Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has faced several allegations over the years, but as of now, there is no concrete evidence or legal action confirming his involvement in any criminal activities. Here’s an overview of the key accusations: 
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1. Alleged Involvement in the 2016 Gatecoin Hack
In early 2025, the crypto investigation group TruthLabs claimed that wallets linked to the Ethereum Foundation and Buterin were connected to the 2016 Gatecoin hack, which resulted in losses exceeding $500 million. They suggested that funds from Ethereum’s Genesis Block were transferred to wallets associated with the hack. However, these claims are based on blockchain analysis and have not been substantiated by legal authorities or corroborated by independent investigations. 
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2. Accusations of Insider ETH Sales
In August 2024, Buterin was accused of selling over $2 million worth of Ether (ETH) shortly after making positive public statements about the cryptocurrency. Critics argued this could be a case of “pump and dump.” Buterin responded by stating that the sales were intended to fund various crypto projects and philanthropic initiatives, not for personal gain. There is no evidence of legal wrongdoing in this matter. 
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3. Claims by Former Ethereum Advisor Steven Nerayoff
Steven Nerayoff, an early advisor to Ethereum, released recordings from 2015 suggesting internal conflicts and potential legal risks within the Ethereum Foundation. While these recordings highlight disagreements and concerns about financial management, they do not provide definitive evidence of fraud or criminal conduct by Buterin. 
4. Support for Controversial Figures
Buterin has publicly supported individuals like Roger Ver, who faces charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes. Buterin criticized the severity of the potential penalties, calling them “absurd” and suggesting that the prosecution might be politically motivated. While this stance has been controversial, it does not implicate Buterin in any criminal activity.
