Illicit Crypto Flows Rise 160% in 2025 Amid Sanctions, but Their Share Remains Below 1%
Chainalysis estimated that inflows to illicit crypto addresses totaled $154 billion in 2025. This figure is comparable to the combined total for the previous three years.
In 2025, North Korean hackers stole a record $2 billion from the crypto market. In February 2025, Russia began using the ruble-based stablecoin A7A5 and conducted transactions totaling $93.3 billion. Chainalysis also noted the "institutionalization" of cybercrime, the growing influence of China, and an increase in crimes involving physical violence, such as extortion and kidnappings.
Stablecoins accounted for 84% of illicit transaction volume, compared to less than 20% in 2020. The share of $BTC , $ETH , and altcoins in illicit transactions dropped to negligible levels. Worldwide, there are currently 80,000 organizations and individuals under sanctions.
