X sues its own users over fake bitcoin news bot network
X sues users over fake bitcoin news accounts
X, the social media platform, is suing two men for allegedly running a network of fake bitcoin news accounts to defraud its creator reward program. The lawsuit names Vivek Kumar Sen and Zmyang Sherpa as the alleged operators behind the scheme, according to a filing cited by CoinDesk.
What the lawsuit alleges
The platform claims the two men ran at least nine accounts that posted fake “breaking” bitcoin news headlines. These posts often matched each other word-for-word and appeared on X within seconds of one another.
The accounts posted unverified claims about major financial players, such as saying Goldman Sachs’ CEO was pushing a crypto bill or that Citibank had bought $12.6 million in bitcoin.
The lawsuit also says the operators used coordinated likes, replies, and reposts to create the appearance of real engagement.
Disputed creator fund payments
At the center of the case is at least 207,000 pounds — about $277,000 — in disputed payments from X’s creator fund. X is seeking repayment of those earnings plus damages for alleged fraud and conspiracy.
Account details and termination
The nine accounts named in the lawsuit include @Vivek4real_, @Bitcoin_Teddy, @saylordocs, @TrendingBitcoin, @Kalshibacktest, @PolyBackTest, @BTC_Vibes, @MrSuperBitcoin, and @Laserlump.
X said the accounts received payments through shared Stripe accounts with mismatched names and were linked by shared devices and login details. For example, one account's payment details were registered to a “Stefan Mann,” while the linked bank account and email were in Sen’s name.
X terminated all accounts linked to the network on Aug. 18, citing “coordinated revenue sharing fraud and platform manipulation.”
Expansion of the scheme
The lawsuit also claims the @Vivek4real_ handle offered paid engagement services to third parties and solicited the purchase of additional high-follower accounts. In one cited message, Sen allegedly asked a third party about buying their account, saying: "Can we continue on another channel, please, as you haven't enabled encrypted chat and I don't want us to get in trouble for something X doesn't allow. If you understand what I mean."
What is confirmed
Confirmed facts from the filing:
• X filed a lawsuit naming Vivek Kumar Sen and Zmyang Sherpa.
• The lawsuit names nine specific accounts.
• X terminated the accounts on Aug. 18.
• The disputed amount is at least 207,000 pounds ($277,000).
• X is seeking repayment and damages.
• X is represented by law firm Lewis Silkin LLP.
What is still unclear
The lawsuit represents allegations; the two men have not responded publicly. Costs for further damages are described as still unquantified.
Why this matters
This case highlights how some users may attempt to exploit platform reward programs by posting fake crypto news to earn payouts. It also shows a social media company taking legal action against users for alleged platform abuse.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.