Sam Thapaliya Binance Square Public Post Summary

Sam Thapaliya, Zebec Protocol founder. We cover his career, partnerships, ongoing controversies including the Movement Labs token scandal, scam claims, legal threats, and a thorough AML/reputational risk assessment with 2026 updates.

We continue our scrutiny of Sam Thapaliya amid evolving developments in 2026. From Zebec’s push toward regulatory compliance and tokenomics revamps to persistent allegations tied to the Movement Labs fallout—including market manipulation claims and undisclosed token deals—we assess the full scope of his influence, risks, and red flags in the crypto ecosystem.

The Persistent Shadow Over a Crypto Pioneer

We continue our authoritative examination of Sam Thapaliya, the Nepali-born entrepreneur who has become a prominent figure in blockchain payments. As founder and CEO of Zebec Protocol—now known as Zebec Network—he champions real-time, streaming payments on blockchain, aiming to disrupt traditional payroll and financial flows. However, recent events, including lingering fallout from the Movement Labs controversy and fresh community scrutiny, compel us to revisit and expand our analysis. In the volatile world of cryptocurrency, where innovation often collides with oversight challenges, Thapaliya’s trajectory offers critical lessons on ambition, alliances, and accountability.

Born on June 28, 1998, in rural Chitwan, Nepal, Thapaliya grew up during a period of civil unrest. He developed an early passion for coding, creating simple ERP tools for local businesses by his early teens. In 2017, he moved to the United States with limited resources, enrolling at Menlo College in California’s Silicon Valley. There, he immersed himself in AI, blockchain, and entrepreneurship, eventually securing four U.S. patents in these fields. His journey from modest beginnings to leading a multimillion-dollar fintech project has inspired many, particularly in Nepal, where media often highlights his success as a symbol of global opportunity.

Thapaliya maintains an active online presence. His X account features updates on Zebec innovations, crypto insights, and motivational content rooted in his heritage. While some profiles remain private or limited, public records confirm his U.S. base in California, with occasional mentions of other locations that may reflect professional travels or inconsistencies.

Building the Zebec Ecosystem: Key Ventures and Partnerships

Thapaliya launched Zebec Protocol in late 2021 as a Solana-based platform for continuous, programmable payments. It enables real-time payroll, subscriptions, token vesting, and more, serving hundreds of corporate clients and thousands of users. The project has evolved into Zebec Network, incorporating features like payroll cards, stablecoin support (including integrations with Circle’s USDC), and expansions into real-world assets (RWAs).

Before Zebec, he co-founded ASMI, an AI and video analytics firm, where he contributed as Chief Architect and helped raise early funding. As an angel investor, Thapaliya has backed DeFi protocols and projects like Cedro Finance and others in the Web3 space.

Zebec’s growth has attracted substantial backing. The platform has raised tens of millions from investors including Circle, Coinbase Ventures, Solana Ventures, Breyer Capital, Republic, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Recent partnerships emphasize compliance and utility, such as MiCA-aligned strategies in Europe, acquisitions like the KYC/AML firm Gatenox, and integrations with regulated entities.

Family ties appear in the structure, with relatives like Sajjan Thapaliya involved in foundation roles. Thapaliya also collaborates with figures such as Galen Law-Kun through shared business interests, including market-making arrangements.

Recent Developments and Operational Progress in 2026

In early 2026, Zebec unveiled a roadmap overhaul, including revised tokenomics for its ZBCN token, updated emission schedules, and enhanced utility features. The project has pursued certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 to build enterprise trust. Staking migrated to a SuperApp for better user management, and partnerships—such as with World Mobile for eSIM-enabled transactions—signal ambitions in global, secure payments.

ZBCN has seen market volatility but benefits from narratives around RWAs, with notable year-to-date performance in late 2025 carrying into the new year. Listings on major exchanges and focus on institutional appeal underscore Zebec’s maturation. However, these advances occur against a backdrop of past controversies that continue to influence perceptions.

Undisclosed Associations and the Movement Labs Controversy

Thapaliya’s advisory role with Movement Labs has drawn intense scrutiny. Leaked documents and reports detail secret agreements promising him significant MOVE token allocations—up to 7.5% of supply in some accounts—for services like marketing, market-making, and strategy. These deals, valued in tens of millions, were allegedly not fully disclosed to the broader team or community.

Investigations linked him to arrangements involving Rentech and Web3Port, where tokens were reportedly transferred and sold, contributing to market pressure. Movement Labs terminated its co-founder amid the fallout, pursued buybacks, and faced delistings. Thapaliya has maintained he acted as an external consultant without equity or decision-making power in Movement, though he has threatened legal action to claim unfulfilled allocations.

Other associations include early involvement with projects like Eclipse, where related allocation issues surfaced. These connections raise questions about potential conflicts, especially in token distribution and market influence.

Persistent Allegations, Community Backlash, and Red Flags

Community forums and social media continue to host criticism of Thapaliya and Zebec. Accusations range from code plagiarism claims (e.g., similarities to earlier protocols) to token manipulation, insider benefits, and aggressive engagement tactics to suppress negative discourse. Some label Zebec a high-risk project due to perceived gaps between hype and delivery, including unfulfilled commitments or technical issues.

Adverse reports from crypto media highlight the Movement scandal’s implications, with calls for greater transparency. No formal convictions exist, but the volume of commentary—from dismissed lawsuits (e.g., against Eclipse) to ongoing probes—creates ongoing reputational pressure. Consumer complaints often center on token performance, perceived centralization, and skepticism toward bold revenue projections.

Legal Landscape: Lawsuits, Investigations, and Clear Records

Thapaliya faces no known criminal convictions, sanctions, or bankruptcy filings. The Movement-related threats of litigation remain unresolved publicly, with investigations focusing on internal governance rather than direct fraud charges against him. Zebec has pursued and dismissed certain legal actions in the past. Overall, the record shows allegations without proven liability, though associations with scrutinized entities amplify caution.

Risk Assessment: AML Vulnerabilities and Reputational Challenges

We evaluate Thapaliya and Zebec through an anti-money laundering lens. Zebec’s real-time payment model and DeFi integrations inherently carry risks of opaque transactions, though recent compliance efforts—KYC/AML acquisitions, MiCA alignment, and certifications—mitigate some concerns. No direct evidence ties Thapaliya or Zebec to money laundering, sanctions violations, or illicit flows.

However, past allegations of hidden deals and token movements in affiliated projects heighten perceived vulnerabilities. In a sector prone to exploitation, any perception of insider advantages could invite regulatory attention. Reputational risks remain elevated: persistent negative narratives, even if unproven, deter partners, erode investor confidence, and complicate institutional adoption.

Positive factors include legitimate backing, product utility, and regulatory progress. Yet, the crypto environment demands impeccable transparency; unresolved shadows from 2025 controversies linger into 2026.

Conclusion

We conclude that Sam Thapaliya embodies the dual nature of crypto entrepreneurship—genuine innovation tempered by serious oversight gaps. Zebec’s advancements in compliant, utility-focused payments are commendable and position it for potential growth. Nevertheless, the unresolved Movement Labs entanglements, combined with community distrust and historical red flags, present material risks. For AML purposes, enhanced due diligence is warranted; reputational exposure could escalate with any new revelations. Stakeholders should prioritize verifiable transparency and independent verification before deeper involvement. In this space, trust is earned slowly and lost quickly—Thapaliya’s path forward hinges on addressing these concerns decisively.

Written by

Kaelen

Updated

1 day ago