Crypto Trading Platform Hotbit Suspends Service Amid Criminal Investigation Into Former Employee

The person worked for the platform until April, and was involved in an external project suspected of violating criminal laws.

AccessTimeIconAug 10, 2022 at 3:48 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 6:51 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Hotbit has suspended crypto trading, deposits and withdrawals because law-enforcement authorities have frozen some of the firm's funds during a criminal investigation into a former employee.

The company declined to identify the jurisdiction when contacted by CoinDesk.

  • What Challenges Do Appchains Solve?
    00:59
    What Challenges Do Appchains Solve?
  • Appchain Protocol Tanssi Raises $6M
    18:57
    Appchain Protocol Tanssi Raises $6M
  • Breaking Down Internet Computer's 40% Rally
    00:59
    Breaking Down Internet Computer's 40% Rally
  • HSBC Brings Tokenized Gold to Hong Kong; Munchables Exploited for $62M
    02:14
    HSBC Brings Tokenized Gold to Hong Kong; Munchables Exploited for $62M
  • The employee in question worked for the platform until April. Last year, the person was involved in an external project, contrary to the firm's guidelines, that is now suspected of violating criminal laws, Hotbit said Wednesday.

    "Law enforcement has frozen some funds of Hotbit, which has prevented Hotbit from running normally," the company said. "Hotbit will resume normal service as soon as the assets are unfrozen." Users' assets are safe, it said.

    Several Hotbit senior managers, who were not involved in the project, have been subpoenaed to assist with the investigation.

    Hotbit is registered in Hong Kong and Estonia with most of its staff from China, Taiwan and the U.S., according to its website.

    All unfulfilled open orders will be canceled to prevent losses and all leveraged exchange-traded fund (ETF) positions will be forcibly liquidated according to their values at 12:00 UTC Aug. 10.

    Hotbit has a 24-hour trading volume of $350 million, according to CoinMarketCap data.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Jamie Crawley

    Jamie Crawley is a CoinDesk news reporter based in London.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.