Ethereum-Based Tornado Cash: Is Another Rug Pull Imminent?
Concerns are mounting over a potential rug pull linked to an Ethereum-based project resembling Tornado Cash. The history of anonymity-focused projects on the Ethereum blockchain is riddled with risk, and recent activity is raising red flags.
The Appeal of Privacy and the Risk of Exploitation: Tornado Cash, an Ethereum-based virtual currency mixer, plays a significant role in concealing the origins and destinations of cryptocurrency transactions. Ver más Tornado Cash is a decentralized non-custodial privacy solution built on the Ethereum blockchain-based zero-knowledge proofs. It enables users to break links in on-chain transactions. However, this anonymity can be exploited by malicious actors.
W3M and the PancakeSwap Launch: According to Blockchain data, the currency was launched in the early hours of the morning and listed on BSC-based PancakeSwap shortly after. In the following hours, W3M saw over 1,800 transactions and over 1,000 holders, at the time of writing. However, five hours after its issuance, the mysterious creators...
Historical Precedent: Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain Rug Pulls: The data also shows that a significant proportion of tokens on Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain are designed to defraud investors. Specifically, 8% of all Ethereum-based tokens demonstrate characteristics of rug pulls, highlighting the pervasive nature of these scams within the crypto space.
Tornado Cash Under Scrutiny: On August 8th, the popular Ethereum smart-contract mixer Tornado Cash was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for its role in illicit activities. 23 de sept. de 2025 Despite the OFAC sanctions in August 2025, there is still currently over 120,000 ETH in Tornado Cash’s pools on Ethereum - an amount worth slightly under $200M. 14 de sept. de 2025 This sanction highlights the risks associated with using such mixers, even for legitimate purposes.
AnubisDAO Connection: According to a May 6 alert from blockchain security firm Certik, an address linked to the AnubisDAO rug pull deposited 3,000 ETH into the sanctioned crypto tumbler Tornado Cash. When a user deposits crypto, such as Ether (ETH), Tornado Cash generates a cryptographic note, which the user can later use to withdraw the same amount to a different address. This connection further underscores the potential for illicit activities facilitated by Tornado Cash and similar mixers.
What to Watch For: Investors should exercise extreme caution with any new Ethereum-based project, especially those promising high returns or utilizing privacy-enhancing technologies. Always do your own research and be aware of the risks involved. Look for signs of developer anonymity, unrealistic promises, and sudden price spikes followed by rapid declines.