ZachXBT Axiom Exposé Sparked 411% Polymarket Returns as an Insider Bet at 13.8% Odds

Key Insights:

  • ZachXBT published an investigation on February 26 that exposed alleged insider trading at Axiom, a platform that generated over $390 million in revenue.
  • Axiom employee Broox Bauer allegedly abused internal tools to track private wallet activity and shared sensitive user data with a group.
  • Suspicious Polymarket betting netted traders hundreds of thousands in profits hours before ZachXBT’s announcement.

On February 26, ZachXBT published findings exposing a sophisticated insider-trading operation by Axiom employees. The blockchain investigator detailed how employees allegedly exploited internal tools to track private wallet activity and profit from privileged information.

ZachXBT was retained to investigate allegations of misconduct at Axiom following reports that employees had accessed sensitive user data. The investigator identified Broox Bauer, a senior business development employee based in New York, as a central figure in the alleged crypto scam.

In leaked recordings from a private call, Broox stated that he could track any Axiom user using a referral code, wallet address, or user identification number. He claimed he could “find out anything to do with that person.”

The recordings captured Broox describing his methodology of researching 10-20 wallets initially, then slowly increasing volume over time, “so it does not look that suspicious.” The investigation revealed Broox shared screenshots from Axiom’s internal dashboard displaying private wallets for prominent traders.

In April 2025, he shared data for trader ‘Jerry’. In August 2025, he sent images showing registration details and connected wallets for trader ‘Monix’.

One of ZachXBT’s Posts in His Exposé Thread | Source: ZachXBT/X
One of ZachXBT’s Posts in His Exposé Thread | Source: ZachXBT/X

The group created a Google Sheet that compiled wallet addresses for multiple key opinion leaders, mapping data from Axiom’s internal systems.

The Scope of the Alleged Crypto Scam

ZachXBT traced Broox’s main wallet and related addresses. He identified multiple centralized exchange deposit addresses where funds flowed.

The investigator noted that pinpointing specific instances of insider trading proved difficult without access to Axiom’s internal logs to review trade timing. The leaked recordings also implicated other Axiom employees.

Broox mentioned Ryan (Ryucio), another BD employee, had used the internal dashboard to look up users on behalf of others. Gowno (Seb), a recently hired Axiom moderator and close friend of Broox, participated in the recorded call where Broox outlined plans to help him profit $200,000 quickly by abusing access at Axiom.

One targeted trader was Marcell, known for bundling large portions of meme coin supplies from private wallets before promoting them to followers.

ZachXBT explained that these traders became prime targets because address reuse was less common and private wallets rarely became public, making privileged information more valuable.

Axiom’s Response and Access Control Failures

ZachXBT criticized the lack of monitoring and access controls at Axiom that allowed the abuse.

The extent of data granted to employees in an easily accessible dashboard was unusual for business development roles, including a user’s entire wallet list with timestamps, tracked wallets, transaction history, wallet nicknames, and linked accounts.

Axiom’s co-founders, Cal and Mist, issued a statement expressing shock and disappointment. The statement read: “We are shocked and disappointed to hear that someone on our team abused internal customer support tools to look up user wallets.”

The platform removed access to these tools and committed to continuing the investigation and holding offending parties responsible.

ZachXBT suggested that the case presented an opportunity for the Southern District of New York, since Broox operates in NYC, potentially bringing the matter within their jurisdiction. The investigator urged Axiom’s co-founders to investigate the abuse further and consider legal action against the involved employees.

Polymarket Poll Sparks Insider Trading Suspicions

Days before ZachXBT published his findings, he announced plans to expose a major insider trading scheme at one of crypto’s most profitable platforms. A Polymarket poll opened immediately after, with bettors initially favoring World Liberty Financial as the target. Odds later shifted toward Meteora.

Approximately 9 hours before the February 26 announcement, Axiom’s odds surged to over 40% at one point. When ZachXBT published his investigation, Axiom led the poll at roughly 31%. On-chain tracking profile Lookonchain reported suspicious activity on February 26.

An anonymous trader used a new wallet to bet $50,700 that Axiom would be accused of insider trading by ZachXBT when odds stood at only 15.1%. The bet sparked speculation about inside information.

Multiple traders followed the position, pushing Axiom’s odds above Meteora’s. The original trader closed their position and made $39,000 in one day. Lookonchain reported another case hours later. Trader predictorxyz bet $65,800 that Axiom would face accusations, with odds of 13.8%. The trader won and profited $411,400.

Profitable Bet of User predictorxyz | Source: Lookonchain/Polymarket
Profitable Bet of User predictorxyz | Source: Lookonchain/Polymarket

The Polymarket betting patterns raised questions about whether information about ZachXBT’s investigation target leaked before the public announcement. Suspicious timing and substantial profits generated by bettors who wagered on Axiom hours before the reveal added another layer to the unfolding controversy.

The investigation exposed systemic vulnerabilities in how crypto platforms handle sensitive user data and grant employee access to internal tools. Whether criminal charges materialize remains uncertain, but the case highlighted the need for stronger access controls and monitoring systems across the industry.

Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2026/02/28/zachxbt-axiom-expose-sparked-411-polymarket-returns-as-an-insider-bet-at-13-8-odds/