DWF Labs partner stood down after drink-spiking allegations

As a seasoned analyst with years of experience in the tech industry, I have seen my fair share of scandals and controversies, but this one takes the cake. It’s not every day you hear about someone spiking a job applicant’s drink at a bar to try and coerce them into a business proposition.


One of the partners from cryptocurrency trading firm DWF Labs has temporarily stepped away following accusations that he drugged a potential employee’s drink during a meeting at a bar in Hong Kong.

During the ongoing probe, DWF Labs has chosen to remove the mentioned partner from both managerial and operational duties, a decision that takes effect right away, according to a statement issued on October 29th.

DWF Labs partner stood down after drink-spiking allegations

On October 29, Hana, who is a venture capitalist in the Web2 sector, asserted that a partner at DWF Labs had approached her on multiple occasions in a Hong Kong bar on October 24 to propose a role tailored specifically for her, even though she lacked prior experience in the crypto field.

She said her drink was spiked while she went to the bathroom. 

As a researcher, I found myself delving into an intriguing incident where the alleged victim asserted that she had taken a few sips from her drink before being informed by a waitstaff member that her beverage had been laced while she was away in the restroom. Notably, during this period, the accused was reportedly outside, engaged in a phone conversation.

Upon his arrival, Hana expressed her dislike for the wine’s flavor and proposed switching to a different bottle instead. However, he insisted she shouldn’t waste it and finish the current glass before requesting another.

DWF Labs partner stood down after drink-spiking allegations

Later on, she mentioned that she had a strong sensation of dizziness upon leaving, which is when the suspect reportedly attempted to coax her back to his hotel.

“I can remember the disgust I felt when he kept saying: ‘Come with me I have a suite at the Murray, and stay close with me I can give you more alpha, I can help you get to places.”

“If you treat me well, I can give you more inside information,” the perpetrator allegedly told her.

Hana mentioned that she’s acquired security camera footage related to the event and submitted it to the local authorities as part of her report.

Neither DWF Labs nor Hana confirmed the name of the alleged perpetrator.

DWF Labs’ main office is located in Singapore, but according to LinkedIn data, 11 out of their total 58 workers are stationed in Hong Kong, which is where the suspect and the victim had their encounter.

At DWF Labs, over half of their staff members are women, and they’ve demonstrated their unyielding dedication to ensuring a secure work environment by taking action against an executive who was terminated.

The company disapproves of behaviors that violate our fundamental principles of honesty, courtesy, and responsibility,” stated the organization.

Read More

2024-10-30 03:01