Crypto mixer eXch still facilitates illicit transactions despite official closure

By: bitcoin ethereum news|2025/05/05 17:45:01

Despite its public shutdown, crypto mixer eXch appears to be still involved in laundering operations, with analysts identifying its mixed-pool model as a key risk for compliance. Crypto mixing service eXch, which gained a reputation for its involvement in laundering millions in stolen funds from Bybit, seems to remain active behind the scenes despite its public shutdown in late April. Analysts at a blockchain forensic firm TRM Labs explained in a recent report that eXch continues to provide application programming interface access to its business partners, including mixers and privacy services. TRM has observed on-chain activity that suggests ongoing laundering behaviors, especially tied to its mixed-pool infrastructure. The analysts have linked eXch to significant criminal activity, including a long-term association with child abuse material threat actors. “We have identified that eXch has been directly exposed to more than $300,000 in CSAM-related funds. However, we expect this figure to increase as we continue our attribution on eXch.” TRM Labs The exchange’s mixed-pool mechanism, designed to fragment transactions, has raised red flags for investigators. TRM Labs explained that in a mixed pool “all received and sent transactions are mixed together and there is no way to discover how many people are behind certain addresses and traceability is extremely difficult.” This lack of transparency complicates risk assessments, as illicit deposits may be linked to legitimate withdrawals, the analysts added. Crypto mixer eXch announced its official shutdown on April 17. However, the protocol removed the message a few hours later — leaving “no public record of its communication on this topic,” and on April 28, the platform resumed operations, TRM Labs says. As eXch’s team earlier said, the project had become the target of a “transatlantic operation” aiming to shut it down and potentially prosecute key figures for money laundering and terrorism. Blockchain analytics firms like Elliptic and others flagged eXch as a key hub in the laundering process. Following the Feb. 21 theft that drained over 400,000 Ethereum (ETH) from Bybit’s cold wallet, the Lazarus Group used a web of decentralized exchanges, cross-chain bridges, and privacy tools, including eXch, to hide the stolen assets’ origin. Source: https://crypto.news/crypto-mixer-exch-still-facilitates-illicit-transactions-despite-official-closure/

On March 4, 2026, DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE American: DDC) today announced preliminary, unaudited full-year financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company expects to achieve record revenue and record positive adjusted EBITDA, primarily driven by continued growth in its core consumer food business and overall margin improvement. The final audited financial report is expected to be released in mid-April 2026.

2025 Full-Year Financial Highlights

Revenue: Expected to be between $39 million and $41 million, reaching a new company high.

Organic Growth: Excluding the impact of the company's strategic contraction of its U.S. operations, core revenue is expected to grow 11% to 17% year over year.

Gross Profit Margin: Expected to be between 28% and 30%, reflecting continued operational efficiency improvements.

Adjusted EBITDA: The company expects to achieve a positive full-year result in 2025, a significant improvement from a $3.5 million loss in 2024, mainly due to rigorous cost controls and a higher-margin sales mix.

Core Consumer Food Business Performance

In 2025, DDC's core consumer food business maintained strong operational performance.

The company also disclosed Core Consumer Food Business Adjusted EBITDA, a metric that further excludes costs related to its Bitcoin reserve strategy and non-cash fair value adjustments related to its Bitcoin holdings from adjusted EBITDA to more accurately reflect the core business performance.

In 2025, Core Consumer Food Business Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $5.5 million and $6 million.

Bitcoin Reserve Update

In the first half of 2025, DDC initiated a long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategy, holding Bitcoin as its primary reserve asset.

As of December 31, 2025: The company holds 1,183 BTC.

As of February 28, 2026: Holdings increased to 2,118 BTC

Today's additional purchase of 65 BTC brings the company's total holdings to 2,183 BTC

DDC Founder, Chairman, and CEO Norma Chu stated, "We are proud to have closed 2025 with record revenue and positive adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating the steady growth of the company's consumer food business and the ongoing improvement in profitability. We are building a disciplined, growth-oriented food platform and strategically allocating capital to Bitcoin assets with a long-term view, aligning with our core beliefs. We believe that this dual-track model of 'Steady Consumer Business + Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' will help DDC create lasting long-term value for shareholders."

Adjusted EBITDA Definition
For the full year 2025, the company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" (a non-GAAP financial measure) as: Net income / (loss) excluding the following items:· Interest expense· Taxes· Foreign exchange gains/losses· Long-lived asset impairment· Depreciation and amortization· Non-cash fair value changes related to financial instruments (including Bitcoin holdings)· Stock-based compensation

About DDC Enterprise Limited

DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE: DDC) is actively implementing its corporate Bitcoin Treasury strategy while continuing to strengthen its position as a leading global Asian food platform.

The company has established Bitcoin as a core reserve asset and is executing a prudent, long-oriented accumulation strategy. While expanding its portfolio of food brands, DDC is gradually becoming one of the public company pioneers in integrating Bitcoin into its corporate financial architecture.

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DDC Enterprise Limited Announces 2025 Unaudited Preliminary Financial Performance: Record Revenue Achieved, Bitcoin Treasury Grows to 2183 Coins