TechFlow news, according to Cointelegraph, Worldcoin is facing allegations of price manipulation and fraud following the postponement of unlocking 80% of its native tokens. Previously, on July 16, Worldcoin developer Tools for Humanity (TFH) announced changes to the vesting schedule of its native token, extending the unlock period for 80% of WLD tokens held by investors and team members from three years to over five years, with gradual releases beginning July 24 and ending in July 2028.
By extending the unlock timeline, the immediate supply entering the market is reduced, helping prevent a sharp price decline due to increased supply. According to CoinGecko data, the day after the announcement, WLD's price surged 68% within two days, rising from $1.90 on July 15 to $2.81 on July 16, and further increasing to $3.20 on July 17 before adjusting to $3.11.
On July 17, DeFi insights account DeFi Squared published a lengthy post on X, accusing the Worldcoin team of price manipulation and misleading investors, resulting in unintended victims. The account claimed that the team repeatedly influenced the token’s daily price movements through changes in emissions, market maker agreements, and timely announcements prior to unlocks, and expressed suspicion that insiders may have purchased tokens ahead of public announcements based on non-public information.
Cryptocurrency investigator ZachXBT also joined the discussion, stating that venture capitalists and team members involved in what he called "the biggest scam token of the bull market" should be ashamed, and criticized the project for allowing insiders to continue profiting from the scheme.
