Crypto firm DWF Labs announced the dismissal of a partner due to drink spiking allegations publicized on social media. The partner involved is Eugene Ng, a founding member of the firm.
Allegations Surface on Social Media
The allegations emerged when Hana, a venture capitalist exploring opportunities in the Web3 sector, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that her drink had been spiked multiple times during a meeting with Ng at a Hong Kong bar on October 24. She recounted being warned by a waitress about an unknown substance in her drink. Hana claims to have gathered CCTV footage and reported the incident to local authorities, sharing photos of the police report and her account of the alleged spiking.
DWF Labs Responds, Dismisses Partner
Following Hana's post, DWF Labs issued a statement confirming the dismissal of a partner in light of 'deeply concerning allegations involving inappropriate and unacceptable behavior.' Although the individual was not initially named, Ng's sudden removal from the firm’s team page and the privatization of his X account suggested his involvement. According to user reports, Ng has now deleted his X account entirely. In the statement, DWF Labs mentioned that while an investigation is ongoing, they decided to remove Ng from management and operational roles 'effective immediately.'
Industry Reactions and Implications
The allegations against Ng have sparked industry-wide discussions on workplace safety and behavior, especially in the male-dominated crypto sector. DWF Labs’ quick response by publicly acknowledging the accusations and removing Ng from his position has received mixed reactions; some praise the immediate action, while others call for more comprehensive accountability measures across the industry. As the case unfolds, it underscores persistent issues concerning the treatment of women in professional settings within the crypto and Web3 industries.
The investigation is ongoing, with more developments expected as authorities review the evidence provided by Hana, including CCTV footage. DWF Labs has yet to release any further details but emphasized their ongoing cooperation with authorities.