Analyst Flags Possible Insider Trading in LAB Token Rally

Crypto analyst ZachXBT alleges that large transfers of LAB tokens from wallets linked to the project team were moved to centralized exchanges in the days before a 537% weekly price surge that pushed LAB above $4.65.

On-chain researchers and blockchain analytics firm Bubblemaps report that exchange-controlled wallets now hold a large share of LAB supply. Some transfers were traced to addresses connected to LAB founder Vova Sadkov. ZachXBT reported he tried to contact Sadkov and received no reply.

LAB launched in late 2025 and traded in a narrow range for months before last week’s breakout. The project has promoted new platforms for multi-chain trading and introduced prediction markets. Most trading activity for LAB is concentrated on a small number of centralized exchanges rather than on decentralized exchanges.

On-chain data shows LAB futures open interest climbed to an all-time high above $163 million during the rally, with about $89 million of that on Binance. Bitget holds a substantial position and appears among the largest custodians of LAB tokens. Some analytics estimates indicate Bitget could hold up to $1.2 billion in LAB that might be unlocked. Other analyses suggest a very high share of tokens may be in exchange or insider-controlled wallets.

Roughly 74% of LAB open interest was on short positions during the surge, a pattern associated with attempts to force short squeezes. Researchers found limited large sell-offs during the price run and relatively low liquidity on decentralized exchanges. They say moving large token balances to exchange wallets can increase available liquidity on those venues and enable activity by market makers or other custodians.

Similar concentration patterns appeared in other recent token pumps; one token’s supply was tracked into a small number of large wallets, and another token experienced a sharp decline after public scrutiny. As of publication, the LAB team has not issued a public response to the transfer data, and the exchanges named in the reporting have not posted statements about the recent movements. ZachXBT has previously flagged rapid token rallies and has contacted exchanges during past investigations.