2026-04-21 08:21:49
Arbitrum Security Council Freezes 30,766 ETH From KelpDAO Exploit, 9 of 12 Members Vote in Favor
Arbitrum froze 30,766 ETH from the KelpDAO hack, worked with law enforcement, and recovered about a quarter of assets, while locking funds pending governance amid decentralization versus security debates.
Abstract: This article reports that the Arbitrum Security Council froze 30,766 ETH (about $70 million) tied to the KelpDAO exploit, with nine of twelve votes, and moved funds to a secure wallet in coordination with law enforcement. The operation targeted only affected assets to minimize network disruption. The exploiter is suspected to be DPRK-associated. The breach began April 18 via a LayerZero-powered bridge, draining 116,500 rsETH (~$292 million). About a quarter of stolen assets have been recovered. The frozen funds will remain locked until governance and legal authorities decide the next steps, prompting debate over decentralization versus security.