Migos’ Instagram Hack: Solana Co-founder Targeted in Crypto Blackmail Scheme
The official Instagram account of the former hip-hop group Migos was compromised in a sophisticated blackmail attempt targeting Raj Gokal, co-founder of the Solana blockchain platform. On May 27th, several compromising images were posted, subsequently deleted, but not before making headlines.
At least seven images, viewed by our team, depicted Gokal displaying his passport and driver’s license, clearly showing personal details. One image featured a caption demanding payment of 40 BTC, suggesting a failed extortion attempt. Another showed what appeared to be Gokal’s wife with a similar driver’s license displayed. Further images showcased a data dump, including phone numbers and email addresses.
This type of imagery, showcasing individuals holding ID cards, mirrors KYC (Know Your Customer) verification processes common in cryptocurrency exchanges. The origin of these photos remains unclear, raising questions about the extent of the breach and the methods employed by the hackers.
The Solana Foundation and Gokal have yet to officially comment. However, Gokal previously warned followers about attempts to gain access to his accounts on May 20th via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Attackers have been trying to take control of my email, social media, Google, Apple, etc. this past week. If you see anything suspect (token launch, soliciting funds, etc) that means they got through.
be careful out there
— raj 🖤 (@rajgokal) May 20, 2025
This incident highlights the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals in the crypto space to sophisticated hacking and blackmail attempts. The use of a prominent social media account amplifies the severity and reach of such crimes.