HTX dusting triggers account freezes, compliance panic

Unsolicited USDT transfers from HTX-linked wallets have led to account freezes and compliance reviews on major exchanges, following UK and EU sanctions. Users now face risks of account closures and blocked transactions.

A surge of unsolicited USDT micro-transfers from wallets associated with the HTX exchange has alarmed the crypto community. These small deposits, often just a few dollars, have appeared in user accounts on major platforms like Binance and Coinbase. As a result, affected users are facing compliance reviews, account freezes, and requests for source-of-funds documentation. This wave of transfers follows UK and EU sanctions against HTX (formerly Huobi) for alleged ties to Russia’s financial sector. Blockchain compliance systems now flag any onchain connection to HTX, even if users did not request the funds, putting them at risk of account closures and increased market uncertainty. HTX has denied intentionally sending these assets and has launched an internal investigation. In response, Binance and other exchanges have blocked HTX-linked transactions and warned users of potential trading disruptions. The incident, described as compliance poisoning, has left users and influencers vulnerable to heightened scrutiny and frozen accounts.