HTX (Huobi) (2023) — Crypto Hack
LaunderedHTX (formerly Huobi), also Justin Sun-backed, lost $113M in a hot wallet compromise linked to Lazarus Group.
Summary
HTX (formerly Huobi), also Justin Sun-backed, lost $113M in a hot wallet compromise linked to Lazarus Group.
How It Was Compromised — CEX via Private Key Compromise
HTX suffered a hot wallet private key compromise affecting its Ethereum holdings. The attack pattern closely resembled the Poloniex hack that occurred weeks prior — both exchanges are associated with Justin Sun. The identical methodology led investigators to attribute both attacks to the same Lazarus Group operation targeting Sun-affiliated exchanges.
Fund Flow & Laundering Analysis
ETH moved through multiple hops to obscure origin. Tornado Cash deposits in standard 100 ETH batches. Some funds bridged to other chains via cross-chain bridges. Pattern consistent with Lazarus Group's systematic laundering operations. Sun's exchanges collectively lost over $200M in similar attacks within weeks.