X’s Global Government Affairs team made a shocking announcement on September 19, 2025, revealing the uncovering of a bribery network attempting to reinstate accounts suspended for crypto scams and platform manipulation. The company disclosed that middlemen were used to approach employees with bribe offers on behalf of scammers whose accounts had previously been banned.
This revelation comes in the wake of a tumultuous year marked by an increase in crypto-related phishing attacks and over $2.1 billion in losses recorded in early 2025. Additionally, X reported suspending more than 335 million abusive accounts in late 2024, underscoring the extensive efforts being made to combat misuse of the platform.
While users responded positively to the crackdown on fraudulent activities, many called for greater transparency and stronger protections against manipulation. X’s official statement indicated that the bribery scheme extended beyond its own ecosystem, with the same actors targeting other social platforms and gaming communities such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox.
The company identified links to a broader cybercriminal network known as “The Com,” which law enforcement agencies have connected to scams, SIM-swapping, and ransomware activity. Legal proceedings are now underway against the participants, with X fully supporting law enforcement in this endeavor.
Although the company did not confirm if any employees had accepted bribes, it emphasized that the network operated through intermediaries, suggesting a structured and organized scheme. X is actively pursuing legal action against those involved, in coordination with international authorities.
This scandal underscores the ongoing challenges faced by X, a central hub for the crypto community and a widely used platform for promotion and discussion. Despite multiple enforcement actions, the prevalence of scams on social media continues to erode trust and raise concerns about the platforms’ ability to contain coordinated abuse.
While Elon Musk, the company’s owner, has yet to publicly address the bribery revelations, X’s announcement signals its commitment to reinforcing confidence in its integrity amidst heightened scrutiny over crypto crime. The company reiterated that its enforcement measures will persist, with legal and technical steps aimed at thwarting attempts to manipulate the platform.
The bribery network exposed by X has shed light on “The Com,” an international cybercriminal ecosystem identified as a major driver of online fraud. The FBI issued a public warning about one of its subgroups, Hacker Com, describing it as a technically skilled community engaged in various cyber offenses, including phishing, ransomware, SIM swapping, and cryptocurrency theft.
As X prepares to expand into financial services through X Money, its upcoming digital wallet in partnership with Visa, regulators are likely to closely examine its growing role in online finance and security. The company’s efforts to combat fraudulent activities and uphold the integrity of its platform will be crucial in building trust and ensuring a safe environment for users.