Huione Darknet Marketplace Thrives Despite Shutdown Announcement

The illegal online platform Huione is still operational and expanding its transaction volumes, despite its recent announcement of ceasing operations, as stated in a report by [Chainalysis](https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/huione-guarantee-still-active-despite-shutdown/).

On May 13, the fraudulent marketplace associated with Huione, Haowang Guarantee, [announced](https://forklog.com/news/moshennicheskij-marketplejs-haowang-zakrylsya-posle-blokirovki-kanalov-v-telegram) its closure, attributing this decision to a widespread crackdown on accounts and channels on Telegram.

However, Chainalysis data indicates that the activity on the platform has not abated. It continues to process transactions worth billions of dollars, demonstrating resilience against public infrastructure blockades.

On May 1, the U.S. [FinCEN](https://forklog.com/news/v-ssha-namereny-otklyuchit-moshennicheskuyu-platformu-huione-ot-bankov) proposed disconnecting Huione Group from the American financial system, accusing the company of aiding the North Korean hacker group [Lazarus Group](https://forklog.com/cryptorium/chto-izvestno-o-lazarus-group-podozrevaemoj-vo-vzlome-bybit) in laundering cryptocurrency.

According to Chainalysis, such measures typically result in immediate loss of access to the U.S. financial system, as banks tend to avoid regulatory risks. Nevertheless, transactional data shows that this has had little effect on Huione’s operations.

Experts noted that the volume of transactions not only remained stable but even increased. Their analysis indicates that Huione is avoiding centralized exchanges subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

These findings are supported by analysts at TRM Labs, who in their report from May 30 [mentioned](https://www.trmlabs.com/resources/blog/huione-guarantee-and-xinbi-still-operating-on-telegram-despite-ban-underscoring-illicit-actors-persistence) that since 2021, Huione Group has received at least $81 billion in cryptocurrency, significantly exceeding the $5 billion amassed by the Russian darknet marketplace Hydra.

Experts pointed out that Huione acts as a central hub for a wide range of cybercriminal activities, including fraud, hacking, and romance scams.

Chainalysis also reported that the cryptocurrency exchange Huione has resumed operations under a new domain, Huione.me, while retaining its old logo. The project’s social media accounts, including Telegram channels for VIP sellers, remain active.

The platform offers several types of “money-moving” services.

Chainalysis experts believe that the Huione case reflects a broader issue in combating complex criminal organizations. Addressing such structures effectively requires new strategies.

Analysts argue that efforts should extend beyond national borders, necessitating international collaboration among financial intelligence units, law enforcement, and regulators to track transaction flows and intermediaries.

Blockchain analysis plays a crucial role as well. Specialists emphasize that combatting ecosystems like Huione requires not only tightened regulations but also coordinated global actions.

It is worth recalling that in January, Elliptic analysts [identified](https://forklog.com/news/oborot-moshennicheskogo-onlajn-rynka-huione-guarantee-prevysil-24-mlrd) the online marketplace as the largest illegal trading platform. Following this research publication, the platform sought to dissociate itself from Huione Group by rebranding as Haowang.

In April, the UN [expressed concerns](https://forklog.com/news/v-oon-obespokoilis-otmyvaniem-deneg-cherez-majning) regarding money laundering through mining, noting the platform’s key role within this shadowy sector.