BitMart Founder Dismisses Hacked Account Claims Amid Employee Demands

BitMart founder Sheldon Lee has dismissed claims of blocked customer withdrawals and unpaid employee salaries as 'fabricated rumors' originating from a hacked X account. The exchange's Chinese-language X account was reportedly taken over by employees who issued demands for Lee and partner Yi Li to disclose funds, wallets, assets, liabilities, and reserves to independent verification by August 19. Lee stated that a police report would be filed and a legal letter sent to X regarding the alleged hacking.

Users and onchain investigators like ZachXBT are demanding that BitMart restore withdrawals or submit to third-party audits as the exchange winds down operations, with August 26 set as the final trading day. Many users report that their funds remain inaccessible since the July 26 announcement. Distressed investment firm Echo Base has offered a funded restructuring package to BitMart, but has received no response, warning that the situation may require court intervention.

Lee stated that employee assets are not prioritized over client assets, as all are considered clients with no special privileges. The employee post highlighted that many users still cannot withdraw their money and employees have not received their July salaries or owed compensation.