Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex, was hit by a significant hack resulting in $81 million worth of assets being stolen. The incident raises security concerns for regional exchanges.
How the Crypto Hack Happened
On June 18, 2025, due to the hack, it became known that $81 million in digital assets was stolen via Tron and EVM-compatible networks. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT reported suspicious outflows from Nobitex-linked wallets. The first transactions of $49 million were funneled through a suitably named address.
Hackers used so-called 'vanity' addresses that allowed them to create wallets with specific patterns. This enabled them to bypass standard watchlists and avoid immediate red flags.
Impact of the Hack on Nobitex
Nobitex confirmed unauthorized access to parts of its hot wallet infrastructure. As a result, affected wallets were immediately suspended, and user deposits were diverted to cold storage. The exchange stated that user assets are entirely secure and that damages will be compensated through the insurance fund and Nobitex resources. Currently, Nobitex has not disclosed details regarding losses across different blockchains.
Hacker Responsibility and Political Context
A hacker group identifying itself as 'Gonjeshke Darande' claimed responsibility for the breach on platform X. They accused Nobitex of financing terrorism and threatened to expose the exchange's source code and internal files if their demands were not met. This event highlights new challenges for the crypto industry, including the involvement of geopolitical actors.
The Nobitex cryptocurrency hack showcased the vulnerability of regional platforms to attacks and the need for stricter regulatory scrutiny on security standards. With the increasing threat from politically motivated groups, the importance of protecting crypto assets is critical.
