Bitcoin wallets belonging to the nucleus dark web marketplace have been reactivated after nine years of being dormant.
According to Arkham Intelligence, the wallet received $77 million worth of BTC, moving the entire funds into three separate wallets. This is the first movement of funds belonging to the platform since it vanished in April 2016.
Nucleus marketplace was known for the sales of illicit materials, allowing users to exchange them for digital assets like BTC. After operating from 2014 to 2016, the platform suddenly vanished, with rumors of an exit scam or hack trailing its disappearance.
Before the disappearance, the platform was said to have held at least 5,000 BTC, which were worth $2.2 million at the period. With that, the remaining funds would be worth around $365 million in present day market figures.
According to the blockchain explorers, some of the addresses involved in the transactions include 1GGe3, which was last active in April 2016. The three new wallets this money is being sent to are “bc1qm8,” “bc1qm0,” and “bc1qsh.”
Speculations trail Nucleus marketplace resurgence
The recent transfers have raised several speculations regarding those behind the platform or the motive behind the transfers. According to reports, the transfers could have been made by the admin, police, hackers, or other parties.
Some users even joked that the funds may be going toward the newly established United States Strategic Crypto Reserve. According to the executive order, Bitcoins seized from criminals will be sent to the crypto reserve. However, the reason for the transfer remains unknown, with a user joking about the coincidence of the timing with the crypto summit.
At the crypto summit, United States President Donald Trump mentioned that he was dissatisfied with how the country was treating digital assets. “From this day on, America will follow the rule that every Bitcoin [holder] knows very well. Never sell your Bitcoin,” he said, noting a new strategy of holding on to their assets.
The Nucleus marketplace’s resurgence, there may be several legal claims or investigations to uncover the individuals behind the platform or the ones that control the wallet. If authorities establish the assets as proceeds of crime, they may decide to seize the assets.