Kraken Freezes Monero Deposits After Mining Pool Claims Network Control

Last Updated on August 18, 2025

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Monero. Source: Vlastimil Šesták - stock.adobe.com

Key Takeaways:

  • Kraken paused Monero (XMR) deposits after mining pool Qubic gained over 50% of the network’s hashing power, raising 51% attack concerns.
  • Qubic claims it reorganized six blocks after a month-long struggle, sparking backlash from the Monero community.
  • Despite a DDoS setback, Qubic reasserted control, intensifying debate over Monero’s mining decentralization and security.

Kraken has suspended Monero (XMR) deposits after detecting that a single mining pool had temporarily gained control of more than half of the network’s total hashing power.

The move comes as a security precaution, with the exchange confirming that trading and withdrawals remain unaffected.

Kraken stated, “As a security precaution, we have paused Monero deposits after detecting that a single mining pool has gained more than 50% of the network’s total hashing power.

This concentration of mining power poses a potential risk to network integrity.”

The mining pool in question, Qubic, claimed earlier this week that it reached 51% dominance and reorganized several blocks on the Monero blockchain.

However, its control has since fallen to around 35%, easing immediate concerns over a prolonged 51% attack.

Qubic described the incident as a “stress test” designed to highlight vulnerabilities in proof-of-work networks, though Monero developers have disputed the severity of the event.

Despite the turmoil, Monero’s price climbed by more than 7%, breaking above $260.

Kraken said deposits will resume once it determines the network is stable and safe for users.

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