EU Bars Transactions with Justin Sun's HTX Exchange Over Alleged Russia Sanctions Evasion

The European Union has barred transactions with Justin Sun's HTX Exchange, citing alleged Russia sanctions evasion. The ban takes effect today and prohibits EU persons and firms from dealing with HTX, formerly known as Huobi, which is closely tied to Sun.

The EU's move is part of its 21st Russia sanctions package, adopted on July 23, which includes 48 individuals and 170 entities. HTX appears in the list under the name HTX (HUOBI GLOBAL SA), with the EU accusing it of frustrating its sanctions regime.

This is not an asset freeze; instead, it's a hard stop that prevents EU banks, exchanges, and individuals from moving funds through HTX. However, the exchange's own holdings remain untouched. Eligible nationals can apply for authorization to withdraw funds or close accounts within three months of the platform's application date.

Binance has already blocked transactions involving HTX and other listed platforms, including EXMO, Rapira, BitPapa, Aifory Pro, WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto, and Exnode. Binance warned users that transactions involving these entities after August 23 may trigger compliance review and wallet restrictions.