The website of Abacus Market, one of the largest darknet marketplaces, has unexpectedly gone offline. After users complained about payout delays, the platform’s administrators ceased communication, according to analysts at TRM Labs.
In 2024, Abacus accounted for 70% of the Western darknet platforms accepting Bitcoin. TRM specialists suggested that, amid increased scrutiny from law enforcement, the operators executed an exit scam, absconding with users’ funds.
A surge in activity on Abacus occurred in mid-June. At that time, Europol conducted an operation against one of the oldest darknet marketplaces, Archetyp Market. Its users flocked to Abacus, causing the monthly sales volume on the platform to soar to $6.3 million.
By the end of the month, platform clients began reporting issues with withdrawing funds. An administrator known as Vito explained that the difficulties were due to DDoS attacks. Users remained unconvinced: the daily deposit amount plummeted from $230,000 to $13,000 over two weeks. Subsequently, Vito stopped communicating.
According to TRM Labs analysts, such behavior aligns with exit scam patterns. This was the fate of Evolution Market and other darknet platforms.
Abacus sold illicit substances and supported Bitcoin and Monero. Over four years, the transaction volume in the first cryptocurrency on the platform exceeded $100 million. Including Monero, the volume could have reached $300–400 million, specialists noted.
Alternative Theories
An exit scam is not the only theory considered by TRM Labs. Analysts also highlighted the possibility of law enforcement conducting a covert evidence-gathering operation. However, an administrator using the pseudonym Dread, who maintained contact with the Abacus team, doubted that authorities were involved in the closure.
Experts also believe that administrators might have voluntarily exited the market, fearing increased regulatory scrutiny.
Back in March, cybercrime researcher Eric Jardine from Chainalysis reported on the return of darknet platforms to Bitcoin.