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NEWS: BitMEX crypto exchange whose founders admitted AML violations announces closure

July 23, 2026

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By AML Intelligence Correspondent

BitMEX, the crypto exchange whose founders pleaded guilty to AML violations and were later pardoned by US President Donald Trump, is closing down.

The cryptocurrency exchange said on Thursday that it will shut down its operations, effective September 23 and added that users’ assets remained safe and under their control.

The owner and operator of BitMEX, HDR Global Trading made the decision as part of a strategic review of the business, the exchange said in a post on X.

BitMEX also urged users to close their positions and withdraw their funds.

Co-founders of BitMEX, Benjamin Delo, Arthur Hayes and Samuel Reed pleaded guilty in 2022 for failing to implement a Bank Secrecy Act-compliant anti-money laundering program.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned them last year.

Prosecutors had accused BitMEX and founders Delo, Hayes and Reed of willfully violating the Bank Secrecy Act between 2015 and 2020 by failing to adopt anti-money-laundering and “know your customer” programs.

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INSIGHT: Officials weigh whether to apply AML group-wide rules to major EU brands such as VW, BMW and Red Bull

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