049, a marquee event in the crypto calendar, attracts industry heavyweights and enthusiasts alike. However, ZachXBT’s recent revelations suggest that some of its sponsors are not the stalwarts they appear to be. “These projects seem to have mastered the art of hype,” he remarks, “but it’s questionable whether they bring any actual value to the table.”
His concerns are not unfounded. The projects in question—although enjoying meteoric rises in market capitalization—have been criticized for lacking substantive utility. They thrive on speculative fervor, which often spirals into cult-like followings. But as the crypto community knows all too well, what goes up in a frenzy can come crashing down just as quickly. This is reminiscent of other high-profile scams, such as the case where the AML Bitcoin founder was sentenced to 7 years in prison for crypto fraud.
Unmasking the Illusions
In the high-stakes world of cryptocurrencies, appearances can be deceiving. The projects ZachXBT scrutinizes are emblematic of a broader trend: the prioritization of marketing flash over technical substance. “It’s a classic case of style over substance,” notes crypto analyst Jane Doe. “Many of these tokens capitalize on the buzzwords of the moment without offering a tangible product or service.”
This isn’t just an isolated incident. The crypto industry has seen its fair share of vaporware—projects that promise the moon but deliver little more than an empty wallet. Yet, the allure of quick profits continues to draw investors in, often at the expense of due diligence. ZachXBT’s exposé serves as a stark reminder of the importance of scrutiny and skepticism. For more on the consequences of such deceptive practices, see our coverage of a crypto scammer who received prison time for swiping NFTs and coins via hacked accounts.
Echoes of the Past
The current scenario echoes past incidents where flashy projects captured the imagination of the crypto community, only to implode spectacularly. Who can forget the case of BitConnect, a high-profile Ponzi scheme that collapsed in 2018, leaving a trail of financial ruin in its wake? Such cautionary tales underscore the necessity for vigilance and critical examination in navigating the crypto landscape.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. There are projects that manage to marry innovation with practicality, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in blockchain technology. This dichotomy between the visionary and the vacuous is a defining characteristic of the crypto sphere—a Wild West where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye.
A Cautionary Outlook
As the Token2049 conference approaches, ZachXBT’s warnings raise pertinent questions about the future of these projects. Will they manage to pivot from hype-driven narratives to tangible offerings? Or will they join the ranks of those that promised much but delivered little?
For the crypto community, these insights serve as a call to action. It’s a reminder to dig deeper, question narratives, and demand transparency. As the industry matures, the hope is that investors will become more discerning, valuing substance over style and innovation over empty promises.
In an arena marked by rapid shifts and relentless innovation, the need for accountability and authenticity has never been more critical. The coming months will reveal whether these spotlighted projects can withstand the scrutiny or if they will falter under the weight of their own hype. For now, we watch, we analyze, and we wait.
Source
This article is based on: Big stage, bigger scams? 5 shady crypto projects that made it to the spotlight
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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.