CETUS DEX Resumes Operations Post-$162M Exploit Amid User Backlash

Decentralized exchange CETUS has reactivated its platform on Sui and Aptos networks following a crippling $162 million security breach that necessitated a month-long suspension. The relaunch was facilitated by a $30 million emergency loan from the Sui Foundation and partial recovery of stolen assets.

Trading activity has recommenced with the implementation of a user reimbursement program. While some clients report near-complete fund recovery, others cite persistent discrepancies in account balances, fueling renewed complaints. The recovery process involved controversial intervention by SUI validators to freeze the attacker's wallet—a MOVE that has reignited debates about the protocol's decentralization credentials.

CETUS claims comprehensive vulnerability patches, liquidity pool rebalancing, and new audit protocols are now in place. The team has earmarked 15% of total CETUS token supply, including unvested team allocations, for victim compensation. Despite these measures, technical glitches persist for some users attempting withdrawals.

Notably, the exchange has rapidly re-entered top-10 DEX rankings by volume, though analysts suggest this activity primarily reflects users accessing previously frozen funds rather than restored market confidence.