KiloEx Hacker Returns $5.5M in Crypto — But $2M Still Missing
In a dramatic twist, the hacker behind the $7.5 million exploit of decentralized trading platform KiloEx has returned $5.5 million, according to blockchain security firm PeckShield.
The funds were sent back after KiloEx issued a public ultimatum on X, offering the attacker a 10% bounty in exchange for the return of 90% of the stolen assets.
Despite this partial resolution, $2 million is still unaccounted for, raising ongoing concerns about the platform’s future.
Security Shaken, KILO Token Tanks
The breach has shaken investor confidence in KiloEx, a platform that relies heavily on decentralized oracles and automated smart contracts. Following the news, the KILO token plunged 27%, wiping out millions in market value and prompting the platform to temporarily freeze operations.
Dear Community,
We are pleased to announce that we have successful recovery of all stolen funds related to the recent security incident. This outcome underscores our commitment to protecting user assets and fostering a secure ecosystem.
1. Case Resolution Progress
– The legal…— KiloEx (@KiloEx_perp) April 18, 2025
Community members expressed growing frustration, citing the recurring vulnerabilities in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Critics are calling for urgent improvements in oracle and smart contract security to restore user trust.
Investigations Ongoing, Trust at Risk
While PeckShield and other security partners continue to track the remaining funds, KiloEx has yet to confirm whether any additional returns or breakthroughs are expected. The platform’s downtime has affected liquidity and trading volumes, raising questions about its long-term viability.
Crypto industry leaders are now emphasizing the importance of preemptive security audits and smarter incentive structures to prevent future attacks.
Kosta has reported on cryptocurrency markets and blockchain infrastructure since 2020, bringing over six years of hands-on experience in the crypto industry built through daily tracking of markets, trends, and emerging blockchain developments. Specializing in Bitcoin on-chain analysis, institutional ETF flows, and digital asset price action, his work at Coindoo has been cited by other news agencies and consistently covers market developments with a focus on data-driven reporting across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. Over the years, Kosta has contributed to multiple crypto media outlets in different regions, authoring over 6,000 articles across the sector. His reporting spans cryptocurrency markets and the broader fintech industry, tracking not only price action but also the technological and regulatory forces shaping the ecosystem. To support his analysis, Kosta actively leverages on-chain data and metrics from leading platforms such as Santiment, Glassnode, and CryptoQuant, enabling deeper, evidence-based market insights. He believes in the power of transparency and the data that underpins the blockchain ecosystem. His academic background in Marketing Management from Denmark further complements his analytical approach, adding a strong understanding of communication strategy and content positioning to his work.
