OKX Resumes DEX Aggregator Operations After Lazarus’ Illicit Misuse

Popular crypto exchange OKX has resumed its DEX aggregator after pausing it for over a month. The exchange previously halted the service due to misuse by the North Korean hacking group Lazarus.

OKX Resumes DEX Aggregator

While resuming its DEX aggregator services, OKX explained that it has incorporated advanced security measures to eliminate any future use by bad actors.

“With this latest upgrade, we’ve taken steps to introduce new security measures to identify suspicious or fraudulent onchain activity. Our dynamic database of suspect addresses blocks hackers and bad actors real-time, while proactive alerts warn you about risky transactions,” the exchange wrote.

Shortly before OKX’s announcement, its founder, Star Xu, told the public via X that the exchange would restart its DEX services. He added that the newly improved aggregator will have a “real-time abuse detecting and blocking system.”

Decentralized exchange aggregators are tools to pinpoint the best prices and liquidity from various DEXs. OKX’s DEX aggregator allows its users to access millions of cryptocurrencies across over 130 blockchains and over 500 decentralized exchanges. Traders can use this service through the OKX wallet on mobile devices and the web interface.

Why Halt the DEX Aggregator?

OKX’s DEX aggregator issue began in early March. At the time, European Union regulators alleged that the exchange aided the movement of ill-gotten funds from Bybit’s $1.4 billion security attack. The EU’s investigation claimed that OKX’s DEX aggregator service allowed the Lazarus Group to launder $100 million worth of crypto.

However, the crypto exchange refuted these claims, explaining that its DEX aggregator differs from its centralized exchange services, where the platform custodies user funds. Consequently, the crypto exchange halted its DEX services days later.

Like OKX, other crypto exchanges got tangled up with the Lazarus Group’s billion-dollar theft. For instance, privacy-centric crypto exchange eXch shut down its business last month following allegations that it aided Lazarus in moving the stolen funds.

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