HTX Goes Down After DDoS Attack While Sun Yuchen Faces Fresh Controversy

Crypto billionaire Sun Yuchens cryptocurrency exchange HTX was hit by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on the afternoon of 31 August, temporarily disrupting access to the platform. Some users also reported problems logging in and withdrawing funds.

During the incident, an account using the name “Hacker” publicly claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Suns recent actions had been “extremely disappointing” and that the attack was intended to “teach him a lesson”.

An account named “Hacker_Fuckvc” later posted on social media, repeating its claim of responsibility and sharing screenshots of alleged API logs as evidence.

A DDoS attack typically overwhelms a server with a large volume of illegitimate requests, causing services to slow down or become temporarily unavailable. Unlike attacks designed to steal private keys or breach wallets, a DDoS attack does not normally result in users assets being directly stolen.

Sun later confirmed on X that HTX had recently suffered a DDoS attack. He said user assets were unaffected and that the platforms services had returned to normal.

He added that HTX had preserved relevant evidence and reported the incident to law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the attack took place. The exchange intends to pursue criminal action against those responsible.

The attack comes as Sun faces several other controversies.

On 27 August, he filed a lawsuit against actress Jing Tian, seeking the return of RMB30 million (about RM17.7 million) in what he described as a “betrothal gift”. Sun also disclosed private details about their relationship on social media, triggering widespread discussion online.

Rumours also circulated that Sun had urgently left Hong Kong. He later posted a photograph of himself in Hong Kong holding a blockchain hash from the TRON network, apparently to refute the claims.

“Dont trust people, trust the chain,” Sun wrote, directly dismissing the rumours.