An anonymous Ethereum address has made a significant contribution to WikiLeaks, transferring over 711 ETH, which is nearly $2 million. This donation was carried out through five separate transactions that started on February 10 and concluded recently. The donor, who remains unidentified, signed the transactions with the pseudonym Hu Lezhi, although this name is not believed to be his actual identity.
Messages and Concerns
The accompanying messages were written in both Chinese and English, indicating a possible Chinese origin for the individual. The first message expresses concern about a new model of crime that allegedly enslaves victims by depriving them of their desires, leading them to become “slaves of digital machines.” The donor ominously states that if he were to fall victim to this phenomenon, he would choose to “leave this world.”
The second message continues this theme, warning that advancements in brain-computer interfaces and mind-reading technologies have turned individuals into puppets or slaves of digital machines. The final message, written in Chinese, accuses the CEOs of Kuande Investment, Feng Xin and Xu Yuzhi, of using “brain-computer weapons” to persecute employees and even control themselves.
Accusations Against Kuande Investment
The accusations against Kuande Investment, also known as WizardQuant, are peculiar, given that it is a Chinese hedge fund focused on innovation. The claims of using advanced technology for persecution seem far-fetched, and it is speculated that Hu Lezhi may be a current or former employee of the company, adding intrigue to the situation. The seriousness of the allegations, combined with the donor’s apparent mental distress, suggests a complex narrative that intertwines personal grievances with broader societal concerns about technology and control.
In addition to the 711 ETH donation to WikiLeaks, Hu Lezhi has transferred 603 ETH (approximately $1.65 million) to an Ethereum burn address, along with messages directed at WikiLeaks. He also sent 700 ETH to ndao.eth and 33 ETH to Grant Provider, bringing the total amount of ETH sent to over 2,047, valued at nearly $5.6 million. Following these transactions, the anonymous donor is left with only 0.27 ETH in his wallet, indicating a complete liquidation of his assets for these causes.
Impact on WikiLeaks
WikiLeaks, founded by Julian Assange, is an international non-profit organization dedicated to publishing confidential documents obtained from anonymous sources. The organization has faced numerous challenges in receiving and processing donations due to restrictions imposed by financial institutions and governments. In response, WikiLeaks has expanded its donation options to include cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, allowing supporters to contribute more freely.
The recent donation from Hu Lezhi is significant not only for its size but also for its potential implications. By donating such a large sum, the anonymous donor likely aims to draw attention to his accusations against Kuande Investment, possibly hoping that WikiLeaks will investigate the claims. However, the bizarre nature of the allegations may lead WikiLeaks to approach the matter with caution, as the organization has historically focused on more substantiated claims of governmental and corporate misconduct.
Cryptocurrency and Activism
This donation highlights the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and activism, where individuals leverage digital assets to fund causes they believe in. As cryptocurrencies continue to gain traction, they offer a unique avenue for anonymous donations, enabling supporters to contribute to organizations like WikiLeaks without the constraints of traditional financial systems. The rise of cryptocurrency donations has transformed the fundraising landscape for non-profit organizations.
As traditional financial institutions impose restrictions on certain entities, cryptocurrencies provide an alternative means of support. This shift has been particularly beneficial for organizations like WikiLeaks, which have faced significant challenges in securing funding through conventional channels. Moreover, the anonymity afforded by cryptocurrencies allows donors to express their support without fear of retribution, especially in cases where the organizations are engaged in controversial activities, such as publishing classified information.
Conclusion
The recent donation to WikiLeaks serves as a testament to the power of digital currencies in facilitating financial support for causes that may otherwise struggle to find backing. As society continues to grapple with the implications of advanced technologies, the intersection of cryptocurrency, activism, and anonymity will likely remain a focal point of discussion. The actions of individuals like Hu Lezhi underscore the potential for digital assets to serve as a vehicle for both financial support and personal expression, even amid complex and troubling narratives.
📎 Related coverage from: cryptonomist.ch
