Solana Foundation Removes Validators for Engaging in Sandwich Attacks

cryptonews.com:

The Solana Foundation has taken decisive action against a group of validator operators involved in sandwich attacks on traders, a deceptive practice plaguing decentralized networks.

The action aligns with the Foundation’s rules prohibiting such malicious activities and their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and trustworthiness of the Solana ecosystem. The Foundation emphasizes protecting retail investors from exploitation.

Sandwich attacks exploit the transaction sequencing on blockchain networks like Ethereum and Solana. A malicious actor places an order before a pending transaction and another immediately after. In this way, they effectively manipulate the asset’s price to profit from the price difference. This unethical tactic guarantees retail investors the worst possible price while the attacker reaps all the profits.

These validators, identified for participating in mempools facilitating sandwich attacks, have been removed from the Solana Foundation’s delegation program. Tim Garcia, Solana’s validator relations lead, announced the removal of these validators on Discord , emphasizing the Foundation’s zero-tolerance policy towards malicious activities.

“Decisions in this matter are final. Enforcement actions are ongoing as we detect operators participating in mempools which allow sandwich attacks.”

According to Garcia, validators engaging in harmful practices, including participating in private mempools to conduct sandwich attacks, face immediate expulsion from the delegation program.

“Anyone found engaging in such activity will be rejected from the program, and any stake from the Foundation will be immediately and permanently removed .”

Notably, the Solana Foundation Delegation Program aims to support