Movement Labs Suspends Co-Founder Over Market-Making Scandal

Movement Labs has suspended its co-founder Rushi Manche following revelations of a market-making scheme involving the MOVE token, impacting the cryptocurrency market’s integrity.

The suspension of Rushi Manche at Movement Labs highlights transparency issues in the crypto industry, prompting significant market reactions and regulatory scrutiny.

Movement Labs’ recent controversy centers on allegations that executives collaborated with market makers to sell $38 million worth of MOVE tokens. Binance’s investigation revealed 66 million MOVE tokens were involved, ostensibly profiting 38 million USDT.

Binance has taken action by freezing suspicious transaction proceeds and alerting Movement Labs regarding irregularities. Coinbase responded by suspending MOVE trading, effective May 15, 2025.

The suspension of trading has caused markets to react strongly to this unfolding scandal. Concerns over manipulation have shaken investor confidence in token valuations and market-making practices.

Market instability has broader implications with scrutiny focusing on the integrity of governance within cryptocurrency projects. The extent of financial engineering involved is under investigation.

These events emphasize the need for stricter regulatory oversight in cryptocurrency markets. Historical precedent suggests ongoing threats to market integrity via unregulated market makers.

Experts, such as Simon Dedic, have noted, “The reality is that only a handful of market makers in crypto can actually be trusted.”

Experts suggest potential changes in the regulatory landscape could result from these events. The findings from Groom Lake’s investigation are awaited to assess fairness in future crypto market activities.