Lee further stated that Aqua1 is collaborating with institutional partners across the Middle East. While affirming the team’s commitment to transparency, he noted that certain disclosures remain restricted due to ongoing regulatory processes.
Silverman suggested that Aqua1 may have undisclosed ties to Web3Port, citing technical details such as shared Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure between Aqua1’s website and domains affiliated with Web3Port and Blockrock. He also noted that Dave Lee had previously worked for both firms.
Adding to the speculation, the report suggested that “Dave Lee” may be an alias for David Jia Hua Li, a Chinese-Brazilian national with a background in a state-owned energy company. Silverman questioned how someone with that profile could access such substantial capital and whether geopolitical motivations might be at play.
These allegations have drawn attention from figures such as former US Congressman Tom Malinowski, who questioned whether foreign interests might be influencing the US political scene through large-scale crypto investments.
“I’m sure it’s just a normal commercial deal made with money he had lying around and no help from foreign interests trying to influence our president.”
