The crypto community was rocked after Gifto (GFT) executives released and dumped 1.2 billion GFT tokens, worth approximately $8.6 million, following Binance’s announcement to delist the token. This action led to a staggering 40% drop in GFT’s value, sparking widespread criticism and highlighting the risks of centralized projects.
On November 26, Binance revealed its decision to delist the GFT/USDT trading pair by December 10, 2024. While the announcement itself caused a 25% decline in the token’s value, the subsequent actions of Gifto’s developers escalated the situation, severely undermining investor confidence.
Blockchain Analysis Uncovers Controversial Move
Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reported that Gifto developers minted the tokens in just eight hours and transferred them to exchanges for sale. The lack of transparency surrounding this operation alarmed investors, with many interpreting it as a “rug pull” or an attempt to escape the market.
Experts believe this move reflects poorly on centralized projects and underscores the importance of decentralized finance (DeFi) and decentralized exchanges (DEX) for more transparent and resilient ecosystems.
Binance’s Widening Delisting Trend
Binance’s decision to delist GFT is part of a broader trend. Alongside GFT, the exchange also delisted seven other trading pairs, including IRISnet (IRIS), SelfKey (KEY), OAX (OAX), and Ren (REN). Binance routinely evaluates underperforming or problematic tokens to maintain the integrity of its platform.
For tokens like GFT, delisting often results in a loss of liquidity, diminished market confidence, and reduced visibility. These factors make it significantly harder for affected projects to sustain their long-term viability.
Community Fallout and Investor Challenges
Gifto’s actions have caused a rift within its community and left small-scale investors in a precarious position. While large investors exited their positions, retail participants bore the brunt of the financial losses.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the value of decentralized systems that promote transparency and accountability. As the delisting date of December 10 approaches, GFT holders face an uncertain future.
Conclusion
The scandal surrounding Gifto’s GFT token highlights the vulnerabilities of centralized crypto projects. As Turkish NY Radio notes, this situation underscores the growing need for decentralized solutions to ensure greater transparency and investor protection.