TLDR

  • A hacker utilized a compromised Binance account to push the BROCCOLI714 token, placing $26 million in bids.
  • Vida profited $1.5 million after detecting unusual market activity in the early morning hours.
  • Binance activated its circuit breaker as the token’s price surged tenfold in under an hour.
  • Order book anomalies suggested a potential failed money laundering attempt using low-value tokens.

As many globally welcomed the new year, a significant crypto event transpired largely unnoticed. At 4 AM on January 1, 2026, an alleged hacker attempted to launder millions via the low-liquidity token BROCCOLI714 on Binance. However, an observant trader named Vida capitalized on the situation, achieving a $1.5 million profit in less than an hour.

Unusual Price Spike Alerts a Trader Before Sunrise

In the early morning hours of January 1, 2026, BROCCOLI714, a token with low liquidity, experienced an unexpected surge on Binance. This surge was attributed to aggressive buying activity, believed to be connected to a hacked or compromised market maker account.

An independent trader, identified as Vida, was alerted by automated tools to a rapid 30% price increase. This spike triggered alarms set for price divergence and volume anomalies. Vida had previously acquired the token at a low cost and observed a sharp rise in both its spot price and order book depth.

At the time, the token’s market value was approximately $40 million. However, a single $26 million buy wall emerged, indicating irrational trading behavior. This activity suggested either a system malfunction or a deliberate attempt at money laundering.

The Strategy Behind the Wash Trade Attempt

On-chain data revealed that the hacker was using the compromised account to purchase BROCCOLI714 at inflated prices. This was part of an effort to move stolen funds by generating artificial volume.

The attacker employed the spot market to transfer value between accounts they controlled. This method of wash trading allowed for the indirect movement of stolen funds, circumventing direct USDT withdrawals that would likely trigger Binance’s risk control measures.

Futures trading also played a role. The hacker initiated opposing positions across different accounts to create artificial demand and inflate prices. However, this activity triggered Binance’s circuit breaker, restricting futures price movements while spot prices continued to climb.

Trader Reacts and Capitalizes on the Anomaly

Vida recognized this pattern and responded strategically. He gradually increased his position in small increments every few seconds to test for liquidity. The presence of a $26 million buy wall assured him of substantial exit liquidity.

When the hacker unexpectedly withdrew the large buy order at 4:21 AM, Vida interpreted this as an intervention by Binance’s risk control system. He then exited all his positions, both spot and futures, securing approximately $1.5 million in profit.

Minutes later, the buy wall reappeared, driving the token’s price even higher. However, Vida had already secured his gains and avoided the subsequent price reversal.

Market Reaction and Exchange Security Concerns

The incident raised questions regarding exchange security and risk management protocols. While Binance’s systems had halted some futures activity, it was not before traders like Vida could capitalize. The manipulation impacted both the spot and derivatives markets.

The price surge also had a temporary effect on related tokens, causing them to experience brief gains. Traders holding positions in BROCCOLI714 encountered unexpected opportunities during this short-lived market distortion.

Vida later commented, “No whale plays spot market like this. It had to be a bug or a hack.” His swift identification of market structure and timely action transformed a risky situation into what became crypto’s first million-dollar trade of 2026.