DoJ Targets Meme Coin Scammers, Boosting Market Trust

The meme coin sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in crypto, with a market value surpassing $47 billion, according to data as of October 10. Top coins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe lead the market, commanding billions in value and substantial trading activity.

Despite its growth, the meme coin market is plagued by fraudulent schemes. The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) recently took action against four crypto companies and 14 individuals involved in illegal trading practices. They recovered over $25 million in crypto assets, underscoring the extent of manipulation in the market.

Among those targeted was Aleksei Andriunin of GoBit, a major market maker for meme coins. GoBit, along with others, was accused of wash trading, a tactic used to create fake market activity and mislead investors. This form of market manipulation is banned in the US and many other countries. By faking trading volume, these firms tricked traders into investing, resulting in millions in losses.

The crackdown by the DoJ is seen as a positive step for the industry by some analysts, including those from Santiment. They believe that removing manipulative actors like GoBit could boost market confidence in the long run. This sends a message that deceptive practices will not be tolerated, potentially attracting new investors who were previously wary.

While short-term confidence may dip, the long-term outlook for meme coins could improve with increased transparency and less manipulation. If GoBit returns to the market, it will likely operate more openly, creating a fairer environment for all traders.