Chainalysis 2026 Report: $154 Billion in 2025 Illicit Crypto Flows Tied to Sanctions Evasion

In its latest 2026 Crypto Crime Report, Chainalysis reports that illicit cryptocurrency transactions surged 162% in 2025 to at least $154 billion, driven by sanctioned states and organised criminal networks. The study highlights Iran's IRGC, Russia's ruble-linked A7A5 token, North Korean hackers and Chinese money laundering networks as key actors in this ecosystem. It also notes a sharp rise in physical attacks and kidnappings targeting crypto users, underscoring mounting security risks for the industry.