🔥 Land A High Paying Web3 Job In 90 Days LEARN MORE

Ex-Ethereum developer claims 70% of ETH was pre-mined

In this post:

  • Lane Rettig, a former Ethereum developer, alleged that around 70% of ETH was distributed in the project’s pre-mine stage.
  • Rettig cited the ETH pre-mine issue as a major reason for his departure from the Ethereum Foundation after working there for one and a half years.
  • Steven Nerayoff, a former ETH advisor, previously accused Ethereum’s leadership of engaging in fraudulent activities during the ICO.

Lane Rettig, a former core developer for Ethereum, has recently raised serious allegations about the distribution of Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, ETH. In a statement that garnered significant attention from the crypto community, Rettig claimed that approximately 70% of all ETH was distributed during the project’s pre-mine phase. This figure has decreased to about 60% in recent times. This revelation has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of Ethereum’s Initial Coin Offering (ICO).

Rettig’s comments were made in a video that has been widely circulated among cryptocurrency investors and enthusiasts. He expressed uncertainty about the precise percentage of pre-mined ETH, suggesting a range that could be anywhere from 10% to 80%. However, he emphasized that the proportion was excessively high regardless of the specific number. Rettig’s statement highlights a long-standing concern in the crypto industry about the concentration of ownership in the hands of a few individuals or entities.

Questions surrounding ETH’s ICO transparency

The controversy surrounding Ethereum’s ICO is not new. In the past, there have been discussions and rumours about the lack of transparency in the distribution of ETH during its early stages. Rettig’s allegations add fuel to these ongoing debates. He mentioned rumours, although anecdotal, about a very small number of individuals purchasing significant portions of pre-mined ETH pseudonymously. This raises concerns about the potential for centralization and manipulation within the Ethereum network.

See also  Scam Sniffer reveals $9.38M in stolen funds and 9,208 victims in November

Moreover, a video from last year resurfaced, showing ETH co-founder Joseph Lubin advising early Ethereum investors to use multiple pseudonymous identities during the ETH ICO. This strategy reportedly aimed to avoid deterring public participation by revealing the concentration of holdings among a few investors. This revelation further casts doubt on the transparency of ETH’s early distribution process.

Ethereum’s reputation challenged by ICO allegations

Rettig’s involvement with the Ethereum Foundation lasted approximately one and a half years. He cited the issues he perceived with the ETH pre-mine as a primary reason for his departure. According to Rettig, his role had diverged significantly from his initial expectations, leading him to feel that he was inadvertently supporting the interests of specific individuals, namely Joseph Lubin.

These allegations are not isolated incidents. Steven Nerayoff, a former ETH advisor, has previously accused Ethereum’s leadership, including co-founders Vitalik Buterin and Joseph Lubin, of engaging in fraudulent activities during the ICO. Nerayoff compared the alleged misconduct at ETH with the infamous FTX fraud, claiming it to be significantly more severe.

The recent allegations by Rettig have reignited concerns about the centralization of power and wealth within the Ethereum ecosystem. The crypto community is now more vocal in demanding transparency and fair practices from Ethereum and all major blockchain projects. These developments could have a lasting impact on ETH’s reputation and the broader perception of ICOs in the cryptocurrency industry.

See also  Russia's president Putin goes full-on pro-crypto, says no one can ban Bitcoin

From Zero to Web3 Pro: Your 90-Day Career Launch Plan

Share link:

Disclaimer. The information provided is not trading advice. Cryptopolitan.com holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decision.

Most read

Loading Most Read articles...

Stay on top of crypto news, get daily updates in your inbox

Editor's choice

Loading Editor's Choice articles...
Cryptopolitan
Subscribe to CryptoPolitan