Tools for Humanity Probed 7-Figure Payments and Thailand Bribery Claims at $2.5 Billion Startup
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Jun 22
Tools for Humanity Probed 7-Figure Payments and Thailand Bribery Claims at $2.5 Billion Startup
2 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Jun 22
Summary
Tools for Humanity hired O'Melveny & Myers and Sidley Austin last year to investigate allegations of financial misconduct and possible bribery tied to its Thailand rollout, according to people familiar with the probes.
Six- and seven-figure payments to a foreign firm were reviewed over claims they were meant to prop up the Worldcoin token's value, alongside concerns about personal expenses, corporate housing charges and worker classification.
Thailand dealings also drew scrutiny because a local partner was linked to Benjamin Mauerberger, whom U.S. and Thai authorities have accused of involvement in transnational cyber-fraud scams; the company said it later cut ties.
Tools for Humanity said the reviews led it to strengthen policies and partner due diligence, and that it is not aware of facts establishing any Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violation.
The investigations add to mounting pressure on Sam Altman's startup, whose Worldcoin token has fallen about 95% from its $11.79 peak and whose biometric-collection practices have faced probes or restrictions in countries including Thailand, Spain and Indonesia.
Do internal probes into bribery and fraud reveal isolated incidents or a fundamentally flawed model for global digital identity?
With its crypto project under fire, can Sam Altman's firm pivot to become a trusted AI identity provider for enterprises?
As its token value plummets 95%, what is the ultimate fate of the sensitive iris data collected from millions globally?
Worldcoin’s 2026 Crossroads: Regulatory Battles, Executive Turnover, and the WLD Token’s Soaring 195% Rally
Overview
As of June 2026, Tools for Humanity, the company behind Worldcoin, is undergoing major operational changes, including workforce reductions that may affect its development pace and focus. Despite these internal shifts, the Worldcoin (WLD) token has shown strong market resilience, with its price surging significantly in recent months. This growth is fueled by speculation about a potential OpenAI public listing, which has driven sustained demand for WLD. Technical indicators, such as a 'mini golden cross' and bullish chart patterns, suggest continued momentum for the token, highlighting the complex interplay between company strategy, market speculation, and token performance.