NEAR Intents said it blocked roughly $50 million in funds linked to hackers behind a recent Bitget exploit, positioning itself as a protocol willing to intervene against illicit transactions.
A Stand Against Laundering
The cross-chain protocol said it took active measures to stop stolen assets from moving through its infrastructure, preventing the funds from being laundered. NEAR Intents framed the action as part of a broader commitment to keeping criminal proceeds out of its system rather than allowing them to flow unchecked.
The move highlights a growing divide in the decentralized finance world over how much responsibility protocols should bear when it comes to policing the funds moving across their networks. For NEAR Intents, the answer appears to be a proactive one.
The protocol says it will not stand aside while stolen money moves through its rails.
A Contrast With THORChain
The decision draws a sharp contrast with THORChain, which has maintained that it does not selectively censor transactions. That neutral stance has drawn scrutiny in the past, particularly when stolen funds have been routed through the network following major hacks.
The differing philosophies underscore an unresolved tension in crypto: whether decentralized systems should remain fully permissionless or take steps to block bad actors. Supporters of intervention argue it protects users and the industry's reputation, while critics warn that any censorship undermines the core principles of decentralization.
By publicly claiming credit for blocking the Bitget-linked funds, NEAR Intents is signaling where it stands in that debate. The action may prompt other protocols to weigh whether they too should adopt measures to intercept illicit transfers.
- NEAR Intents said it blocked around $50 million tied to Bitget hackers.
- The protocol claims to actively prevent laundering of stolen funds.
- THORChain has argued it does not selectively censor transactions.