KuCoin expands sanctions screening to indirect transfers involving 17 platforms

KuCoin announced an expanded sanctions‑screening policy that targets indirect crypto transfers involving 17 platforms identified in recent U.S. and European sanctions actions. The move means users may see transactions held, rejected, or wallets restricted even if they never interact directly with the listed services.

Platforms covered by the new restrictions

• Shelbit (Shelbit General Trading LLC)
• Aban Tether Exchange
• A7 Nigeria
• A7 Africa
• PilotFinance Ltd
• Rapira
• Aifory Pro (Sooty Ltd.)
• ABCeX (Nueva Cryptologia S.A.S DE C.V.)
• WhiteBird
• NoOnecrypto INC.
• Tradex (Brightum LLC)
• Monease Ltd
• BitPapa
• Exnode / Exnode Pay (Arvix)
• HTX (Huobi Global SA)
• EXMO Ltd

How the screening works

KuCoin said it may examine the source of funds, originating and destination addresses, and any intermediary service providers to determine whether a transaction is linked to any of the listed entities. Enhanced review can result in temporary wallet or account restrictions, and repeated or serious violations could lead to suspension or termination of services.

Impact on HTX and related exchanges

HTX, the most prominent name on the list, is already facing similar restrictions from other major exchanges. Binance halted processing transactions involving HTX and ten other platforms on August 23. HTX disputes the sanctions allegations and has indicated it is engaging with regulators in the UK and EU. The exchange reported processing over 100,000 deposit and withdrawal transactions without new indiscriminate freezes and has upgraded its wallet infrastructure to mitigate third‑party risk.

Practical implications for users

Funds that pass through any of the listed platforms may be flagged before reaching KuCoin, regardless of the number of transaction hops. This expands sanctions enforcement beyond direct counterparties, requiring exchanges to assess the full provenance of funds.