Final Statement from HEX - Sent to Sugarvalves for transparency, with post article release reflections, ready if you can be bothered:
Regarding Kolton, our understanding is that Meezmaaz provided him with approximately $2 billion and a PI. Upon becoming aware of the circumstances, Kolton immediately returned the PI to Blue Tiger.
The remaining funds had already been committed to a bank investment before the full situation became known. As a result, they are currently inaccessible, with approximately 83 days remaining at the time of writing. Once those funds become available, Kolton has stated his intention to return them in full.
Kolton has already returned what he presently can and has consistently expressed a desire to make things right. He has gone to considerable lengths to do so and has shown genuine remorse regarding the entire situation. To our knowledge, he has acted in good faith throughout and has made every effort available to him to rectify matters. As such, we do not consider his actions comparable to those of someone attempting to profit from the situation.
We have established a rapport with Kolton and remain in active communication with him. He has HEX’s full support in his future endeavours. (He is now a member of HEX)
With regard to Meezmaaz, leadership approached the matter respectfully and in good faith. Our intention throughout was to resolve the issue privately and amicably, without unnecessary drama or public attention. In truth, we never wanted this matter to become public or to be discussed on the forums.
We explained that the transfer had been made in error and requested that the funds be returned. We also made it clear that honesty would be appreciated and that there would be opportunities for mutual growth and future cooperation. In fact, we were prepared to reward integrity, as we believed that everyone involved stood to gain more from a long-term relationship than from a short-term windfall.
From our conversations, it appeared that Meezmaaz understood that the transfer had been accidental. They themselves suggested that the sender had likely pressed the maximum amount by mistake before entering the recipient’s name and acknowledged that the balance represented more than simply an individual’s money.
Throughout these discussions, leadership remained respectful and focused on finding an amicable resolution. At no point were threats made or pressure applied beyond requesting the return of the funds.
As for Meezmaaz as an individual, we did not know them particularly well. They were already a member of the faction prior to our acquisition, and I had never personally spoken with them before this incident. They generally kept to themselves and were a relatively quiet member. As such, we had no reason to anticipate this outcome, and we believe it would be unfair to speculate on their character beyond the actions surrounding this matter.
Given the circumstances, including their immediate departure to Caymans and the subsequent conversations, it is difficult for us to believe that they were unaware of the scale of the transfer. While we cannot speak to their intentions with certainty, we believe that the sequence of events and the messages exchanged are capable of speaking for themselves.
In hindsight, there are certainly lessons to be learned regarding internal procedures and banking permissions. We have acknowledged from the outset that the original transfer was the result of an honest mistake on our part. Mistakes happen, particularly within communities built upon trust, and we have accepted full responsibility for that error. Since then, we have reviewed and strengthened our internal procedures to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring in the future.
We would also like to make it clear that we have no intention of publicly identifying the banker involved. They are in their seventies, are exceptionally trustworthy, and are genuinely one of the kindest individuals we have had the privilege of knowing. Given the stress and remorse they have experienced as a result of this incident, we believe it is important to protect their privacy and mental wellbeing.
The individual in question has been deeply affected by what occurred and has expressed tremendous remorse. In fact, they even offered to repay the losses personally over time from their own earnings. Leadership unanimously declined that offer. While a mistake was made, we do not believe that one honest error should outweigh a lifetime of integrity and trustworthiness.
Ultimately, we believe it is important to distinguish between an accidental mistake and a deliberate choice. The initial error created the opportunity, but it did not dictate the actions that followed. Accepting responsibility for our own mistake does not require us to ignore the responsibility of others for the decisions they make.
Meezmaaz was afforded multiple opportunities over the course of four days to return the funds and resolve the matter privately. Unfortunately, those opportunities were not taken.
While HEX has moved forward operationally, we have no intention of forgetting what transpired. Trust is earned, and once broken it is not easily restored. The choices made during those four days will naturally influence how we interact with those involved moving forward.
Our focus remains on HEX and the interests of our members. We will continue to make decisions based upon the events that occurred, the choices that were made, and what we believe is necessary to protect and represent our faction.
Ultimately, our priority is to learn from this experience, strengthen our faction, and continue building a positive environment for our members. We believe that mistakes should be acknowledged and corrected, and that individuals should be judged not solely by the opportunities presented to them, but by how they choose to respond to them.
HEX has accepted its mistake, learned from it, and moved forward. However, moving forward does not mean forgetting what happened or ignoring accountability.
This statement is intended to provide transparency and context, and unless further clarification is required, we consider the matter closed.
Reflections after reading the article:
Having read the article and the various opinions expressed by members of the community, we appreciate that not everyone will agree with our perspective. Torn is, by its very nature, a competitive and often ruthless environment, and players are entitled to their own views regarding what constitutes acceptable behaviour.
We have never disputed that the original mistake was ours, nor have we sought sympathy for the consequences that followed. We accepted responsibility from the outset and have used this experience as an opportunity to review and strengthen our internal procedures.
At the same time, we do not believe that accepting responsibility for our own mistake requires us to surrender our own principles. Communities are built not only on mechanics and rules, but also on trust, reputation, and the choices individuals make when presented with opportunities.
Reasonable people may disagree on where the line should be drawn, and we respect that. Some may view this incident simply as part of the nature of Torn, while others may place greater importance on integrity and long-term relationships. Neither perspective changes the fact that every player is free to make their own choices, and others are equally free to remember and respond to those choices accordingly.
If there is one positive to come from this incident, it is that it has reminded us of the value of trust, the importance of accountability, and the strength of the community we have built within HEX. The overwhelming support we have received from friends, allies, and members alike has far outweighed the losses themselves.
Money can be regained. Reputations, trust, and friendships are considerably harder to rebuild.
Ultimately, we bear no ill will and wish everyone involved the very best. We have learned from the experience, strengthened as a faction, and will continue moving forward with optimism and pride in the community we have built together.
I bid you all goodnight, good morning, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours ❤️
~ Clwee
On behalf of HEX Leadership
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