# ZKsync Hacker Returns Stolen $5 Million Tokens, Receives Bounty in Return
In a shocking turn of events, the hacker who exploited the Ethereum-based ZKsync blockchain for $5 million has returned the funds as part of a bounty deal. This remarkable cooperation between the hacker and the ZKsync team marks a significant milestone in the world of cryptocurrency security.
The hacker, who was initially warned that if the tokens were not returned within 72 hours, the incident would be escalated to law enforcement and become a criminal investigation, has chosen instead to cooperate with the ZKsync Security Council. Under the terms of the agreement, the hacker was required to return the stolen funds within 72 hours and would not be pursued as hackers, but rather would be rewarded as bounty hunters.
The ZKsync team expressed their gratitude for the hacker's cooperation, stating that they were "happy to announce that the hacker had cooperated and returned the funds within the allotted time frame." This remarkable display of integrity has allowed ZKsync to recover a significant portion of the stolen tokens, including 44.6 million ZK tokens and 1,800 ETH tokens.
The recovered tokens were sent to the ZKsync Security Council wallet, where they will be safely stored. The hacker's decision to return the funds not only benefits the ZKsync ecosystem but also demonstrates a level of maturity and responsibility that is rare in the world of cryptocurrency hacking.
According to ZachXBT, a crypto analyst, this incident highlights the need for government regulation in the crypto industry. "The hack was indicative of wider problems in the crypto industry," he said. "We can only resolve these problems with stricter regulations and increased security measures."
The incident serves as a reminder that even the most sophisticated hackers can be persuaded to cooperate when given the opportunity. The fact that the hacker sent the funds within 10 minutes of each other, well within the 72-hour deadline set by ZKsync, demonstrates their commitment to this arrangement.
The aftermath of the hack has seen significant price fluctuations for both Ethereum and ZKsync. However, since the recovery of the stolen tokens, both cryptocurrencies have experienced a surge in value. Ethereum has risen by around 9%, while ZKsync has increased by an impressive 17%. This positive trend suggests that the incident may have actually had a long-term benefit for the ecosystem.
For its part, ZKsync is now well-positioned to write a comprehensive report on the incident, which will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the measures taken to prevent similar hacks in the future. As the crypto industry continues to evolve and mature, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of cooperation, security, and responsible behavior.
# Statistics:
* $5 million worth of ZKsync tokens stolen * 111 million tokens released through sweepUnclaimed() method * 44.6 million ZK tokens recovered * 1,800 ETH tokens recovered * Hacker sent $2.47 million worth of ZKsync and $1.83 million worth of Ethereum within 72 hours
# Industry Insights:
* The first quarter of 2025 was the worst in cryptocurrency history, with over $1.6 billion in stolen funds. * 39 incidents occurred in Q1 2025, highlighting a significant increase in crypto security concerns. * The majority of hacks were attributed to centralized exchanges, including Bybit and Phemex.
# Conclusion:
The cooperation between the ZKsync hacker and the team marks a significant milestone in the world of cryptocurrency security. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize cooperation, security, and responsible behavior to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.