USDT and Bitcoin Fuel Global Crypto Investment Migration Trends in 2025
In a groundbreaking move, El Salvador has launched the world's first fully crypto-native citizenship program, the Freedom Visa Program, requiring a $1 million donation in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT). This initiative builds on the country's 2021 adoption of BTC as legal tender and offers visa-free travel to over 130 countries, with applications processed in just six weeks. Meanwhile, Caribbean nations are also embracing crypto-based investment migration, signaling a growing trend of digital assets reshaping global citizenship and residency programs. As of July 2025, these developments highlight the increasing integration of cryptocurrencies like USDT and Bitcoin into mainstream financial and legal systems, offering new opportunities for investors and migrants alike.
From Bitcoin to Passport: Countries Embrace Crypto Investment Migration in 2025
El Salvador has pioneered the world's first fully crypto-native citizenship program, the Freedom Visa Program, requiring a $1 million donation in bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT). The initiative, rooted in the country's 2021 adoption of BTC as legal tender, processes applications in six weeks and grants visa-free travel to over 130 countries. Meanwhile, Caribbean nations are facilitating crypto-based investment migration through licensed agents, though specifics remain undisclosed.
The global shift toward crypto-powered residency and citizenship programs reflects deepening institutional adoption. Four models dominate: direct crypto payments, agent-mediated conversions, crypto-backed funds, and wealth verification via digital assets. Investment thresholds range from $130,000 to $1 million, with processing times spanning one month to over a year.
North Korean Hackers Circumvent Sanctions Using Crypto Payments
North Korean IT operatives have laundered millions in USDC and USDT while covertly infiltrating blockchain startups, according to TRM Labs. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Song Kum Hyok, a hacker linked to North Korea's Andariel cybercrime unit, for orchestrating a scheme involving fake remote workers at tech and crypto firms.
These operatives, posing as U.S.-based freelancers, secured roles in web3, crypto infrastructure, and blockchain development. Payments in stablecoins were routed through layered wallets and mixers before reaching the North Korean regime. "Treasury remains committed to disrupting these financing channels," the report noted, highlighting the persistent use of crypto to fund weapons programs despite international sanctions.
BigONE Loses $27M in Hot Wallet Hack, Commits to Full User Reimbursement
Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange BigONE has confirmed a $27 million hot wallet breach, attributing the incident to a third-party supply chain attack. The platform detected abnormal asset movements on July 16, tracing the exploit to compromised production network servers. Blockchain security firm SlowMist identified the breach, noting attackers manipulated risk control logic without exposing private keys.
The stolen assets included 120 BTC, 350 ETH, 1,800 SOL, and 8.54 million USDT across multiple networks. BigONE has activated internal reserves to guarantee full user reimbursement, underscoring the persistent vulnerabilities in exchange infrastructure despite advanced security measures.
