A shocking investigation has uncovered the mastermind behind the controversial MELANIA token launch, revealing a calculated scheme of self-sniping that netted millions in profit. Blockchain analysis firm Bubblemaps dropped a bombshell report on X, exposing how wallet “0xcEA” raked in $2.4 million from sniping its own token launch on January 19, 2025.
But wait, it gets better. The same wallet that pulled off the MELANIA heist? Yeah, they went on to launch LIBRA token less than a month later. Talk about having some nerve. The mastermind didn’t even bother changing their playbook, using identical sniping patterns to pocket another $6 million from LIBRA’s launch on February 15.
The evidence is pretty damning. Transaction histories show a clear trail of funds moving from the initial MELANIA snipe to various Avalanche wallets, then circling back to fund LIBRA’s creation. Multiple cross-chain transfers, funding transactions, and some suspiciously well-timed trades paint a picture that’s about as subtle as a neon sign. The profits were directly transferred to wallet 0xcEA from P5tb4 address.
Follow the money and it’s clear – these crypto heists leave a neon-bright trail across multiple blockchains.
MELANIA’s launch was a wild ride – hitting a $10 billion market cap on day one before crashing to under $2 billion thanks to massive insider selling. The whole thing stinks of market manipulation, with automated bots and high-speed trading tools exploiting brief market inefficiencies during the launch. Kelsier Ventures was later identified as the market maker orchestrating these trades. The dramatic price drop mirrors typical bear market crashes, reminiscent of Bitcoin’s 2018 plunge from $20,000 to $3,000.
While crypto regulations remain as clear as mud, the ethical implications are crystal clear. Using non-public information to snipe your own token launch? That’s the kind of behavior that gives crypto a bad name. The community’s watching closely as regulatory bodies consider potential investigations into these shenanigans.
The technical sophistication behind the scheme is almost impressive – mempool analysis, automated tools, and perfect timing. Too bad all that talent went into gaming the system instead of building something legitimate. Just another day in crypto, where even tokens associated with former First Ladies aren’t immune to launch manipulation.
