Lost 99,000 BTC — An $11.4 billion mistake that changed cryptocurrency forever 💸

Back in 2010, a Chinese teenager named Wei Zhang invested just $10 in something that almost nobody understood: Bitcoin.

At less than a cent per coin, that small bet turned into 99,000 BTC — now valued at over $11.4 billion.

But then came the click that destroyed everything. 😞

🚀 Rise of a cryptocurrency prodigy

By 2013, Wei's BTC was already worth millions.

In 2014, at just 19 years old, he launched CryptoLeap, the world's first cryptocurrency margin trading platform.

Traders flooded the platform. Wei became a legend.

By 2017: 99,000 BTC in his personal wallet.

He had it all: vision, platform, power, wealth.

😱 The fall: a single phishing email

In 2018, Wei received an email that appeared to come from a major venture capital firm. It had a "secure" link.

⚠️ He clicked.

⚠️ Logged in.

⚠️ Hackers had full access.

Within minutes, 99,000 BTC vanished.

Passed through mixing services. Crossed chains. Lost forever.

💔 Consequences

Bitcoin plummeted.

CryptoLeap collapsed.

Lawsuits piled up.

Wei resigned.

His empire crumbled overnight.

But instead of fading away, Wei rebuilt himself — this time, as a cybersecurity expert.

🔐 The lesson for all cryptocurrency users

Wei's story is a brutal reminder:

💥 One mistake = generational loss.

That’s why we must prioritize wallet security and smart access to DeFi.

💡 WalletConnect Tip

Never trust random links.

✅ Use WalletConnect to securely connect with verified dApps

✅ No need to expose seed phrases or login data

✅ Stay protected against phishing, rug pulls, and exploits

📲 Always verify. Always connect smartly.

🧠 Final words

The rise and fall of Wei Zhang shaped a generation of builders.