DeFiLlama has removed Aster, a BNB-based decentralized exchange (DEX), from its platform due to suspicions of wash trading activity. The decision follows an ongoing investigation into Aster’s volumes by DeFiLlama and concerns about the exchange’s trading behavior mirroring Binance’s patterns. 0xngmi, co-founder of DeFiLlama, explained that the platform was unable to verify detailed order data for Aster, which made it difficult to discern if trades were genuine or manipulated. As a result, they removed Aster’s perpetual futures data from their dashboard. 0xngmi compared Aster’s trading volumes on XRPUSD and ETHUSDT with its competitor Hyperliquid, highlighting significant similarities that raised further concerns. The exchange experienced rapid growth in late September, with daily perpetual trading volume reaching $60 billion at one point, briefly surpassing its rival Hyperliquid. This surge was partly fueled by Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao’s endorsement and backing from YZi Labs, which holds a minority stake in Astherus. DeFiLlama has received mixed reactions to the delisting. Some community members applauded the move as a safeguard against data manipulation, while others criticized it for potential bias or fueling unfounded speculation. In response, 0xngmi clarified that he and his team have no financial interest in Aster’s tokens or trading positions, further debunking claims of unfairness. He emphasized the platform’s commitment to providing accurate data for users who rely on it for investment decisions and dismissed accusations of paid delisting.