The recent hacking of the Instagram account belonging to the former US rap trio, Migos, has raised significant concerns about personal security in the digital age. In an alarming incident reported on May 27, the account appeared to have been compromised as part of an apparent blackmail scheme targeting Raj Gokal, a co-founder of the Solana blockchain.
According to sources, the hacker posted at least seven images through the Migos account, which have since been removed. Two of these images purportedly featured Gokal holding his passport and driver’s license, revealing sensitive information such as document details. The hacker even tagged Gokal in one post with messages implying an urgent demand, stating, “you should’ve paid the 40 BTC,” suggesting a cryptocurrency ransom.
The seriousness of the breach is further illustrated by a photo allegedly depicting Gokal’s wife alongside a driver’s license, along with a series of images that disclosed private information, including phone numbers and email addresses. It is noteworthy that such types of images, where individuals showcase identifiable documents, are often employed by crypto exchanges for Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
However, the origins of these images and the method by which the hacker obtained them remain unclear. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in online platforms and the constant threats posed by cybercriminals.
Before the hacking incident, Gokal had alerted his followers on May 20 via X (formerly Twitter) about ongoing attempts to seize control of his email and social media accounts. In his warning, he advised friends and supporters to remain cautious of any unusual activity, particularly regarding posts that might solicit funds or promote unexpected initiatives.
Attackers have been trying to take control of my email, social media, Google, Apple, etc. this past week. If you see anything suspect (token launch, soliciting funds, etc) that means they got through.
be careful out there
— raj 🖤 (@rajgokal) May 20, 2025
This blackmail attempt underscores the importance of cyber awareness and the necessity for individuals, especially those involved in high-stake industries like cryptocurrency, to adopt stringent security measures. As the landscape of digital communication continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for protecting personal and sensitive information.
The Solana Foundation and Raj Gokal have yet to comment publicly on this incident, leaving many to ponder the broader implications of such cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the high-profile tech and finance sectors.
