Blockchain data research firm Chainalysis says that North Korean hackers are on track to make 2025 the biggest year in crypto theft history.
In its 2025 Crypto Crime Mid-Year Update, Chainalysis says 2025’s losses have already surpassed the total losses from 2024.
[adinserter block="1"]“With over $2.17 billion stolen from cryptocurrency services so far in 2025, this year is more devastating than the entirety of 2024.
The DPRK’s (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea [North Korea]) $1.5 billion hack of ByBit, the largest single hack in crypto history, accounts for the majority of service losses.”
Currently, hackers have stolen 17% more than they had by this time in 2022, the worst year on record. If the scams stay on pace, crypto could see over $4 billion stolen by year’s end.
While the ByBit breach set the record for the biggest heist ever, Chainalysis finds that more and more attacks are coming against individual user wallets.
“Personal wallet compromises now represent a growing share of total ecosystem theft, with attackers increasingly targeting individual users, making up 23.35% of all stolen fund activity year-to-date in 2025.”
Even more telling — while previous crypto thefts have mostly occurred in the digital realm, more and more threats are turning to physical violence.
“‘Wrench attacks’ — physical violence or coercion against crypto holders — show correlation with bitcoin price movements, suggesting opportunistic targeting during high-value periods.”
Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any assets including cryptocurrencies, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.
Generated Image: Midjourney
