Ethical Hacking News
The Southeast Asian illicit marketplace Tudou Guarantee has ceased its operations, processing over $12 billion in transactions before shutting down. The platform's shutdown marks a significant blow to the region's scam economy and highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between cybersecurity researchers and malicious actors.
Tudou Guarantee, a Telegram-based illicit billionaire marketplace, has ceased operations. The platform processed $12 billion in transactions, making it one of the largest illicit marketplaces of all time. The shutdown marks a significant blow to the Southeast Asian scam economy. Tudou Guarantee's success was attributed to its secure and trustworthy environment, but also allowed for the sale of stolen data and money laundering services. The collapse of Prince Group, a notorious scam compound, led to the shutdown of Tudou Guarantee in October 2025. The closure highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between cybersecurity researchers and malicious actors.
Telegram-based illicit billionaire marketplace Tudou Guarantee has ceased its operations, according to Elliptic, a blockchain cybersecurity firm that reported on the platform's activities. This shutdown marks a significant blow to the Southeast Asian scam economy, which has seen numerous illicit marketplaces rise and fall over the years.
Since its inception, Tudou Guarantee has processed an astonishing $12 billion in transactions, making it one of the largest illicit marketplaces of all time. The platform was established after the closure of Huione Guarantee, a $27 billion marketplace that was shut down by Telegram in May 2025. Following Huione's demise, merchants flocked to Tudou, leading to a significant surge in user numbers and transaction volumes.
Tudou Guarantee's success can be attributed to its ability to provide a secure and trustworthy environment for buyers and sellers. The platform's escrow service played a crucial role in this, as it built trust between the two parties involved. However, this trust came at a steep price, as Tudou Guarantee allowed merchants to sell stolen personal data, money laundering services, and ready-made scam platforms.
The shutdown of Tudou Guarantee is largely attributed to the collapse of Prince Group, a notorious scam compound in Cambodia that was sanctioned by the US and UK in October 2025. The group's chairman, Chen Zhi, was arrested and extradited to China in January 2026. Elliptic recorded a sharp drop in activity on Tudou's main crypto wallets following this event.
The closure of Tudou Guarantee is significant not only for the Southeast Asian scam economy but also for cybersecurity researchers worldwide. The platform provided a unique window into the world of illicit marketplaces, allowing Elliptic to track and analyze its activities. With Tudou Guarantee gone, investigators can now focus on tracking down new targets and identifying emerging threats.
In an era where cryptocurrency transactions are becoming increasingly transparent due to blockchain technology, law enforcement agencies have developed innovative strategies to combat cybercrime. The collapse of Tudou Guarantee serves as a reminder that even the most sophisticated illicit marketplaces can fall victim to pressure from law enforcement.
Furthermore, the shutdown of Tudou Guarantee highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between cybersecurity researchers and malicious actors. As one marketplace falls, another often takes its place. It is essential for investigators to stay vigilant and adapt their strategies to counter emerging threats.
In conclusion, the collapse of Tudou Guarantee marks a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime. While it may seem like a minor setback at first glance, the shutdown serves as a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies worldwide. As cybersecurity researchers continue to analyze and track illicit marketplaces, they will undoubtedly uncover new threats and opportunities.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Collapse-of-Tudou-Guarantee-A-Southeast-Asian-Illicit-Marketplaces-Descent-into-Chaos-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/187102/cyber-crime/telegram-based-illicit-billionaire-marketplace-tudou-guarantee-stopped-transactions.html
Published: Tue Jan 20 04:10:53 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M