Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced the discovery of a sophisticated bribery network. The scheme involved individuals paying middlemen to bribe company employees in an attempt to reinstate accounts that were suspended for participating in cryptocurrency-related scams.
The company stated that legal proceedings are now underway against the individuals involved, and it is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies. The perpetrators are allegedly linked to wider criminal organizations, including a group known as "The Com," which has been the subject of previous warnings from federal authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Social media platform X identified a bribery network aimed at reinstating suspended accounts.
- The suspended accounts were previously involved in cryptocurrency scams.
- Perpetrators allegedly paid middlemen to bribe X employees for account restoration.
- The scheme is linked to a broader criminal organization called "The Com," previously flagged by the FBI.
- X has initiated legal action and is collaborating with law enforcement on the investigation.
Details of the Bribery Allegations
In a public statement on Friday, September 19, 2025, X detailed the findings of its internal investigation. The company described a coordinated effort by users to circumvent its platform integrity rules. These users, previously banned for fraudulent crypto activities, sought to regain access to their accounts through illicit means.
The method involved paying third-party individuals, described as "middlemen," who would then attempt to bribe X employees. The ultimate goal was the reinstatement of suspended accounts, which could then be used to perpetuate further scams. This highlights a significant internal and external security challenge for social media companies that are central to the digital asset community.
The Role of Social Media in Crypto
Platforms like X, Telegram, and Discord have become essential communication hubs for the cryptocurrency industry. They are used for project announcements, community building, and real-time market discussions. However, their popularity and open nature also make them prime targets for scammers who exploit the platforms to promote fraudulent tokens, conduct phishing attacks, and impersonate influential figures.
X emphasized its commitment to platform safety in its announcement. "Our commitment to ensuring our platform’s integrity is absolute," the company stated, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards such activities. The ongoing legal proceedings suggest that X is pursuing both civil and criminal avenues to address the issue.
Connection to 'The Com' Criminal Network
The investigation by X has linked the bribery suspects to a known international criminal collective called "The Com." This connection elevates the incident from a simple case of bribery to a matter involving organized crime. The group is also known by aliases such as "Hacker Com" or "The Community."
FBI Warning on 'The Com'
In July, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued a specific warning about "The Com." The agency described it as a primarily English-speaking international group, noting that many of its members are minors. The FBI stated that the group engages in a wide range of criminal activities.
According to the FBI, "Members of Hacker Com typically have a shared interest, ideology, or goal and work together, adding others to the group and splintering when necessary, to achieve their mission." This decentralized and fluid structure makes such groups difficult for law enforcement to track and dismantle.
X's report also mentioned that the individuals involved in the bribery scheme operate across multiple online platforms, not just its own. The list includes popular services like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox, indicating a broad operational footprint targeting diverse, often younger, user bases.
Broader Implications for Platform Security
This incident underscores the persistent threat of insider risk and external manipulation faced by major technology companies. The attempt to bribe employees is a direct assault on a company's internal security protocols and highlights the human element as a potential vulnerability in the fight against online fraud.
Related Law Enforcement Actions
The announcement from X coincides with other significant law enforcement actions against cybercrime. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed federal charges against a British teenager. Prosecutors allege the individual was involved in at least 120 cyberattacks, which included targeting the U.S. Courts system and extorting dozens of American companies.
"Legal proceedings are underway against participants, and we're fully supporting law enforcement. Our commitment to ensuring our platform’s integrity is absolute."
This teenager is also accused of being part of a 2024 cyberattack on London's transportation network. That attack has been linked to a hacking group named Scattered Spider, which reports suggest has previous ties to "The Com." This connection illustrates the overlapping and interconnected nature of various cybercriminal factions.
The Ongoing Battle Against Crypto Scams
Cryptocurrency scams remain a significant problem across the internet. The promise of high returns and the technical nature of digital assets create fertile ground for fraudsters. Common tactics include:
- Phishing Scams: Creating fake websites or emails to steal private keys or login credentials.
- Impersonation: Posing as celebrities, project founders, or support staff to solicit funds.
- Rug Pulls: Developers launching a new token, attracting investment, and then disappearing with the funds.
- Giveaway Scams: Promising to double or triple any cryptocurrency sent to a specific wallet, which is controlled by the scammer.
Social media platforms are on the front lines of this battle, constantly updating algorithms and moderation policies to detect and remove malicious content. However, the discovery of an organized bribery network shows that scammers are evolving their tactics to include corrupting the platforms from within. For users, this serves as a critical reminder to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers and to report suspicious activity immediately.
