Tensions are rising in the Cardano (ADA) ecosystem after a week of escalating conflict between project founder Charles Hoskinson and Cardano-based DeFi platform Optim Finance. At the center of the dispute are resurfaced allegations accusing Hoskinson of manipulating the Cardano treasury — claims he has firmly denied and described as part of a broader campaign to damage his and Cardano’s reputation.

The initial controversy stems from past transactions during the 2021 Allegra hard fork, with some community members suggesting that over $600 million in ADA were inappropriately accessed or redirected. 

Hoskinson responded by confirming that an independent audit is underway to clarify the historical record, insisting that most of the ADA in question had been legitimately redeemed by original holders over a seven-year period. He described the allegations as misleading and harmful, saying they rely on technical misunderstandings and lack any formal legal or regulatory action.

In recent days, attention shifted to Optim Finance after it was alleged that the project had supported individuals and narratives tied to the original claims. Hoskinson criticized the platform for what he called an organized effort to spread misinformation, suggesting that delegating user funds to actors involved in the accusations was a serious lapse in judgment. 

He said the issue goes beyond criticism of him personally and pointed to long-term damage being done to Cardano’s image and credibility in the wider crypto space.

Optim Finance responded by acknowledging the tension, stating that emotions had run high but emphasizing their track record of building within the Cardano ecosystem over the past four years. 

The team cited contributions to key infrastructures like Minswap and defended their position as one of Cardano’s top contributors by transaction volume and total value locked.