Vitalik sells 17K ETH in one month after earmarking $45M for privacy

CoinTelegraph

by Amin Haqshanas

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has significantly reduced his Ether holdings, shedding approximately 17,000 ETH in one month. This reduction comes after he announced plans to allocate $45 million worth of tokens to privacy-focused projects. According to Arkham data, Buterin's attributed wallets saw a decline from about 241,000 ETH at the start of February to 224,000 ETH by mid-month. The selling activity accelerated recently, with reports indicating that Buterin sold $7 million worth of tokens in just three days. Earlier in the month, he had already disposed of around 2,961 ETH, valued at $6.6 million, over a three-day period. These transactions highlight a notable shift in his portfolio management. This development is significant for several reasons. It underscores Buterin's commitment to supporting privacy initiatives within the crypto space, despite his own substantial holdings. The scale of these transactions also raises questions about his strategy and the broader implications for the Ethereum ecosystem. While he has sold a considerable amount of ETH, it's important to note that he retains a substantial balance, signaling ongoing involvement in the project. For crypto enthusiasts and market participants, this news may offer insights into potential trends or shifts in the market. It also serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency investments, where

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/24/2026