Mercado Bitcoin: Security incident involves up to $36.3 million, $12.9 million has been frozen

Brazilian crypto exchange Mercado Bitcoin confirmed a security incident on November 2 that affected approximately $36.3 million in assets, of which $12.9 million has been frozen, with tracing and freezing efforts ongoing. The platform activated its security and governance emergency mechanisms, reported the incident to authorities, and suspended operations as a precaution, leaving its app temporarily inaccessible until a security assessment is completed. Mercado Bitcoin said customer asset balances remain recorded in their respective accounts and warned users about scams, noting it will not contact users to request passwords, verification codes, or transfers. The incident matters as one of Brazil's largest exchanges halts service while roughly two-thirds of the affected funds remain unfrozen. What to watch next: the outcome of the security assessment, the recovery of the remaining approximately $23.4 million, and when operations resume.