Kelp DAO Cross-Chain Bridge Exploited, 116,500 rsETH Worth $292M Stolen

Gate News message, April 19 — Kelp DAO's LayerZero-based cross-chain bridge was exploited in an attack that resulted in the theft of 116,500 rsETH, valued at approximately $292 million and representing roughly 18% of the token's circulating supply. The incident marks the largest DeFi attack of 2026 to date, according to CoinDesk.

In response to the exploit, multiple protocols have taken protective measures. Aave, SparkLend, and Fluid have frozen rsETH-related markets, while Lido Finance has suspended new deposits to its earnETH product.

Kelp DAO said it is collaborating with LayerZero, auditing firms, and external security experts to investigate the incident.