The platform Abacus Market, once the largest darknet marketplace for Western users, has unexpectedly closed, leading to suspicions of fraud.
Platform Issues
Issues for Abacus Market began in late June, when users reported difficulties withdrawing funds. The administrator known as 'Vito' attributed the problems on the darknet forum Dread to an influx of new users and a DDoS attack. However, users were unconvinced, and deposit volumes plummeted from $230,000 to $13,000 per day by early July.
History of Abacus Market
Abacus Market, formerly known as Alphabet Market, was founded in 2021 and grew in popularity by offering transactions in Bitcoin and Monero. In 2024, following the takedown of Incognito Market, Abacus captured over 70% of the Western darknet market share, earning between $300 million and $400 million.
Expert Opinion
Experts believe the closure may have been a calculated choice by the operators. After the seizure of Archetyp Market in June 2025, Abacus reached a record $6.3 million in monthly volume. Historically, darknet market operators who exit at the peak often avoid prosecution, leaving the question of whether the closure was a scam or a silent bust.
The closure of Abacus Market serves as another warning about the instability in Western darknet markets, which users and vendors may need to navigate for safer conditions.
