A pro-Israel hacker group called Gonjeshke Darande, also known as Predatory Sparrow, stole $100 million in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum from Iran’s biggest crypto exchange, Nobitex, on Wednesday. Today the hackers have shared the entire secret code of the exchange online.
The hackers have shared the information in the X post, saying, “Time’s up, full source code linked below. ASSETS LEFT IN NOBITEX ARE NOW ENTIRELY OUT IN THE OPEN.”
This leaked information highlights how the exchange works, including its security and server details, making it easier for others to attack it. The information has also put its users’ money at risk.
The hackers stated that they burned $90 million of the stolen crypto by sending it to inaccessible addresses, not to profit but to protest against the ongoing crisis between Iran and Israel. Yehor Rudytsia, a crypto security expert, explained that the hackers have hit over 20 types of crypto, and the only chance to recover some money is if USDT, a stablecoin, replaces $55 million of what was taken.
The hackers claimed that the exchange helps Iran’s government dodge international rules and is involved in illegal activities linked to a powerful Iranian military group. This attack happened during a tense time when Israel and Iran are fighting with missiles, making the hack a part of their bigger conflict. Nobitex admitted that it was hacked but said no more money was lost after the initial $100 million theft.
The exchange has promised to get the platform running again within five days, but internet problems in Iran might slow things down. It has also said that it will pay back the stolen amount to its users from its backup fund.
The exchange’s CEO, Amir Rad, plans to share a video explaining what the next step of the firm is. Because of the hack, Iran’s central bank has set new rules, allowing the country’s crypto exchanges to operate only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to keep a closer watch on them.
This incident follows another attack on an Iranian bank, showing how Nobitex is a key part of Iran’s financial system, which faces international restrictions. The incidents are pushing for tougher global rules on cryptocurrencies.
