Polymarkets $700K exploit targets USDC, POL - Are user funds safe?
Another day, another crypto exploit. Crypto hacks have accelerated in 2026, and someone targeted Polymarket on the 22nd of May. Here is how the exploit happened on the worlds largest prediction markets: Explaining Polymarkets exploit According to ZachXBT, Polymarkets UMA CTF Adapter was exploited on the Polygon [POL] network, and more than $700K has been laundered. The hacker drained roughly $458K USDC and more than $200K POL on the UMA CTF Adapter contract. The attacker looks to have compromised a private key tied to the rewards payout system. The hack came after a new rebate program was introduced. Shantikiran Chanal said, Were aware of the security reports linked to rewards payout. Looking into the details, the hacker then siphoned 5,000 POL every thirty seconds to a single address. The funds have since been distributed to 16 addresses and then moved to centralized exchanges (CEXs) and other services like mixers. Source: Bubblemaps ZachXBT has previously called out some of these CEXs used to launder money for failing to freeze stolen funds. These exchanges include KuCoin and HTX, among others. ZachXBT and Bubblemaps have asked traders to pause Polymarket activities for now. However, Polymarkets staff assured users of safety for their funds. Polymarket statement as community reacts A software engineer at Polymarket, Shantikiran