Nobitex Hacked $73 Million Stolen Via Vanity Addresses

Iran-based cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex has reportedly been exploited, resulting in the loss of over $73 million in digital assets. The attack, which was disclosed in a June 18 Telegram post, involved the use of vanity addresses to drain funds from multiple Nobitex-linked wallets across the Tron network and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchains. A vanity address is a public wallet address that contains a specific, user-defined sequence of characters. In this case, the first $49 million was stolen through the address “TKFuckiRGCTerroristsNoBiTEXy2r7mNX,” while the second address used was “0xffFFfFFffFFffFfFffFFfFfFfFFFFfFfFFFFDead,” according to Tronscan.

The attack was first identified by onchain investigator ZachXBT, who noted suspicious outflows from the affected wallets. This incident adds to a growing list of crypto industry hacks in 2025, highlighting the increasing sophistication of attackers and the vulnerabilities within the crypto ecosystem. The breach underscores the importance of robust security measures and vigilance in the face of evolving threats.

The use of vanity addresses in this exploit is particularly noteworthy. These addresses, while visually distinctive, can be exploited to deceive users into sending funds to fraudulent wallets. This tactic, known as address poisoning, relies on social engineering rather than technical hacking, making it a potent tool for attackers. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced user education and awareness regarding the risks associated with digital asset management.

The attack on Nobitex is part of a broader trend in the crypto industry, where hackers are increasingly targeting weaknesses in human behavior rather than the underlying blockchain infrastructure. This shift in tactics requires a more comprehensive approach to security, encompassing both technical safeguards and user education. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for exchanges and users alike to stay informed and proactive in mitigating these risks.