Crypto users are reporting tiny unsolicited USDT transfers from sanctioned HTX-linked wallets, and the micro-deposits are triggering compliance reviews and account freezes on Coinbase, Binance and other exchanges.

The freezes trace to UK and EU sanctions on HTX over alleged Russian sanctions evasion, which push exchanges to auto-screen any wallet touched by HTX addresses. Binance says it will restrict deposits and withdrawals involving HTX and other flagged platforms from August 23, so even a few dollars of tainted dust can lock a user out until they prove their funds are clean.

The intent behind the dust is contested. A viral post claimed Justin Sun was deliberately poisoning addresses to force exchanges and regulators to legitimize HTX, but Sun called the story fabricated, and on-chain analysts found the flagged 7.5 USDT went to Kraken, not the Coinbase account originally alleged. Attribution remains unproven.

The episode shows how address poisoning collides with automated sanctions screening: recipients have no control over incoming dust, yet can still be frozen, turning compliance tooling into an attack surface.

Partner Offers | Get Your Instant BTC Cashback | Your Gateway To Crypto | Arcus Private Whitelist