U.S. authorities have successfully recovered $31 million in cryptocurrency stolen from Uranium Finance, a decentralized finance protocol, during cyberattacks in April 2021. The platform, which operated on Binance’s BNB Chain, lost over $53 million due to vulnerabilities in its smart contracts. Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs supported law enforcement in tracing the stolen assets, revealing intricate laundering schemes involving Tornado Cash and cross-chain swaps. The first attack led to a $1.4 million theft, while the second exploited a coding error, resulting in a $52 million loss. Victims of the hack can now contact authorities to reclaim a portion of the recovered funds.
U.S. Authorities Retrieve $31 Million in Stolen Cryptocurrency from Uranium Finance Hack
In a significant breakthrough, U.S. authorities have successfully recovered $31 million in cryptocurrency originally stolen during the 2021 cyberattacks on Uranium Finance. This decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, built on the Binance Smart Chain, faced two exploitative attacks that drained over $53 million in assets, leading to substantial losses for investors.
Uranium Finance was launched in April 2021, aiming to provide an automated Market maker (AMM) service similar to Uniswap. Unfortunately, just weeks after its launch, hackers identified and exploited weaknesses in its smart contracts. The initial attack occurred on April 6, 2021, resulting in the theft of $1.4 million. Although the hacker returned $1 million, they kept $385,500, which was laundered using Tornado Cash.
The second, more damaging attack took place on April 28, 2021, due to a small coding error. This allowed attackers to manipulate balances, enabling them to steal a staggering $52 million. The stolen funds were laundered through various decentralized exchanges and hidden in dormant wallets.
In a joint effort with TRM Labs, the Southern District of New York and Homeland Security Investigations tracked the stolen assets across multiple blockchains. With meticulous investigation, they mapped the laundering patterns and enabled the seizure of $31 million in cryptocurrency in February 2025. This operation marks one of the largest recoveries in the world of digital assets in recent years.
For victims of the Uranium Finance hack, authorities are encouraging them to reach out to the U.S. SDNY via email at UraniumVictims@hsi.dhs.gov to claim their share of the recovered funds.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of cybersecurity within the DeFi space and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to combat cryptocurrency theft.
Tags: Cryptocurrency Recovery, Uranium Finance Hack, DeFi Security, U.S. Authorities, Blockchain Investigation
What happened in the Uranium Finance hack?
In 2021, Uranium Finance, a cryptocurrency platform, was hacked, resulting in over $31 million being stolen. The hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the system to access user funds.
How did the U.S. recover the stolen money?
The U.S. Treasury, along with law enforcement agencies, tracked and seized the stolen funds. They used advanced tools and cooperation with crypto exchanges to locate the money and return it to its rightful place.
Who were the hackers behind the Uranium Finance incident?
The identity of the hackers is not fully revealed. However, they were believed to be part of a larger group involved in various cybercrimes related to crypto theft.
Will the victims get their money back?
Yes, efforts are underway to return the recovered funds to the victims of the Uranium Finance hack. The process may take time, but authorities are working to ensure fair compensation.
What should people do to protect themselves from crypto hacks?
To stay safe, people should use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about sharing personal information. Regularly updating software and wallets can also help prevent hacks.