CoinDesk Podcast Network BITCOIN SEASON 2: Bitcoin "Dusting" Attack You Didn't Know About W/ Galaxy Digital
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Oct 18, 2025 Zach Pokorny, a researcher from Galaxy Digital and co-author of an investigative report, dives into the alarming details of a massive Bitcoin dusting campaign targeting over 40,000 addresses. They discuss the intricacies of 2.3 million BTC impacted by deceptive legal messages linked to non-existent abandoned property laws. The conversation touches on the mysterious 80,000 BTC whale movement, the $90,000 cost of the attack, and speculations around motives reminiscent of classic lawfare tactics. Intriguing insights about address selection and dormant coins add to the allure.
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Campaign Was Much Bigger Than It Appeared
- The dusting campaign was vastly larger than initially seen, spanning over 39,000 addresses and 41,000+ messages.
- Galaxy found the ADK whale received an early message, revealing only the tip of the iceberg.
Legal Threat Framing, Not Quantum Risk
- Messages claimed coins appeared abandoned under state abandoned-property laws and urged recipients to act.
- Zach says there's no evidence of quantum attacks; the tactic resembles lawfare and harassment.
Don't Prove Ownership By Panic-Moving Coins
- Avoid moving coins to a centralized intermediary solely to respond to dusting notices because that proves ownership and may create legal exposure.
- Zach warns intermediaries can trigger the very custodial relationships that would enable claims.