OKX CEO Warns: Accounts Linked to Tornado Cash and Sanctioned Entities Face Immediate Closure

OKX is a Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange that offers spot and derivatives trading services. Founded by Star Xu in 2017, the platform has gained recognition in various global markets, particularly in India, where it is well-known. Despite its growing popularity, OKX does not offer its services in the United States. While not among the most prominent exchanges globally, OKX has carved out a niche in the competitive crypto market.

On 9 Aug 2024, Star Xu took to his personal X account (formerly Twitter) to inform all OKX users not to use any restricted crypto platforms, including digital asset mixers like Tornado Cash and Garantex. He warned that if anyone is found transferring money between their OKX account and a restricted platform, their account will be automatically frozen

In a follow-up tweet, the OKX CEO clarified that this is not a new policy but rather an existing rule implemented by the OKX team to prevent illicit crypto transactions and ensure compliance with U.S. financial sanctions

Crypto mixing platform, misuse, & ban

Crypto mixing platforms are designed to obscure cryptocurrency transactions, helping users maintain financial privacy. However, some bad actors exploit these tools to conceal illegal activities such as drug trafficking, ransom payments, and cyberattacks.

In August 2022, a popular Ethereum-based privacy protocol, Tornado Cash, was banned by U.S. authorities. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury accused Tornado Cash of failing to prevent illicit activities on its platform, which allegedly facilitated the laundering of billions of dollars.

Recently, the FBI accused Railgun, another crypto mixing platform, of being used by bad actors to launder digital assets. However, the Railgun team has denied all such allegations.

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