Cross-Chain Crypto Crimes Surpass $21 Billion in 2025: A Deep Dive into the Alarming Trend

• How Bad Is the Cross-Chain Crypto Crime Wave in 2025?
• Who Are the Major Players Behind These Crimes?
• Why Are Bull Runs Like Bitcoin’s a Double-Edged Sword?
• What’s Next for Crypto Security?
• FAQs

The world of cross-chain crypto crimes has hit a staggering $21.8 billion in illicit funds in 2025, according to a new report. North Korean hackers and Iranian sanctions evasion account for $2.5 billion and $300 million, respectively. With Bitcoin’s bull run attracting newcomers, scammers are refining their tactics. Here’s what you need to know.

How Bad Is the Cross-Chain Crypto Crime Wave in 2025?

The scale of cross-chain crypto crimes has exploded, with $21.8 billion laundered through decentralized exchanges (DEXs), cross-chain bridges, and swap services—tripling the $7 billion recorded in 2023. Criminals are leveraging these tools to obscure fund origins, evade stablecoin freezes (like Tether and Circle), and exploit regulatory gaps. The FBI reports $9.3 billion lost in crypto scams in 2024 alone, with seniors over 60 being prime targets.

Who Are the Major Players Behind These Crimes?

North Korean hackers dominate, responsible for 12% ($2.5 billion) of the illicit volume. Iranian services under sanctions added $300 million. Investigations spanned multiple blockchains—30% involved 3+ chains, 27% covered 5+, and 20% crossed 10+ networks. Rug pulls, investment scams, and sanctions evasion are the top methods.

Why Are Bull Runs Like Bitcoin’s a Double-Edged Sword?

Bitcoin’s rally to $120,000 (with predictions of $200,000 by 2026) has fueled market euphoria—and scammers’ creativity. New investors, often inexperienced, become easy prey. Analysts at BTCC note that compliance tools must evolve faster than criminal tactics during these surges.

What’s Next for Crypto Security?

With illicit activity at 0.4% of 2024’s $10.6 trillion crypto volume, the industry faces a balancing act: fostering innovation while clamping down on crime. Expect more regulatory scrutiny and advanced tracking tools—because as one trader put it, “Where there’s hype, there’s hackers.”

FAQs

How much was stolen via cross-chain crypto crimes in 2025?

$21.8 billion, per Elliptic’s report.

Which groups are most active in these crimes?

North Korean hackers ($2.5 billion) and Iranian services ($300 million under sanctions).

Are bull runs riskier for crypto investors?

Yes—scammers target newcomers during market highs, as seen in Bitcoin’s 2025 rally.