Recently, OKX CEO Star Xu issued a warning to users about the potential risks associated with interacting with the sanctioned crypto mixer Tornado Cash. In a statement made via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Xu highlighted the fact that deposits from sanctioned entities, such as Garantex and Tornado Cash, or withdrawals to these entities could trigger compliance risks. He emphasized that OKX strictly adheres to all relevant sanctions policies, particularly those from the US, and as a result, does not onboard customers from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, and cannot provide services to sanctioned individuals or entities. This policy, according to Xu, has been in effect for some time, and any violation could result in account suspension.
The warning from OKX comes in the wake of a public appeal made by an X user, known as Satoshi Friends, who urged exchange users from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries to withdraw their funds from the platform. He highlighted the strict policies enacted by the exchange, which have led to sudden account blocks, fund freezes, and asset losses. According to Satoshi Friends, these actions have had a significant impact on several influencers, who only managed to resolve their issues after direct engagement with the OKX team. This raises concerns about the transparency and communication regarding account restrictions and the potential implications for users.
OKX’s warning coincides with a recent report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which assessed the impact of US sanctions on Tornado Cash. The report revealed that the sanction had a notable impact on the usage of the crypto mixer, with larger pools on the platform failing to recover to pre-sanction levels. However, smaller pools have shown some recovery, indicating sustained interest from retail users. Tornado Cash, founded in 2019 by Russian nationals Roman Semenov and Roman Storm, faced sanctions from the US Department of Treasury in 2022 due to its involvement in laundering illicit funds.
Overall, the warning issued by OKX CEO Star Xu serves as a cautionary reminder to users about the potential risks associated with interacting with sanctioned entities like Tornado Cash. It underscores the importance of compliance with sanctions policies and the need for users to be aware of the implications of their actions in the crypto space. The public appeal and stricter policies implemented by exchanges like OKX highlight the challenges faced by users in navigating the regulatory landscape and the consequences of non-compliance. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, it is essential for users to stay informed and exercise caution when engaging with platforms that may pose compliance risks.
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