Abacus Market, the dominant Bitcoin-powered darknet marketplace in the Western world, abruptly went offline in early July in what blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs identifies as a likely exit scam. The platform's infrastructure, including its clearnet mirror, became inaccessible, with operators suspected of absconding with user funds. Withdrawal issues surfaced in late June, which administrator "Vito" attributed to a DDoS attack and user influx after rival Archetyp Market's June 16 shutdown by Europol.
TRM Labs confirmed the exit scam pattern, noting daily deposits collapsed from $230,000 in June to just $13,000 between June 28 and July 10. Abacus had captured over 70% of the Western darknet market following recent closures of Archetyp and ASAP Market, reaching a record $6.3 million in June sales. Over its four-year operation, the marketplace generated nearly $100 million in Bitcoin transactions, with total volume (including Monero) estimated at $300-$400 million.
While speculation exists about a covert law enforcement seizure, Dread forum administrators note the absence of official seizure notices contradicts typical takedown patterns. The disappearance follows a broader crackdown, including the U.S. seizure of cryptocurrency tied to BidenCash and 145 darknet domains in June, plus a separate $24 million crypto confiscation from a Qakbot malware operator.