Key Takeaways
India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, WazirX, still reeling from a devastating $235 million hack in July, has unveiled a multitiered plan to recover the lost funds and revive its operations.
However, the proposal has been met with widespread skepticism from the crypto community, who accuse the exchange of hypocrisy and deceit.
At the heart of WazirX’s plan is the launch of a new decentralized exchange (DEX) platform , which would merge the user-friendly experience of centralized exchanges with the security of self-custody.
The exchange also plans to issue a native DEX token and introduce a staking program, with promises to compensate users for their lost funds using profits from trading fees.
However, WazirX’s efforts to regain the trust of its users may be too little too late.
The exchange’s handling of the hack has been opaque, to say the least, with users’ assets being transferred to other platforms and the company undergoing restructuring in Singapore.
WazirX’s founder, Nischal Shetty, has come under intense scrutiny for his company’s failure to adhere to its user agreement, delaying INR withdrawals and permitting the withdrawal of remaining crypto assets.
The Indian crypto community, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism of WazirX. Many accuse the exchange of perpetuating a “multi-level marketing scam.”
Social media users have quickly pointed out the contradictions in WazirX’s proposal, with one user sarcastically remarking , “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice. Shame on me. Only fools will trust them.”
Another user noted that WazirX had failed to manage a simple centralized exchange, making its promise to launch a DEX and compensate users seem far-fetched.
The controversy surrounding WazirX has also highlighted the need for greater transparency in the crypto industry.
The exchange’s decision to turn off comments on its post detailing the recovery plan has only added to the sense of mistrust, with users feeling that their voices are being ignored.
As WazirX navigates the complex process of rebuilding trust with its users, it remains to be seen whether the exchange’s promises will materialize into tangible results.
One thing is sure, however: the Indian crypto community will be watching closely, and any further missteps could have severe consequences for the exchange’s future.