In the first half of 2025, the amount of stolen funds in cryptocurrency has already exceeded all of 2024's figures. A significant portion of these crimes is concentrated in Asia.
Nightmare of Crypto Thefts
According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, more than $2.17 billion was stolen in the first half of 2025. The most significant contributor to this spike was the $1.5 billion Bybit hack linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. The report indicates that if current trends hold, the total amount stolen this year could surpass $4 billion.
Geography of Crypto Crimes
Regionally, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Central and Southern Asia, have seen the most rapid growth in victim counts. North America leads in Bitcoin and altcoin thefts, while Europe ranks first globally in ether and stablecoin theft.
Trends in Thefts and Security
Chainalysis notes that theft activity has surged dramatically, with attackers shifting focus from major platforms to individual crypto holders. Physical violence accounts for approximately 23.35% of theft cases in 2025, including threats, assaults, and even homicides. Notably, the report referenced the kidnapping and murder of Elison Steel CEO Anson Que in the Philippines.
According to Chainalysis, 2025 is already marked as a record year for crypto-related thefts, and ongoing trends suggest that threats will continue, endangering both large companies and individual holders of crypto assets.
