HTX Dust Attack Locks Out Kraken Customers Amid Sanctions Tensions

A recent wave of tiny cryptocurrency transfers from sanctioned exchange HTX has left customers on Kraken locked out of their accounts.

The incident began on August 17, 2026, when about 12,000 unsolicited transfers worth a few cents to a few dollars were sent to Kraken customer addresses linked to HTX.

This tactic is known as a 'dust attack,' where small amounts of crypto are sent into wallets to track or contaminate them with sanctioned funds.

Kraken temporarily locked some accounts while its compliance team investigated, citing the need to screen for deposits connected to sanctioned entities.