Web3 AI Platform Fights Back: Launches Bounty Hunt & Token Buyback After $10 Million Security Breach
Hacked platform puts bounty on attackers while buying back tokens to restore investor confidence.
The Digital Heist Fallout
A Web3 artificial intelligence project scrambles to recover from a devastating $10 million security exploit that drained user funds and shattered market trust.
Fighting Back With Capital
The platform deploys dual countermeasures—offering rewards for information leading to the hackers' capture while simultaneously initiating aggressive token repurchases from the open market.
Damage Control Protocol
Buyback programs typically aim to prop up token prices, though seasoned crypto veterans know this often feels like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic after such massive breaches.
The crypto space watches closely as this AI project attempts the ultimate recovery play—proving that in Web3, sometimes the best defense is a well-funded offense.
Astra Nova Loses Over $10 Million in RVV Token
The team said the attacker struck soon after the token’s debut, exploiting a compromise in the market maker’s account.
Astra Nova did not disclose the total amount of tokens drained from the exploit.
However, blockchain analyst EmberCN estimated the loss at approximately $10.3 million.
The analyst said on-chain data shows that the attacker withdrew 860 million RVV tokens—about 8.6% of the total supply—from the project’s minting contract. These tokens were later exchanged for Tether’s USDT stablecoin.
一共是有 8.6 亿枚的 $RVV (总量的 8.6%) 从项目方铸币合约转出后，在链上被抛售，致使 $RVV 严重下跌。
这 8.6 亿枚 $RVV 被出售换得了 1028.8 万 USDT，其中 822.6 万 USDT 被转进了 Gate 和 Kucoin，另外 204.1 万 USDT 还在链上钱包 0x643。… pic.twitter.com/RMmOlvRFzd
The massive sell-off triggered an immediate market reaction. According to CoinGecko, RVV’s price plunged more than 50% within 24 hours, sliding from $0.26 to roughly $0.0103 as of press time.
EmberCN added that about $8.2 million of the proceeds were moved to two centralized exchanges, including Gate and KuCoin. Another $2 million remains in an on-chain wallet currently under observation.
Considering this, EmberCN questioned Astra Nova’s account of events, arguing that the transaction pattern does not resemble typical hacker behavior.
“Which hacker WOULD convert stolen assets into USDT and hold onto them? And even transfer them directly to a CEX? USDT can be frozen, and going straight to a CEX—where are there hackers this foolish,” EmberCN wrote.
Token Buyback and Bounty Offer
In response to the skepticism and the market crash, Astra Nova reaffirmed that it was a victim of an external compromise, not internal foul play.
The project announced plans to repurchase the same number of RVV tokens affected by the breach. The MOVE aims to stabilize the token’s liquidity and reassure investors.
$RVV Buyback Fund
In light of recent events, Astra Nova will be buying back the same amount of tokens affected directly from the market.
This decision reflects our firm commitment to protecting holders, stabilizing liquidity, and reinforcing long-term confidence in the $RVV… pic.twitter.com/rnnHzpX6Us
At the same time, the Astro Nova team also launched a 10% bounty program for anyone who returns the stolen assets to a verified recovery address.
The project’s team said it would not pursue legal action if the full amount is returned. It also described the offer as an opportunity to “close this peacefully.”
“If you return the full amount to the verified recovery address shared on our official channels, no further action will be taken, and the bounty will be transferred once confirmed by our forensics team,” the project stated.
