Liquid Network Hacker Returns 3,400 Bitcoin After $340M Crypto Heist
A hacker stole roughly 4,000 bitcoins worth $340 million from Liquid Network, returning 3,400 after Blockstream fixed a bug, with operations still paused.
Summary
Liquid Network, a settlement exchange used by several cryptocurrency exchanges and launched by Blockstream in 2018, said Sunday that an unidentified “white hat” hacker stole roughly 4,000 bitcoins worth about $340 million from its wallet. The network paused operations. The hacker allegedly exploited a bug and offered to return the funds if Blockstream fixed it, although the precise method and identity remain unconfirmed.
Former Blockstream executive Samson Mow said Monday that Blockstream fixed the bug and recovered around 3,400 bitcoins. As of September 8, 2026, about 600 bitcoins worth roughly $47 million remained with the hacker. Liquid Network will stay offline until additional fixes and security improvements are completed. The incident is among 2026’s largest known crypto thefts and ranks among the biggest digital asset heists tracked by Rekt.
Positives
- Around 3,400 of roughly 4,000 stolen bitcoins were returned after Blockstream fixed the bug.
- Blockstream repaired the flaw the hacker allegedly used to withdraw the funds.
- Liquid Network is delaying its restart until additional fixes and security improvements are completed.
Risks & concerns
- About 600 bitcoins worth roughly $47 million remained under the hacker’s control on September 8, 2026.
- Liquid Network paused operations, disrupting a settlement exchange used by several cryptocurrency exchanges.
- The roughly $340 million theft ranks among 2026’s largest known crypto heists.
- The hacker remains unidentified, and the claimed exploitation method has not been independently confirmed.