Julian Assange’s brother has responded to claims made by blockchain security firms SlowMist and RescuETH on June 17, stating that their report suggesting AssangeDAO may be involved in a “soft rug” scam is entirely untrue. Gabriel Shipton clarified via Telegram that SlowMist had mistaken AssangeDAO for the Wau Holland Foundation. According to Shipton, AssangeDAO no longer possesses the 16,593 Ether (ETH) it raised in 2022, as it was used to purchase a non-fungible token (NFT) called “Clock” by artist Pak as part of the “Censored” collection.
The proceeds from the sale of the NFT were donated to the Wau Holland Foundation, specifically for the Julian Assange Moral Courage Project, aimed at supporting Assange’s freedom and defense. Shipton assured that the German charity is utilizing the funds appropriately and in compliance with local regulations.
Assange, currently imprisoned in a London jail, faces charges of espionage by the United States for his involvement in releasing classified documents through WikiLeaks. Supporters, including those behind AssangeDAO, argue that his actions were protected under free speech laws and not criminal.
Blockchain data confirms that AssangeDAO purchased the Clock NFT in February 2022 for 16,593 ETH. The funds have since been transferred to the Wau Holland Foundation, and no longer belong to AssangeDAO. Despite attempts to reach out to SlowMist for comment, no response was received.
AssangeDAO was established in early 2022 to pool funds for the purchase of the Clock NFT. Modeled after the ConstitutionDAO, which aimed to buy an original copy of the U.S. Constitution, AssangeDAO became the most well-funded DAO in history, raising over $53 million. The DAO issued a token called JUSTICE and sold it for ETH to bid on the NFT.
In April, SlowMist and RescuETH released a report warning investors about AssangeDAO, citing suspicious transactions and potential risks. However, blockchain data shows that the transactions in question were not linked to AssangeDAO, but rather to the Wau Holland Foundation.
Despite these clarifications, some members of AssangeDAO remain dissatisfied with the handling of funds and decision-making processes. Issues surrounding proper voting mechanisms and fund allocation have caused tensions within the DAO community.
Overall, the situation highlights the complexities and challenges of decentralized autonomous organizations and the need for transparency and accountability in their operations.