ZachXBT Issues Warning on ZEUS Token, Citing Founders’ Links to Market Manipulation

A major on-chain transaction by the well-known crypto whale James Wynn has drawn renewed scrutiny to the ZEUS meme coin, as prominent blockchain investigator ZachXBT has about the project’s founders.

The controversy ignited after on-chain data showed Wynn spent 39 ETH (approximately $104,000) to purchase 2.446 trillion ZEUS tokens. The warning highlights the creators’ past links to a company that openly promoted market manipulation strategies.

According to monitoring by Onchain Lens, James Wynn made a sizeable purchase of ZEUS meme tokens on June 16. On-chain data points out that such whale activity can appeal to retail traders, potentially leading them to follow these large moves, sometimes increasing volatility in the process.

While large whale buys can often attract retail interest, this purchase has been met with caution. Investigator ZachXBT quickly warned his followers that the creators behind the ZEUS meme project previously operated a market-making company named Darkpool.

According to ZachXBT’s findings, Darkpool’s public materials actively promoted market manipulation tactics, including chart manipulation and spoofing. The investigator advised caution, noting that a project with historical ties to such practices remains a concern for investors. Wynn’s high-profile purchase has now amplified this scrutiny.

In addition to the direct token purchase, additional on-chain data has shown some further information about Wynn’s . Investigators discovered links between his public wallet and another, less traceable wallet.

These accounts realize trades against each other and may reverse in a net hedging transaction. On-chain analysis reveals how, despite the market perception of his loss and volatility, his private accounts appear to profit through calculated positioning.

This analysis suggests that despite a public “loser persona” built on high-profile liquidations, his private accounts may be profiting through a more calculated and complex positioning. Researchers have described this persona, which has attracted over 370,000 social media followers, as an effective marketing tactic. Critics point to his and the $44,000 he has reportedly made in referral commissions as evidence of a well-planned public relations and trading strategy.