Abacus Market, one of the largest remaining darknet drug marketplaces catering to Western users, has suddenly disappeared, triggering widespread speculation of a deliberate exit scam. The platform, which accepted Bitcoin and Monero, had grown rapidly over the past three years and was reportedly handling millions of dollars in daily cryptocurrency transactions before its abrupt shutdown.
The site’s infrastructure, including its clearnet mirror, went offline without warning or the typical law enforcement seizure banner. According to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs, the sudden disappearance aligns with common patterns seen in exit scams, where marketplace operators disappear with funds held in escrow.
Launched in 2021 under the name “Alphabet Market,” Abacus steadily rose in prominence as competing marketplaces were dismantled through law enforcement operations. By 2023, it had secured a dominant position, handling 70% of all Western darknet market users. That year, TRM Labs estimated Abacus facilitated nearly $100 million in Bitcoin transactions. When factoring in Monero, the untraceable cryptocurrency used for most of the platform’s trades, total sales are believed to have exceeded $300 million.
The site’s best month was June 2025, during which Abacus reportedly handled over $6.3 million in sales. Just weeks later, the platform began showing signs of strain. Users started reporting withdrawal issues and delays, prompting concern on darknet forums. The site’s administrator, known as “Vito,” attributed the disruptions to a wave of new users following the shutdown of rival Archetyp Market and an alleged DDoS attack.
Despite those explanations, confidence in the platform rapidly declined. TRM Labs observed that deposits on the site fell sharply in early July—from $230,000 per day across 1,400 transactions to just $13,000 per day spread over 100 transactions.
Soon after, the site went completely dark.
“Exit scams occur when operators of marketplaces vanish with funds held in escrow,” TRM Labs explained, adding that Abacus’ sudden disappearance and lack of communication fits this pattern.
However, the possibility of a silent law enforcement operation hasn’t been entirely ruled out. Authorities have previously conducted takedowns without public notice to preserve ongoing investigations and identify accomplices. Still, darknet community members and users close to the Abacus team largely believe the collapse points to an exit scam, not a police seizure.
At the time of writing, there has been no confirmation from law enforcement. But for the thousands of users left in the dark—many now locked out of their cryptocurrency funds—the damage appears to be done.
