Hack Drains CoinEx’s Hot Wallet, Resulting in Losses Exceeding $28 Million

By: crypto insight|2026/01/19 20:30:05
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Key Takeaways

  • CoinEx’s hot wallets were compromised, leading to a significant hack of nearly $53 million in total estimated loss.
  • The heist affected various cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Tron, and Polygon, based on blockchain security firm PeckShield’s report.
  • CoinEx has promised full compensation to impacted users, assuring that most user assets remain secure.
  • Ongoing collaborative efforts with other exchanges aim to track and recover stolen funds.

WEEX Crypto News, 19 January 2026

CoinEx, a major player in the global cryptocurrency exchange market, recently suffered a significant security breach. This unfortunate event involved the hacking of its hot wallets, resulting in the loss of over $28 million. The breach was detected when substantial funds began leaving CoinEx’s wallets without authorization, triggering alarms within the crypto community.

The Magnitude of the CoinEx Hack

CoinEx has confirmed that its hot wallets were infiltrated, with an estimated loss reaching up to $53 million. This attack primarily targeted the platform’s operational funds, which were stored in these internet-connected wallets. While hot wallets provide the convenience of quick access and transactions for an exchange, they are also typically more vulnerable to cyber threats compared to their more secure counterpart, cold wallets.

Blockchain security analysts from PeckShield have provided detailed figures on the stolen assets. The breakdown of the theft reveals losses of $19 million in Ethereum, $11.5 million in Tron, and approximately $295,000 in Polygon tokens. The rapid response from CoinEx has been to immediately relocate the remaining $72 million held in potentially at-risk hot wallets to more secure cold storage solutions. This precautionary measure was undertaken to prevent further financial damage.

CoinEx’s Immediate Response and Assurances

In response to the breach, CoinEx has issued a public statement reassuring its users. The exchange has emphasized that the majority of user funds remain secure and untouched. Furthermore, CoinEx has committed to providing full compensation for the losses incurred by its users due to this breach. This promise is intended to restore user confidence and mitigate the reputational damage a hack of this scale can cause.

The exchange is actively collaborating with other major cryptocurrency platforms to track the wallet addresses associated with the stolen assets. This concerted effort aims to impede the movement and liquidation of the compromised funds by the hackers. By doing so, CoinEx seeks not only to recover some of the stolen assets but also to deter future incidents by demonstrating a swift and coordinated response.

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The Broader Implications for Crypto Security

This incident underscores a vital lesson in the cryptocurrency ecosystem regarding the balance between accessibility and security. Hot wallets, while crucial for daily operations and ease of transactions, inherently carry higher risks due to their constant internet connectivity. The CoinEx hack is a stark reminder of the susceptibility of digital assets stored in such environments and highlights the critical need for robust security measures.

Cold wallets, which are offline storage solutions, provide a more secure option, reducing exposure to online threats. They should be the primary choice for storing significant cryptocurrency holdings, with hot wallets serving more transient purposes, containing only the funds necessary for immediate operational needs.

Comprehensive Efforts in the Aftermath

As CoinEx navigates the aftermath of this breach, it is focused on enhancing its security protocols to prevent future occurrences. This includes revising existing policies, implementing cutting-edge security technologies, and reinforcing user protection mechanisms. The impact of this event is not only financial but extends to trust and confidence in the brand itself.

CoinEx’s strategy going forward involves a dual approach: securing existing assets and rebuilding trust within its community. By transparently addressing this crisis and taking decisive actions, the exchange aims to reassure its users and stakeholders of its resilience and commitment to safety.

WEEX Alignment

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FAQ

What exactly happened to CoinEx’s hot wallets?

CoinEx’s hot wallets were hacked, leading to the loss of a significant amount of cryptocurrency. The attack resulted in approximately $53 million being stolen from the exchange.

How did CoinEx respond to the security breach?

CoinEx responded by promising full compensation to the affected users and relocating remaining assets from hot wallets to more secure cold storage. They are also working with other exchanges to track the stolen funds.

What types of cryptocurrencies were stolen in the hack?

The cyber attack saw the theft of various cryptocurrencies, including $19 million in Ethereum, $11.5 million in Tron, and around $295,000 in Polygon.

How are cold wallets different from hot wallets?

Cold wallets store cryptocurrencies offline, making them less vulnerable to online hacks compared to hot wallets, which are internet-connected and used for frequent transactions.

What measures can users take to protect their digital assets?

Users should consider keeping significant amounts of cryptocurrencies in cold storage, enabling multi-factor authentication where possible, and staying informed on security updates from their exchanges.

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On March 16, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, USA, CanGu Company (New York Stock Exchange code: CANG, hereinafter referred to as "CanGu" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. As a btc-42">bitcoin mining enterprise relying on a globally operated layout and dedicated to building an integrated energy and AI computing power platform, CanGu is actively advancing its business transformation and infrastructure development.


2025 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Financial and Operational Highlights


• Financial Performance:

Total revenue for the full year 2025 was $688.1 million, with $179.5 million in the fourth quarter.

Bitcoin mining business revenue for the full year was $675.5 million, with $172.4 million in the fourth quarter.

Full-year adjusted EBITDA was $24.5 million, while the fourth quarter was -$156.3 million.


• Mining Operations and Costs:

A total of 6,594.6 bitcoins were mined throughout the year, averaging 18.07 bitcoins per day; of which 1,718.3 bitcoins were mined in the fourth quarter, averaging 18.68 bitcoins per day.

The average mining cost for the full year (excluding miner depreciation) was $79,707 per bitcoin, and for the fourth quarter, it was $84,552;

The all-in sustaining costs were $97,272 and $106,251 per bitcoin, respectively.

As of the end of December 2025, the company has cumulatively produced 7,528.4 bitcoins since entering the bitcoin mining business.


• Strategic Progress:

The company has completed the termination of the American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program and transitioned to a direct listing on the NYSE to enhance information transparency and align with its strategic direction, with a long-term goal of expanding its investor base.


CEO Paul Yu stated: "2025 marked the company's first full year as a bitcoin mining enterprise, characterized by rapid execution and structural reshaping. We completed a comprehensive adjustment of our asset system and established a globally distributed mining network. Additionally, the company introduced a new management team, further strengthening our capabilities and competitive advantage in the digital asset and energy infrastructure space. The completion of the NYSE direct listing and USD pricing also signifies our transformation into a global AI infrastructure company."


"As we enter 2026, the company will continue to optimize its balance sheet structure and enhance operational efficiency and cost resilience through adjustments to the miner portfolio. At the same time, we are advancing our strategic transformation into an AI infrastructure provider. Leveraging EcoHash, we will utilize our capabilities in scalable computing power and energy networks to provide cost-effective AI inference solutions. The relevant site transformations and product development are progressing simultaneously, and the company is well-positioned to sustain its execution in the new phase."


The company's Chief Financial Officer, Michael Zhang, stated: "By 2025, the company is expected to achieve significant revenue growth through its scaled mining operations. Despite recording a net loss of $452.8 million from ongoing operations, mainly due to one-time transformation costs and market-driven fair value adjustments, the company, from a financial perspective, will reduce its leverage, optimize its Bitcoin reserve strategy and liquidity management, introduce new capital to strengthen its financial position, and seize investment opportunities in high-potential areas such as AI infrastructure while navigating market volatility."


Fourth Quarter 2025 Ongoing Operations Financial Performance


Revenue


The total revenue for the fourth quarter was $1.795 billion. Of this, the Bitcoin mining business contributed $1.724 billion in revenue, generating 1,718.3 Bitcoins during the quarter. Revenue from the international automobile trading business was $4.8 million.


Operating Costs and Expenses


The total operating costs and expenses for the fourth quarter amounted to $4.56 billion, primarily attributed to expenses related to the Bitcoin mining business, as well as impairment of mining machines and fair value losses on Bitcoin collateral receivables.


This includes:

· Cost of Revenue (excluding depreciation): $1.553 billion

· Cost of Revenue (depreciation): $38.1 million

· Operating Expenses: $9.9 million (including related-party expenses of $1.1 million)

· Mining Machine Impairment Loss: $81.4 million

· Fair Value Loss on Bitcoin Collateral Receivables: $171.4 million


Profit Situation


The operating loss for the fourth quarter was $276.6 million, a significant increase from a loss of $0.7 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the downward trend in Bitcoin prices.


The net loss from ongoing operations was $285 million, compared to a net profit of $2.4 million in the same period last year.


The adjusted EBITDA was -$156.3 million, compared to $2.4 million in the same period last year.


Full Year 2025 Ongoing Operations Financial Performance


Revenue

The total revenue for the full year was $6.881 billion. Of this, the revenue from the Bitcoin mining business was $6.755 billion, with a total output of 6,594.6 Bitcoins for the year. Revenue from the international automobile trading business was $9.8 million.


Operating Costs and Expenses


The total annual operating costs and expenses amount to $1.1 billion.


Specifically, they include:

· Revenue Cost (excluding depreciation): $543.3 million

· Revenue Cost (depreciation): $116.6 million

· Operating Expenses: $28.9 million (including related-party expenses of $1.1 million)

· Miner Impairment Loss: $338.3 million

· Bitcoin Collateral Receivable Fair Value Change Loss: $96.5 million


Profitability


The full-year operating loss is $437.1 million. The continuing operations net loss is $452.8 million, while in 2024, there was a net profit of $4.8 million.


The 2025 non-GAAP adjusted net profit is $24.5 million (compared to $5.7 million in 2024). This measure does not include share-based compensation expenses; refer to "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for details.


Financial Position


As of December 31, 2025, the company's key assets and liabilities are as follows:


· Cash and Cash Equivalents: $41.2 million

· Bitcoin Collateral Receivable (Non-current, related party): $663.0 million

· Miner Net Value: $248.7 million

· Long-Term Debt (related party): $557.6 million


In February 2026, the company sold 4,451 bitcoins and repaid a portion of related-party long-term debt to reduce financial leverage and optimize the asset-liability structure.


Stock Repurchase


As per the stock repurchase plan disclosed on March 13, 2025, as of December 31, 2025, the company had repurchased a total of 890,155 shares of Class A common stock for approximately $1.2 million.


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