Huione Darknet Marketplace Thrives Post-Closure Amid Regulatory Pressure

The illicit online platform Huione continues its operations and is increasing transaction volumes, despite its recent announcement of a shutdown, according to a report from [Chainalysis](https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/huione-guarantee-still-active-despite-shutdown/).

On May 13, the fraudulent marketplace linked to Huione, Haowang Guarantee, reported its closure, which was attributed to widespread account and channel blockages on Telegram.

However, Chainalysis data reveals that the platform’s activity has not diminished. It continues to handle transactions worth billions of dollars, showing resilience against the shutdowns of public infrastructure.

On May 1, [FinCEN](https://forklog.com/news/v-ssha-namereny-otklyuchit-moshennicheskuyu-platformu-huione-ot-bankov), the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, proposed to disconnect Huione Group from the American financial system. The agency accused the company of assisting North Korean hacking group [Lazarus Group](https://forklog.com/cryptorium/chto-izvestno-o-lazarus-group-podozrevaemoj-vo-vzlome-bybit) in laundering cryptocurrencies.

Chainalysis noted that such measures usually result in an immediate loss of access to the U.S. financial system, as banks tend to steer clear of regulatory risks. However, transaction data indicates that this had a minimal impact on Huione’s operations.

Experts highlighted that transaction volumes not only remained steady but even increased. They noted that Huione avoids centralized exchanges that are regulated within the U.S.

These findings are echoed by analysts at TRM Labs. In their report from May 30, they stated that since 2021, Huione Group has received at least $81 billion in cryptocurrencies, significantly surpassing the revenues of the Russian darknet market Hydra, which earned around $5 billion.

Experts have pointed out that Huione serves as a central hub for a wide array of cybercriminal activities, including scams, hacks, and romance fraud schemes.

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

The platform offers several types of «money moving» services.

According to Chainalysis experts, the situation surrounding Huione reflects a broader issue in combating complex criminal organizations. Effective countermeasures against such entities necessitate new strategies.

Analysts believe that efforts must transcend national boundaries, requiring international collaboration among financial intelligence units, law enforcement, and regulators to monitor transaction flows and intermediaries.

Blockchain analysis plays a crucial role as well. Effectively countering ecosystems like Huione necessitates not only stricter regulations but also coordinated international efforts, as noted by specialists.

It’s noteworthy that in January, analysts at Elliptic [identified](https://forklog.com/news/oborot-moshennicheskogo-onlajn-rynka-huione-guarantee-prevysil-24-mlrd) the online marketplace as the largest illegal trading platform. Following the release of the study, the platform attempted to distance itself from Huione Group by rebranding itself as Haowang.

In April, the UN [expressed concerns](https://forklog.com/news/v-oon-obespokoilis-otmyvaniem-deneg-cherez-majning) regarding money laundering through mining activities. According to the organization, the platform plays a key role in this shadow segment.