Abacus Market, formerly the largest darknet marketplace in the West, has suddenly closed, leaving its users in uncertainty and raising suspicions of fraudulent activities.
The Sudden Disappearance of Abacus Market
According to TRM Labs, Abacus Market went offline in early July 2025, removing all its resources without warning. This marketplace, which handled nearly $100 million in transactions over four years, faced issues when users began complaining about stalled withdrawals in late June. The marketplace administrator, known as 'Vito', attributed these withdrawals to an influx of new users after the takedown of Archetyp Market.
History and Achievements of the Marketplace
Launched in 2021 as Alphabet Market, Abacus rebranded and rose to prominence particularly in the Australian market, providing tailored content and support. Unlike its competitors, Abacus operated with a centralized deposit wallet and multi-signature security features. Its market share soared from 10% in 2022 to over 70% by 2024, especially after the closure of Archetyp led to a spike in monthly sales to $6.3 million.
Rise of New Russian Darknet Markets
TRM Labs also noted that despite the shutdown of major platforms, the darknet ecosystem continues to adapt. After the closure of Hydra Market in 2022, new Russian-language darknet markets emerged, capturing over 97% of global revenues from drug sales by 2024. Meanwhile, attempts by Western operators to rebrand or engage in exit scams post-takedown appear to be less frequent.
The closure of Abacus Market underscores the instability and risks in the darknet market. Despite shutdowns, the ecosystem remains capable of adaptation, with new players continuing to alter the landscape.
