A partner at crypto trading platform DWF Labs has been stood down after allegations he spiked the drink of a job applicant at a Hong Kong bar.
“While the matter is under investigation, DWF Labs has decided to dismiss the said partner from management and operational roles effective immediately,” DWF said in an Oct. 29 statement.
In an Oct. 29 post on X, “Hana” — a Web2 venture capitalist — claimed a DWF Labs partner had approached her multiple times in a Hong Kong bar on Oct. 24 to discuss a role she was a “perfect fit for” — despite her having never worked in crypto before.
She said her drink was spiked while she went to the bathroom.
The victim claims she had a “few sips of the drink” before a waitress told her that her drink had been spiked while she was in the restroom. The accused had stepped outside to make a phone call at the time.
When he returned, Hana said she didn’t like the taste of the wine and suggested changing it for another one, but he demanded that she not waste it and finish it before ordering another glass.
She said she later recalled feeling “extremely dizzy” when she stepped outside, where the accused allegedly tried to lure 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 said she has since obtained CCTV footage of the incident and filed a report with local police.
Neither DWF Labs nor Hana confirmed the name of the alleged perpetrator.
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DWF Labs is headquartered in Singapore. LinkedIn data shows that 11 of its 58 employees are based in Hong Kong — where the victim and accused met.
DWF Labs said that more than half of its workforce was comprised of female employees and said the decision to dismiss the executive reflected its “unwavering” commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.
“We do not condone actions that go against our core values of integrity, respect, and accountability,” added the firm.