Ethereum’s Dilemma: Rollback $1.4B From Bybit Hack or Face Global Sanctions?

February 23, 2025 by Mwongera Taitumu

• Arthur Hayes urges Ethereum to rollback after Bybit’s $1.4B hack.
• Ethereum’s decision could trigger regulatory scrutiny and OFAC sanctions.
• Samson Mow proposes creating “ETHNK” to prevent stolen funds from North Korea.

Ethereum faces a dilemma on whether to hard fork stolen Ether or let the Bybit hack stand. This decision is not only technical but also ethical, as it must balance the ideals of decentralization with real-world threats.

Ethereum’s Tough Choice

Arthur Hayes, the co-founder of BitMEX, has proposed rolling back the Ethereum network to reverse the impact of a massive Bybit hack. The hack resulted in the theft of approximately $1.4 billion of ether from the Bybit exchange. Hayes, a major holder of ether(ETH), expressed his support for this drastic move, arguing that Ethereum had already voted to abandon immutability in 2016 following the DAO hack.

Ethereum’s Dilemma: Rollback $1.4B From Bybit Hack or Face Global Sanctions? 4

The Bybit hack became known on February 21 when analyst ZachXBT reported suspicious outflows of over $1.4 billion from the exchange. The stolen ether was quickly swapped for other assets, then distributed across multiple addresses raising concerns. Bybit CEO Ben Zhou confirmed that the attack targeted the exchange’s cold wallet, though he reassured the community that Bybit remains solvent despite the loss.

DAO’s Roll Back

The idea of rolling back the Ethereum blockchain to undo the hack echoes actions taken in 2016. Ethereum’s network underwent a hard fork to reverse the theft of $60 million worth of ether stolen during the DAO hack.

This decision split the network into two separate chains, Ethereum and Ethereum Classic. Although the rollback successfully recovered the stolen funds, the proposal faced criticism for undermining the blockchain’s immutability principle.

Don’t Roll Back!

Several experts have voiced different opinions on the idea of another rollback. Some argue that a rollback would damage Ethereum’s decentralized nature and contradict the core principles of blockchain technology. 

Others, like Gautham Santhosh, have warned that the interconnected nature of Ethereum’s ecosystem makes a clean solution nearly impossible. A rollback today would have a major impact on bridges, stablecoins,RWAs and Layer 2 solutions.

Proponents Push For a Roll Back

However, proponents of the rollback note that Ethereum faces an impossible decision. Bitcoin Maxist, Matthew Kratter argues that allowing hackers to retain the stolen ether could damage the platform’s reputation and invite OFAC sanctions for aiding North Korea’s cyber crime activities. 

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On the other hand, Justin Bechler argues that taking action to reverse the transactions could confirm accusations that Ethereum is centralized.

Samson Mow, a vocal critic of Ethereum, has supported the idea of a rollback by adjusting Ethereum’s EIP-1559, which governs the deflationary burn mechanism. Mow suggested the idea of creating a new version of Ethereum called “ETHNK,” short for North Korea Ethereum. 

Mow emphasized that the stolen ether could potentially fund North Korea’s nuclear program, which would make Ethereum complicit in global terrorism.

Pressure Mounts on Ethereum

As the debate continues, Ethereum’s leadership remains under pressure. The community is divided on whether to intervene or uphold the blockchain’s immutability. Both sides recognize the severity of the situation, with potential consequences for the network’s security, credibility, and future. 

The outcome of this situation could shape the future of Ethereum and its place in the broader crypto ecosystem. Whether the Ethereum community chooses to rollback the chain or let the hack stand, the consequences will likely have major effects on the network’s development and public perception.