Protos reported that an address linked to Justin Sun-owned exchange HTX has become the focus of controversy on X after sending a batch of so-called dust transactions.
According to the report, users claiming to be affected said transfers from 0xa03400E098F4421b34a3a44A1B4e571419517687 were sent to their deposit addresses at other exchanges. They said those incoming transactions led to account reviews because the transfers appeared to create links to sanctioned exchange HTX.
Sanctions context put the transfers under sharper scrutiny
Protos wrote that sanctions imposed on HTX by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the European Union had already pushed exchanges including Bybit, OKX, and Binance to say they would either stop processing transactions with HTX or review accounts that transact with HTX.
Against that backdrop, the address drew added attention. Protos said 0xa03400E098F4421b34a3a44A1B4e571419517687 is labeled as “HTX 48” on Etherscan and is also included in HTX’s proof of reserves. The outlet said that inclusion in HTX’s own reserve disclosure makes it possible to identify the wallet as an HTX address.
Many of the small transfers used USDT, according to the report.
Users said the transactions brought extra checks
Protos said users on X claimed they received extra scrutiny after those transactions hit their addresses. One Chinese-language post cited in the story said, 「Is Sun taking revenge on society... HTX is frantically sending small transfers out and contaminating other addresses... My Coinbase got a 7.5 USDT poisoned transfer from Sun... Coinbase now says it will close the account unless I explain it clearly...」 The post was dated August 18, 2026.
The report said users believe those transfers prompted exchange compliance reviews because the activity suggested a connection to HTX. Protos also wrote that Sun denies that claim.
HTX-affiliated X account said no official transfer or test was initiated
Even though Protos said the address appears in HTX’s own proof of reserves based on a machine translation, X user HTX_Molly, whose account is verified as part of the HTX organization, said: 「HTX’s official channels have not initiated any related transfers or testing activities. As for the specific sources and reasons behind these transfers, we’re conducting further verification and don’t rule out various possibilities such as address tagging, on-chain transfer source identification, and more. We will refrain from speculation until the facts are confirmed.」
Protos said it is not clear how that explanation fits with the address being included in HTX’s own disclosures.
HTX did not immediately respond to Protos
Protos said it reached out to HTX for clarification, but the exchange did not immediately respond.