Crypto Stunt Sparks Chaos: Man Arrested for Promoting Vigilante Token on Hollywood Sign
On Feb. 15, Los Angeles police arrested a man who climbed the iconic Hollywood sign to wave a flag promoting the Vigilante token cryptocurrency. The daring stunt, orchestrated as a marketing strategy, briefly catapulted the token’s value before a dramatic crash.
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Viral Marketing or Reckless Publicity Stunt?
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed the arrest after officers responded to reports of a masked individual scaling the Hollywood sign and displaying a flag emblazoned with the Vigilante token logo, website, and social media details. Authorities took swift action, ensuring safety precautions, including deploying an ambulance, before taking the suspect into custody within two hours.
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According to reports, the unidentified man was dressed in dark clothing, including a ski mask, making it clear the stunt was premeditated. A statement from the LAPD noted that Vigilante, the cryptocurrency project behind the incident, appeared to have planned the spectacle well in advance.
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A post on X (formerly Twitter) from the official Vigilante account one day prior hinted at a high-profile token launch.
“On Feb. 15, 2025, we’re launching our Vigilante Token in the most viral way you’ve ever seen. We’re fully committed to holding our tokens and pushing for billions in market cap. The journey doesn’t stop after launch — we’ll be rolling out bigger-than-ever promotional events to keep the momentum strong and amplify the Vigilante Movement,” the company wrote.
Price Surge Followed by a Rapid Crash
Despite the legal repercussions, the stunt initially appeared to be a marketing success. Data revealed that Vigilante token’s value skyrocketed by over 60,000% shortly after the incident, briefly pushing its market capitalization to an estimated $5.5 million. However, within 24 hours, the token suffered an extreme decline, plummeting 99.5% and leaving investors with massive losses.
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This sudden collapse raised concerns about potential market manipulation, with some experts likening it to classic pump-and-dump schemes. Many investors who bought in at peak levels were left with nearly worthless holdings, sparking criticism of Vigilante’s tactics.
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Vigilante Team Remains Unfazed
Despite the dramatic price drop, the Vigilante team remained undeterred. In a follow-up post on Feb. 16, the project teased another high-profile marketing stunt.
“This is just the beginning. We’re planning a huge precursor event before our next big launch,” they wrote, suggesting more controversial promotional tactics ahead.
The incident has ignited debates within the crypto community about the ethics of extreme marketing strategies and the potential risks for investors. Some view the stunt as an innovative publicity move, while others criticize it as irresponsible and misleading.
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As authorities continue investigating, it remains unclear whether additional legal action will be taken against Vigilante’s organizers. However, the incident serves as yet another cautionary tale in the volatile world of cryptocurrency, where hype can drive rapid gains — and even faster collapses.
