Illicit Cryptocurrency Activity Surges to $154 Billion in 2025 Amid Sanctions
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Surge in Illicit Transactions: In 2025, cryptocurrency received by illicit addresses reached at least $154 billion, marking a 162% increase from 2024, highlighting the ability of sanctioned entities to leverage decentralized assets to evade restrictions.
- Significant State Activity: Russia launched the ruble-backed A7A5 stablecoin in 2025, facilitating over $93 billion in transactions, indicating that sanctioned nations are actively adapting to new economic activity channels.
- Widespread Stablecoin Usage: Illicit transactions now see stablecoins accounting for 84% of the volume, mirroring growth trends in legitimate markets and showcasing their appeal to criminal networks.
- Minor Market Share: Despite the rise in illicit activity, Chainalysis estimates that such transactions still represent less than 1% of total crypto transaction volume, underscoring the resilience and growth potential of the mainstream market.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
