Bitcoin freeze scandal: scammer turned himself in by contacting ZachXBT
A story worthy of a crypto detective: a user under the pseudonym AmanKesar11 reached out to renowned on-chain analyst ZachXBT, complaining about the "unfair" freezing of 5.73 BTC (approximately $475,000) on the Changelly platform. However, an investigation revealed that these funds were directly linked to a series of thefts targeting U.S. citizens.
Upon receiving the message, I, like ZachXBT, would have immediately begun analyzing the transaction. In this case, he traced the chain and discovered that the incoming funds originated from illegal sources — thefts through social engineering aimed at Americans, including retirees. The scheme involved using U.S. exchanges and Bitcoin ATMs.
How the Scammer Exposed Himself
The entire linked chain of thefts netted the perpetrators over $1 million since the start of 2025. The 5.73 BTC themselves were frozen on Changelly back in March 2025 — which is precisely why the individual sought help. His explanations for the origin of the funds kept changing: first it was a loan, then money from a boss, then supposedly the boss's investments in Bitcoin "in 2014 and 2015" through an acquaintance in the U.S. Notably, in December 2025, the individual claimed to have even filed a complaint with the police in India due to the freeze.
Who Was Behind the Individual
In the correspondence, AmanKesar11 sent screenshots of emails, and ZachXBT reconstructed the structure of the entire group. My analysis confirms: the individual is merely an intermediary through whom money is laundered for a boss under the pseudonym "Mr Parveen." This conclusion was drawn from the "evidence" the individual himself provided: bank statements turned out to be in someone else's name and at a different address.
ZachXBT issued a warning to his followers: he can be asked for help, he respects privacy, but one should not approach him to recover stolen funds. As an expert, I fully support this stance. In the modern crypto space, where anonymity is often used for abuse, such incidents highlight the importance of on-chain analysis and vigilance. My recommendation: always verify the origin of funds before any transactions, otherwise you risk becoming part of someone else's criminal scheme.