Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon was sentenced to 15 years in prison. This historic ruling closes a dark chapter that wiped out $40 billion from the market, but it also opens a new conversation about safety, transparency, and the future of crypto assets.
In a market where trust is hard to earn and easy to lose, investors are becoming increasingly selective. Hence, the search for the best meme coins to buy is shifting toward projects that offer more than just hype.
This flight to quality has brought DeepSnitch AI to the top of every watchlist. As the best meme coins to buy list gets rewritten for 2026, DeepSnitch AI stands out for its explosive growth potential and its commitment to protecting investors.
With its presale surging past $780,000, a working product suite, and a massive 100% bonus for early backers, DeepSnitch AI is the definitive answer to the market’s demand.
Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years for fraud
US District Judge Paul Engelmayer ordered Kwon to serve 15 years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud, stemming from the catastrophic collapse of the Terra ecosystem in 2022.
The judge’s decision was firm, rejecting the defense’s request for a five-year sentence as “implausible” and condemning Kwon’s actions. “To the next Do Kwon, if you commit fraud, you will lose your liberty for a long time as you will here,” Engelmayer stated, sending a chilling message to bad actors across the industry.
Before the sentencing, Kwon expressed remorse, stating that he had spent years thinking about what he could have done differently. He requested to serve his time in his native South Korea, where he also faces legal challenges.
However, the US court prioritized the severity of the financial destruction caused to American investors. The collapse of Terra triggered a contagion that toppled hedge funds, lending platforms, and the savings of countless retail traders.
This event has fundamentally altered viral token sentiment. Investors are no longer willing to blindly trust charismatic founders or algorithmic promises. The fear of the “next collapse” is real, and it is driving a massive migration toward transparency.
This is why the best meme coins to buy right now are those that offer tools to verify, audit, and track assets independently. The market is demanding “trust but verify,” and projects like DeepSnitch AI are answering that call by providing the intelligence infrastructure that was sorely missing during the Terra era.
The five best meme coins to buy now
1. DeepSnitch AI ($DSNT): The “anti-fraud” utility token launching by January
DeepSnitch AI takes the top spot of the best meme coins to buy now because it gives investors something they desperately need right now: protection in a market filled with uncertainty. If you’re new to it, DeepSnitch AI is a simple idea, an intelligence layer designed to help regular traders avoid the traps that keep hurting retail. With fraud cases back in the headlines and sentiment shaky, the timing couldn’t be sharper.
This is one of the few presales offering full utility today. SnitchScan checks contracts for the hidden tricks that wipe out portfolios. SnitchFeed watches whale behavior around the clock so traders aren’t blindsided by insider moves. SnitchGPT lets users ask direct questions and get clear answers pulled from on-chain data. Staking is live too, tightening supply as the presale moves forward.
Momentum reflects that execution. Stage 3 has passed $780,000, the price has climbed to $0.02790, and early buyers are already up more than 84%. The holiday bonus code, DSNTVIP100, adds even more incentive for larger entries. You can earn up to 100% bonuses when you use this code while joining the presale.
With the launch coming soon in January and talk growing around potential Tier 1 listings, this entry is closing. In a market where trust is rare, DeepSnitch AI gives traders real tools, and the time to buy is now.
2. Lucidum (LUCIC)
Lucidum takes the second spot on the list of the best meme coins to buy due to its price performance. In a week where the market was quiet, Lucidum exploded with a 39% price increase. Lucidum is positioning itself as a high-volatility play within the BNB Chain ecosystem. Its recent surge has outperformed both the global market and similar tokens.
However, high rewards come with high risks. The token’s volatility is rated as “extremely high”. While the sentiment is currently “bearish” due to broader market fears, the price action tells a different story of aggressive accumulation.
Analysts forecast a 114% rise to $0.5504 by December 2026. For traders looking for short-term momentum, Lucidum is one of the trending meme coins that demands attention.
3. Degen (DEGEN)
Degen enters the list at number three, embodying the spirit of high-risk trading. With a price increase of 14% in the second week of December, Degen is outperforming the global market significantly. It appeals to the “degen” culture, traders who embrace risk and volatility in pursuit of massive gains.
The project has shown resilience, recording 12 green days in the last 30. Despite a “bearish” sentiment reading from technical indicators, the community support remains strong. Analysts predict a 114% rise to $0.003348 by December 2026. Degen is a classic example of viral token sentiment.
4. Dogwifhat (WIF)
Dogwifhat (WIF) secures the fourth spot as the reliable choice within the Solana ecosystem. While not exploding like Lucidum, WIF had a solid 4% gain as of December 11th, outperforming the flat performance of other Solana meme coins.
The outlook for WIF remains positive for long-term holders. Analysts forecast a massive 168% rise to $1.05 by December 2030. This makes it one of the top meme crypto projects for investors who want exposure to the meme narrative without the extreme volatility of micro-cap tokens. However, WIF is a mature asset. The days of 100x gains in a single month are likely behind it. Buy DeepSnitch AI now for massive gains.
5. Shiba Inu (SHIB)
SHIB is still one of the best meme coins to buy. But the token has struggled recently, with a 3% decline on the weekly chart. However, SHIB remains a powerhouse with a massive ecosystem including Shibarium, ShibaSwap, and upcoming projects.
The long-term forecast for SHIB is optimistic, with analysts predicting a potential 286% ROI by 2028 if the token reaches its maximum price target. While the short-term viral token sentiment has cooled, Shiba Inu’s massive community ensures it will remain relevant. It is a value coin for patient investors who believe in the project’s transition from a meme to a utility ecosystem.
Final verdict
DeepSnitch AI is one of the best meme coins to buy. It is the only project on this list that actively protects its holders from the risks that took down Terraform Labs. While Lucidum and Degen offer excitement, DeepSnitch AI offers a future. With its suite of live tools, SnitchFeed, SnitchScan, and SnitchGPT, operational today, it proves that it is real, transparent, and valuable.
Coupled with the massive 100% bonus available via code DSNTVIP100, investors have a mathematical advantage that simply cannot be ignored. With over $780,000 raised and a January launch getting closer, the smart money is moving into DeepSnitch AI to secure the best position for the 2026 bull run.
Visit the official DeepSnitch AI website, join Telegram, and follow on X (Twitter) for the latest updates.
FAQs
What are the best meme coins to buy right now?
DeepSnitch AI is the number one pick. It is one of the best meme coins to buy because it combines the viral appeal of a meme coin with the essential safety utility of an AI security platform.
Why are trending meme coins like Lucidum pumping?
Trending meme coins like Lucidum are pumping due to speculative capital rotation. In a bear market, investors often move to low-cap coins that can move quickly on small volumes.
How do I find the best meme coins to buy before they list?
The best way is to participate in verified presales with working products. DeepSnitch AI allows you to test its dashboard and tools during the presale, proving its value before the public listing. This is a key indicator of a high-quality project among the top meme crypto projects.
Can Shiba Inu still be considered one of the best meme coins to buy?
Yes, but for a different strategy. It is one of the best meme coins to buy if you want lower volatility and steady ecosystem growth over the next 5 years.