The Injective (INJ) layer-1 blockchain experienced a sudden halt in new block production on August 31, 2026, prompting community analysts to suspect a possible exploit. The Telegram channel Moneystack shared on-chain data indicating approximately $2.79 million in cryptocurrency may have been stolen during the incident.
According to reports, an on-chain message on Etherscan—apparently from the affected party—was directed at the attacker, seeking to open negotiations and offering a reward for the return of funds. That tactic is commonly used in crypto exploits to reduce losses. As of the report, the Injective team had not issued an official statement.
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb responded by temporarily suspending INJ deposits and withdrawals, citing an issue detected on the Injective network. The exchange described the move as precautionary while network checks are completed, and said normal services will resume once stability is confirmed. Bithumb also assured users their funds are safe and that internal trading and balances are unaffected.
The incident has raised concerns about cross-chain bridge and smart contract security. While the estimated loss is relatively small compared with larger exploits, the network halt and exchange suspension may weigh on user confidence and create short-term volatility for INJ. The Injective team's response and transparency in the coming hours will be important for managing the situation.
