A meteoric rise on the networks
Haliey Welch, 22, became an Internet sensation in June 2024 thanks to a viral video viewed more than 9 million times. Her nickname “Hawk Tuah Girl” and her now cult expression quickly catapulted her to influencer status. He professionalized his image by hiring an agent and developed several business projects: a “Talk Tuah” podcast, a dating website and merchandising.
The cryptocurrency adventure ended badly
On December 4, 2024 he launched “$HAWK”, memecoins inspired by his fame. In just fifteen minutes, the cryptocurrency reached a market capitalization of $490 million.
However, a few hours later, the stock plummeted 96%, leaving investors in a catastrophic situation.
A suspicious disappearance
After the collapse of her cryptocurrency, Haliey Welch mysteriously disappeared from social networks. Investors accused him of orchestrating a “rug pull” operation, a fraudulent maneuver that involves artificially inflating the value of a cryptocurrency before withdrawing its liquidity.
The estimated loss is $50 million.
The victims testify
The testimonies of the victims reveal the extent of the disaster: some have invested their savings or funds for their children's education.
The complaints were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the US stock market regulator.
The gray areas persist
OverHere, the agency responsible for launching $HAWK, denies any involvement in the fraud and promises explanations.
However, Haliey Welch's prolonged absence and her team's silence are fueling suspicions of massive fraud.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the dangers of instant fame and risky investments in cryptocurrencies.
The report highlights the ease with which an influencer can potentially orchestrate a large-scale scam, underlining the importance of tighter regulation of cryptoassets and the need for investors to be more cautious of the enticing promises of internet celebrities.
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Francesca Bianchi graduated in economic law from the University of Milan and obtained a Master's degree in financial risk management. She has worked for several years in major international banks, specializing in European banking regulations, such as MIFID II and IFRS 9. Passionate about sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) regulations, Francesca is committed to helping companies comply with new laws Europeans. His contributions to ComplianceJournal.it are widely appreciated for their clarity and analytical depth.
