Darknet Marketplace Abacus Market Suspected of $12M Exit Scam

Abacus Market, one of the largest darknet marketplaces, has suddenly stopped working. According to analysts at TRM Labs, after users complained about payment delays, the site’s administrators ceased communicating with them. In 2024, Abacus accounted for 70% of Western darknet platforms accepting Bitcoin. TRM specialists suggested that, amid increased attention from law enforcement agencies, operators may have conducted an exit scam—disappearing with users’ funds. Data from TRM Labs indicate that Abacus was among the top three bitcoin-enabled darknet marketplaces by transaction volume. A surge of activity on Abacus occurred in mid-June, coinciding with Europol’s operation against Archetyp Market, one of the oldest darknet marketplaces. Many users migrated to Abacus, and the site’s monthly sales volume dramatically jumped to $6.3 million. By the end of the month, platform clients began reporting problems with withdrawals. The site administrator, known as Vito, explained that these difficulties were due to DDoS attacks. However, users remained unconvinced: daily deposits on the platform dropped from $230,000 to $13,000 within two weeks. Shortly after, Vito stopped communicating entirely. TRM Labs analysts observed that this pattern aligns with typical exit scams, similar to how Evolution Market and other darknet sites previously disappeared. Abacus primarily sold illegal substances and supported both Bitcoin and Monero for transactions. Over four years, the platform’s Bitcoin transaction volume exceeded $100 million. Including Monero, experts estimated the figure could reach $300–400 million. Other Possible Explanations Exit scam is not the only possible explanation, according to TRM Labs. Analysts also suggested that law enforcement may be conducting a covert operation to gather evidence. However, the site’s administrator, known as Dread and reportedly in contact with the Abacus team, expressed doubts that authorities were involved in the shutdown. Analysts further proposed that administrators may have voluntarily left the market, fearing increased scrutiny from regulators.

Source: Coinpaper