🙉💥The Teen Who Lost 99,000 Bitcoins — Now Valued at $11 Billion💥
In 2010, 16-year-old Chinese student Wei Zhang discovered Bitcoin while browsing online forums. Intrigued by the idea of a decentralized currency, he invested his $10 savings when BTC was under a penny, securing nearly 100,000 coins.
From Hobbyist to Industry Leader
As Bitcoin’s value surged, Wei’s small gamble turned into a fortune. By 19, he founded CryptoLeap, the first cryptocurrency margin trading exchange, allowing traders to borrow funds for amplified gains. The platform grew rapidly, making Wei a major figure in crypto and leaving him with 99,000 BTC in personal holdings.
One Click, a Fortune Gone
In 2018, a phishing email posing as a venture capital firm tricked Wei into revealing his credentials. Hackers gained full access to CryptoLeap’s wallets, draining both company and personal funds. His 99,000 BTC vanished within minutes, impossible to recover.
The Fallout
The theft triggered panic, lawsuits, and regulatory scrutiny. Wei resigned, shutting down CryptoLeap. At today’s prices, the lost coins would be worth over $11 billion — one of crypto’s most infamous cautionary tales.
A New Mission
Instead of disappearing, Wei pivoted to cybersecurity, working to protect others from similar fates. His journey serves as a powerful reminder: in crypto, fortunes can vanish in seconds without proper security.