North Korean Hackers Steal Record $2.17 Billion in Cryptocurrency in 2025
Chainalysis data shows 2025 crypto crime surged 162% to $154 billion, with sanctions-related activity dominating and stablecoins comprising most illicit transactions.
Chainalysis revealed that illicit cryptocurrency addresses received $154 billion in 2025, an increase of 162% from revised 2024 figures, largely driven by sanctions-related activity involving networks linked to North Korea, Russia, Iran, and certain Asian laundering groups. Stablecoins accounted for 84% of these illegal transactions. Within this total, North Korean-linked hackers stole $2.17 billion, the highest annual figure on record, including the $1.5 billion Bybit Ethereum hack. The data also highlights a shift from DeFi exploitation to centralized exchanges for large-scale theft, with stolen funds laundered in numerous small transactions.
- Chainalysis: A blockchain analytics firm specializing in tracking and analyzing cryptocurrency transactions for compliance and investigation purposes.
- Centralized Exchange: A cryptocurrency trading platform operated by a centralized organization that maintains custody of user funds and facilitates transactions.
- Stablecoin: A type of cryptocurrency pegged to a stable asset like the U.S. dollar, designed to minimize price volatility.