DMM Bitcoin to Cease Operations, Transfers Assets to SBI VC Trade by March

Plans have been published by the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange DMM Bitcoin to close and move its assets and accounts to SBI VC Trade. After major setbacks earlier this year, the exchange announced the closure in a statement on December 2.

The decision was made in response to the terrible hack that DMM Bitcoin had in May, which resulted in the loss of 4,502.9 Bitcoin, which at the time was worth almost $305 million. Users were left in limbo for months as a result of the platform’s forced suspension of essential services, such as cryptocurrency asset withdrawals and spot trading.

In its statement, the company acknowledged the prolonged inconvenience to its customers, stating, “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused over such a long period of time.”

While investigations are ongoing, suspicions have pointed toward North Korea’s Lazarus Group, a notorious cybercrime organization. Reports indicate that some stolen funds were routed through Huione Guarantee, a Cambodian payments firm allegedly linked to large-scale money laundering activities.

Transition to SBI VC Trade

The completion date of the transfer to SBI VC Trade is set for March 2024. SBI VC Trade has stated that it will replace DMM Bitcoin’s 14 cryptocurrencies for spot trading, guaranteeing a more seamless transition for impacted users.

With this action, SBI VC Trade demonstrates its dedication to growing its presence in the Japanese cryptocurrency sector while maintaining service for DMM Bitcoin’s shareholders.

By highlighting the persistent weaknesses in the cryptocurrency industry, the closure of DMM Bitcoin emphasizes the significance of strong security protocols and regulatory monitoring.