Polkadot Exploit: Attacker Mints 1B Fake DOT and Dumps for Profit

Published by

Sohrab Khawas

April 13, 2026

Polkadot Exploit: Attacker Mints 1B Fake DOT and Dumps for Profit

A hacker exploited a vulnerability in the Hyperbridge cross-chain gateway connecting Polkadot to Ethereum. By forging gateway messages and manipulating the token contract’s admin privileges, the attacker created 1 billion unauthorized DOT tokens and sold them on decentralized markets, earning about 108.2 ETH (roughly $237,000) in profit. The incident highlights ongoing risks in cross-chain bridge systems, where flaws in message validation can lead to fake minting and significant losses.

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Sohrab Khawas

Sohrab is a passionate cryptocurrency news writer with over five years of experience covering the industry. He keeps a keen interest in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize finance. Whether he's trading or writing, Sohrab always keeps his finger on the pulse of the crypto world, using his expertise to deliver informative and engaging articles that educate and inspire. When he's not analyzing the markets, Sohrab indulges in his hobbies of graphic design, minimal design or listening to his favorite hip-hop tunes.

Published by

Sohrab Khawas

Tags: Hack