- The $HAWK token crashed 95%, legal scrutiny follows.
- Hailey Welch claims no profit or crypto knowledge.
- Legal actions against founders and promoters escalate.

The $HAWK meme coin’s rapid collapse underscores the volatility in meme tokens and has prompted legal and regulatory scrutiny. Stakeholders and investors experienced substantial financial losses, with significant implications for trust in crypto projects.
The launch of the $HAWK token attracted considerable attention, peaking at a $490 million market cap before plunging to under $100 million. Accusations have surfaced that insiders exploited advanced trading techniques to facilitate gains, causing losses for retail investors.
Hailey Welch, the promoted face of the coin, reportedly lacked crypto understanding and earned no profit. “I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted,” she stated. Despite this, she remains engaged with authorities assisting investigations into unregistered promotions and improper project practices, confirming FBI cooperation.
The fallout has prompted disillusionment within the crypto community, compounded by the silence of key figures like Doc Hollywood, who controlled pivotal financial decisions. Legal proceedings target those responsible for misleading investors and the absence of transparency.
Long-term consequences may manifest in stricter crypto regulations, potentially setting precedents for meme cryptocurrencies. Historical parallels, such as the Squid Game Token incident, highlight trends in the pump-and-dump phenomena and its impact on retail investors. Increased oversight could arise as a safeguarding measure, according to experts.