BREAKING: Iran Crypto Exchange Loses $48M in Brazen Hack—Israel-Linked Group Claims Responsibility

Another day, another crypto heist—this time with geopolitical spice. An Iran-based exchange just got drained for $48 million in a cyberattack that’s already sparking international finger-pointing.

The digital heist: Hackers bypassed security protocols like they were using a VIP pass, siphoning funds while Tehran slept. The usual promises of 'full investigations' are rolling in—because those always work out so well.

The geopolitical twist: An Israel-linked hacking group is reportedly taking credit. Because nothing says 'modern warfare' like draining crypto wallets instead of bombing buildings.

The cynical take: At least the hackers didn’t charge 2% management fees like your average hedge fund. $48 million disappears in minutes, and all the exchange gets is this lousy press release.

One thing’s certain—this won’t be the last time crypto becomes collateral damage in global power plays. The blockchain doesn’t care about borders, but nation-states clearly care about the blockchain.

Israel-linked group claims responsibility

A group identifying itself as Gonjeshke Darande, translated as “Predatory Sparrow,” has claimed responsibility for the hack. Reuters and the Israel Times have described the group as “Israel-linked.” However, while the group has a history of attacking Iran-based infrastructure, no official confirmation of state sponsorship has been made.

In a public message on the social media platform X, the group accused Nobitex of aiding Iran’s military operations and helping users circumvent global sanctions.

It stated:

“The Nobitex exchange is at the heart of the regime’s efforts to finance terror worldwide, as well as being the regime’s favorite sanctions violation tool. We, ‘Gonjeshke Darande,’ conducted cyberattacks against Nobitex.”

They alleged that the platform is not only ignoring sanctions but also actively instructing users on how to bypass them.

The group further claimed that employment at Nobitex qualifies as military service under Iranian law, implying the exchange is part of the country’s defense and intelligence infrastructure.

As part of the threat, the group warned it WOULD release Nobitex’s source code and internal data within 24 hours. They cautioned users that any assets left on the platform could be at risk.

Predatory Sparrow has previously taken credit for cyberattacks on other Iranian institutions, including Bank Sepah, citing similar reasons.

The breach comes during a period of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, marked by recent missile exchanges between both countries.