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Illicit Cryptocurrency Transactions Surge 160% in 2025

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1 unique sources, 1 articles

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Illicit cryptocurrency transactions surged by over 160% in 2025, totaling at least $154 billion. This growth was primarily driven by sanctioned countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which increasingly use digital currencies to evade financial blockades. Russia's ruble-backed A7A5 token, launched in 2025, contributed significantly to this surge, accounting for $93 billion in transactions. The rise in illicit crypto activity is also fueled by cybercrime, with stablecoins becoming the preferred medium for illicit transactions due to their stability and ease of transfer.

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  1. 09.01.2026 18:56 1 articles · 23h ago

    Illicit Cryptocurrency Transactions Surge 160% in 2025

    In 2025, illicit cryptocurrency transactions surged by over 160%, totaling at least $154 billion. This growth was primarily driven by sanctioned countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which increasingly use digital currencies to evade financial blockades. Russia's ruble-backed A7A5 token, launched in 2025, contributed significantly to this surge, accounting for $93 billion in transactions. The rise in illicit crypto activity is also fueled by cybercrime, with stablecoins becoming the preferred medium for illicit transactions due to their stability and ease of transfer.

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