Crypto Council for Innovation CEO’s X Account Hacked to Promote $SPELL

Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, had her X account hacked on Thursday, December 26, to promote the $SPELL token, the advocacy group confirmed in a social media statement.

Sheila Warren Hacked to Promote $SPELL Token

The now-deleted December 26 X post read, “I’m thrilled to introduce my latest venture into AI and crypto: $SPELL — the next evolution in autonomous AI agents, designed specifically for Web3 and Solana.”

These posts, which included a contact address and promotional content for the token, quickly prompted the Crypto Council for Innovation to respond publicly.

This is a scam and NOT Sheila Warren. We are working to resolve the issue. Disregard any tweets and do not click on any links. pic.twitter.com/b0UrcsOmxx

— Crypto Council for Innovation (@crypto_council) December 27, 2024

“This is a scam and NOT Sheila Warren,” they stated. “We are working to resolve the issue. Disregard any tweets and do not click on any links.”

As of Friday, December 27, all posts related to the $SPELL token on Warren’s account had been swiftly removed.

Hack Follows Sheila Warren’s Resignation Announcement

The hack occurred less than two weeks after Warren announced her resignation from the Crypto Council for Innovation.

Her departure is scheduled just a month before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

I am filled with mixed emotions as I share that I will be stepping down as the inaugural CEO of @crypto_council in January. The incomparable @_JiKim will be stepping into a new role as President and Acting CEO of CCI, and I will provide support as Senior Global Policy Advisor.…

— Sheila Warren (@sheila_warren) December 13, 2024

While Warren did not explicitly state her reasons for leaving, she remarked on the changing dynamics of the crypto industry since she became CEO in 2021, noting, “It was a different era—before the FTX debacle and just as Gary Gensler’s attacks on the industry were beginning to unfold.”

Warren will be replaced by the organization’s chief legal officer, Ji Kim, but she will remain involved as a senior policy advisor.

In a statement, Warren hinted at her next steps, saying, “Team CCI is hardworking and passionate. Under Ji’s leadership, I am confident CCI will navigate Washington’s regulatory landscape successfully, as it has done in other markets.”

Regulatory Changes Loom as Trump Prepares for Office

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins to replace outgoing SEC chair Gary Gensler.

🇺🇲 Paul Atkins has his work cut out, as he steps into the shoes of a man who has become one of the crypto industry's biggest nemesis.#SEC #Regulation #BTChttps://t.co/9DJn2yOkQW

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 14, 2024

Atkins, currently CEO of Patomak Global Partners, has drawn praise from segments of the cryptocurrency community for his stance on less aggressive regulatory measures compared to Gensler.

With three weeks until Trump takes office, the cryptocurrency sector awaits clarity on the administration’s approach to blockchain regulation.