Blockchain tracker Whale Alert recorded a striking transfer of 75,220,590 XRP valued at $178.6 million between two unidentified wallets roughly 12 hours ago. The alert quickly ignited conversation across the XRP community on X, formerly Twitter.
While the sending wallet remains anonymous, data from XRPScan links the receiving address to leading exchange Crypto.com, headquartered in Singapore with offices worldwide. Consequently, traders and analysts now speculate about the motive: Was it an over-the-counter purchase, an internal treasury shuffle, or a whale preparing to sell?
Market Reaction: Price Slips After Monday’s Rally
Despite Monday’s sharp 4.95 % climb, XRP surrendered 2.3 % today and now trades near $2.34. Investors view the sudden whale movement and the price pullback as potential early signs of broader profit-taking. Nevertheless, XRP still outperforms several large-cap peers on a weekly basis.
Related article: XRP Surges 2.6% as Futures Launch Sparks Institutional Hype
Meanwhile, parent company Ripple issued a fresh warning about increasingly sophisticated AI-powered fraud. According to Ripple, malicious actors now deploy deep-fake images and videos that convincingly mimic high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, major U.S. politicians, and even Ripple executives like CEO Brad Garlinghouse, President Monica Long, and CTO David Schwartz. The firm reiterated that none of its leaders will ever solicit personal data or cryptocurrency with promises of doubling funds.
Industry Voices Echo Concern
Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao recently shared seeing an AI-generated video of himself so realistic he struggled to verify its authenticity. His experience underscores Ripple’s warning and highlights how rapidly deep-fake technology evolves posing fresh risks for crypto holders.
Related article: Ripple CEO Champions XRP Futures Debut Amid Price Dip
For now, the whale transfer invites further scrutiny. If Crypto.com moved funds internally, the event may prove benign. Conversely, if the destination address belongs to a customer preparing to trade, the market could face increased volatility.
Either way, Ripple’s simultaneous fraud alert serves as a timely reminder: Always verify sources before sending assets. Investors should stay vigilant, monitor exchange wallets, and heed official channels when assessing any sensational claim.
