On the morning of 18 August 2026, several crypto users reported that deposit addresses associated with their accounts on major platforms had received small, unsolicited transfers of USDT originating from wallets labelled as belonging to the HTX exchange. In multiple cases, the receipt of these micro-deposits triggered immediate compliance reviews and account freezes.
One user stated on the social media platform X that a Coinbase account received approximately 7.5 USDT attributed to an HTX-linked address and was subsequently warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in account closure.
Screenshots circulated alongside these reports showed lists of HTX-associated Ethereum addresses and recent outbound transfers of modest amounts of USDT from an address identified as HTX 48.
HTX market head Molly, an HTX market representative, responded on X that the exchange had held an internal discussion and stated that the platform “absolutely did not engage in such behavior,” describing the activity as either a misunderstanding or deliberate interference by a third party. The representative added that the firm would investigate promptly and provide an explanation.
In a latest post on X, Molly stated that the exchange had immediately conducted an internal investigation after noticing community reports of small transfers appearing to come from HTX. She confirmed that HTX officials had not carried out any related transfers or testing activities.
Molly added that the team is still verifying the specific sources and causes of the transfers, without ruling out possibilities such as address labeling issues or errors in on-chain transfer origin identification, and that they will refrain from speculation until the facts are confirmed. She emphasized that HTX takes matters involving user account and asset security seriously and will provide a clear update to the community as soon as further information is verified.
Background of UK and EU restrictive measures
The reports emerge against a backdrop of formal sanctions actions. On May 26, 2026 the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office designated Huobi Global S.A. under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
The official Sanctions Notice listed the entity (also identified by the variations HTX, HTX Exchange, and Huobi Global Limited) and imposed an asset freeze together with restrictions on correspondent banking and payment processing. The notice stated that there were reasonable grounds to suspect the company had provided financial services or made funds available to A7 Limited Liability Company and Garantex Europe OU, entities linked to sectors of strategic significance to the Russian government.
On 23 July 2026 the Council of the European Union adopted Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1848 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. The measure, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, added “HTX (HUOBI GLOBAL SA)” to Annex XLV, Part A. The listing subjects the entity to a prohibition on direct and indirect transactions by operators falling within the scope of EU restrictive measures, with effect from August 23, 2026.
The regulation does not impose a full asset freeze. Eligible natural persons resident in the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland may apply to national competent authorities for limited authorization to withdraw funds or close accounts within a three-month window after the ban takes effect.
Platform compliance actions and official responses
In response to the regulatory developments, Binance published an official announcement on August 14, 2026 stating that, following recent regulatory requirements, it would cease processing transactions involving a list of crypto-asset service providers. Effective August 23, 2026 the list includes HTX (Huobi Global SA) along with 10 other platforms.
The announcement warned that any attempted transactions on or after the stated dates may be held for compliance review and that restrictions could be applied to affected wallets. Binance cited its obligation to adhere to regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which it operates.
Later the same day, Justin Sun, a major stakeholder and adviser associated with HTX, posted a statement on X addressing the Binance measures: “I have been in communication with Binance. This matter concerns only Binance’s UK and EU users.
“HTX does not conduct business in the UK or EU, and settlement negotiations with UK and EU regulators are already in progress. Any users affected in the course of these negotiations are welcome to contact HTX customer support at any time, and we will work to coordinate a resolution,” Sun said.
Similar heightened scrutiny of HTX-related transfers has been reported by other major platforms in the months following the UK designation. Market participants have noted that automated screening systems now flag addresses that have received funds from known HTX wallets, leading to rapid freezes even when the amounts involved are small.
As of August 18, 2026 the situation remains fluid. Users continue to document additional instances of micro-transfers, while HTX maintains that the activity does not originate from official operations. The full EU transaction ban is scheduled to take effect in five days, after which European-regulated entities will face stricter prohibitions on dealings with the listed entity. Market participants and compliance teams are monitoring on-chain activity and official guidance from national competent authorities for further developments.
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