ZachXBT Exposes BlockDAG’s "Value Era" as a Scam: True Founder Revealed

• The BlockDAG Controversy: What We Know So Far
• Decoding BlockDAG's Questionable Claims
• The Middle Eastern Connection
• Technical Claims vs. Reality
• The Presale Red Flags
• Community Backlash Grows
• Historical Context of Crypto Scams
• Investor Takeaways
• FAQs About the BlockDAG Controversy

In a bombshell revelation, crypto investigator ZachXBT has exposed BlockDAG's "Value Era" narrative as a facade, alleging co-founder Gurhan Kiziloz orchestrated a multi-million dollar OTC exit scam while using Anthony Turner as a frontman. The project, which claims to have raised $433M in presale, faces mounting skepticism as blockchain evidence contradicts its official statements. This deep dive examines the allegations, BlockDAG's technical claims, and why investors should approach with extreme caution.

The BlockDAG Controversy: What We Know So Far

On October 28, 2025, crypto sleuth ZachXBT dropped a nuclear truth bomb on BlockDAG Network's carefully crafted image. According to on-chain evidence, the project's public face Antony Turner is allegedly just a paid spokesperson for shadow founder Gurhan Kiziloz - previously accused of siphoning millions through Middle Eastern OTC desks. The timing couldn't be more ironic, coming just as BlockDAG announced its supposed "Value Era" WOULD begin October 30, complete with tokenomics reveals and bonus suspensions.

Decoding BlockDAG's Questionable Claims

BlockDAG's technical whitepaper reads like a crypto utopia: 15,000 TPS throughput, EVM compatibility, and a hybrid PoW-DAG architecture. They boast 4,500 developers and 312,000 investors, with 27 billion BDAG coins sold across 31 batches. But here's where things get fishy - ZachXBT's analysis shows actual on-chain receipts totaling less than nine figures, directly contradicting the $433M presale figure. In my experience investigating crypto projects, such discrepancies typically indicate either gross incompetence or intentional deception.

The Middle Eastern Connection

ZachXBT's most damning allegation involves Kiziloz's alleged use of Middle Eastern OTC desks to cash out presale funds. This isn't his first rodeo - the Turkish entrepreneur was previously implicated in similar schemes. What's particularly brazen is BlockDAG's social media strategy: targeting crypto newbies with constant "last chance before IPO" FOMO tactics while blocking critics. Their main X account pumps announcements while allegedly hiding ZachXBT's exposing reply about Kiziloz's involvement.

Technical Claims vs. Reality

Let's examine BlockDAG's technical assertions through a skeptical lens:

• 15,000 TPS Testnet: Possible with centralized solutions, but unsustainable for decentralized networks
• EVM Compatibility: Common feature among L2 solutions, nothing revolutionary
• 3.5M X1 Miners: No independent verification exists for this claim

The project's "Value Era" announcement suspiciously coincides with ZachXBT's exposure, suggesting damage control. They're suspending bonuses and multipliers - classic signs of a project running low on runway.

The Presale Red Flags

BlockDAG's presale structure raises multiple concerns:

• 31 batch sales with increasing prices (classic Ponzi economics)
• Promised 32x returns at $0.05 listing price (mathematically impossible at current valuations)
• CertiK audit only covered limited presale code (not the full protocol)

Having tracked similar projects on BTCC's exchange, I've noticed this pattern often precedes collapse. The "TGE access code" offering coins at $0.0015 smells like desperation to boost last-minute sales.

Community Backlash Grows

BlockDAG's community management tells its own story. After ZachXBT's thread went viral, the project:

• Blocked the investigator on X
• Hidden critical replies
• Doubled down on promotional posts

One user bluntly called it a "scam," receiving support from ZachXBT who noted: "Their target audience is clearly people who don't know how to check on-chain data." Ouch.

Historical Context of Crypto Scams

This situation echoes previous crypto disasters:

The playbook remains consistent - overpromise, fake traction, then exit. BlockDAG checks all boxes.

Investor Takeaways

Given these revelations, here's my advice:

1. Verify all claims with on-chain data (CoinMarketCap shows discrepancies)
2. Avoid FOMO around "last chance" purchase pressures
3. Wait for independent audits of mainnet (not just presale)
4. Diversify across established projects like those listed on BTCC

This article does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct thorough due diligence.

FAQs About the BlockDAG Controversy

Who is BlockDAG's real founder according to ZachXBT?

ZachXBT alleges Gurhan Kiziloz is the true founder, using Antony Turner as a frontman while allegedly siphoning funds through Middle Eastern OTC desks.

How much has BlockDAG actually raised?

While BlockDAG claims $433M, ZachXBT's on-chain analysis shows receipts totaling less than nine figures, suggesting potential misrepresentation.

What is BlockDAG's "Value Era"?

Announced to begin October 30, 2025, it's marketed as BlockDAG's final development phase involving tokenomics reveals and bonus suspensions - now under scrutiny following scam allegations.

Is BlockDAG's technology legitimate?

While their hybrid PoW-DAG architecture and 15,000 TPS claims are theoretically possible, lack of independent verification and the founder controversy cast serious doubt.

Why did BlockDAG block ZachXBT?

The project allegedly blocked ZachXBT and hid his critical reply about Kiziloz's involvement, suggesting attempts to control damaging information.