Radiant Hacker Moves $10.8M in ETH to Tornado Cash

The hacker behind the notorious Radiant Capital exploit in October 2024 has reemerged. According to blockchain security firm Certik, the attacker transferred a staggering $10.8 million worth of Ethereum (ETH) into Tornado Cash, a popular crypto mixer known for its privacy features. This move raises fresh concerns about stolen crypto assets being laundered through decentralized tools.

Certik’s report highlights that the ETH moved is directly tied to the funds stolen during the Radiant protocol breach last year. Despite months of silence, the hacker’s recent activity signals a renewed attempt to obfuscate the stolen funds.

Tornado Cash Again in the Spotlight

Tornado Cash allows users to mask their crypto transactions by breaking the on-chain link between source and destination wallets. While it is a legitimate privacy tool, it’s often used by hackers to launder stolen funds. Authorities worldwide have previously cracked down on Tornado Cash due to its repeated use in cybercrimes, including high-profile DeFi exploits.

The Radiant hacker’s move brings Tornado Cash back into the regulatory spotlight. As blockchain analytics tools become more sophisticated, mixers like Tornado Cash continue to pose challenges to law enforcement and compliance teams.

Security Concerns Remain for DeFi Protocols

The Radiant exploit was one of the larger DeFi hacks of 2024, affecting the reputation of the protocol and resulting in substantial financial loss. With the hacker now moving the stolen ETH, users and developers are once again reminded of the critical importance of security audits and real-time monitoring in DeFi platforms.

The crypto community will be closely watching to see if any of the laundered funds resurface on centralized exchanges or other blockchains. For now, the stolen ETH remains out of reach, hidden behind Tornado Cash’s anonymizing infrastructure.