Sanctioned States Are Driving Illicit Crypto Growth

[johnblockbuster]

Chainalysis data shows global illicit crypto transactions hit at least $154 billion in 2025, a 162% year-over-year increase. Iran is not alone.
Russia emerged as the largest source of illicit on-chain activity, fueled in part by its ruble-pegged A7A5 stablecoin, which processed at least $93 billion in transactions.
North Korea–linked hackers also stole roughly $2 billion in crypto, marking their most damaging year on record.

[cryptohog]

$154b illicit volume is insane, really puts the “crypto is just for crime” debate back on the table