Wanchain's cross-chain bridge connecting Cardano and BNB Chain was hacked, with attackers stealing $9 million worth of NIGHT tokens. The exploit adds to a grim tally: over $1 billion lost to hacks and scams in 2026.
The $9 Million Heist
The attack targeted Wanchain's bridge, a tool that lets users move assets between Cardano and BNB Chain. The stolen tokens were NIGHT, a Cardano-native asset. The exact method of the exploit hasn't been detailed, but bridge hacks often involve vulnerabilities in smart contracts or validator nodes. The $9 million figure represents the value of NIGHT tokens drained from the bridge.
A Billion-Dollar Year for Crypto Crime
The Wanchain incident is part of a broader trend. In 2026, the total value lost to cryptocurrency hacks and scams surpassed $1 billion. Cross-chain bridges have been a prime target, with several high-profile exploits in recent years. The industry has struggled to secure these complex systems that connect different blockchains.
Wanchain has not publicly disclosed a recovery plan or timeline for restoring the bridge. Users who held NIGHT tokens on the bridge may face losses. Security researchers are likely to analyze the exploit code to understand how the attack worked. The incident highlights the ongoing risks in cross-chain infrastructure, where a single vulnerability can lead to millions in losses.
