
The 2025 crypto crime report by Chainalysis has highlighted a rise in the sophistication of criminal activities. The firm estimated illicit crypto transactions in 2024 to be $40.9 billion, down from $46.1 billion in 2023. However, this figure is projected to exceed $51 billion as more illegal addresses are identified. Shift to Stablecoins and Ransomware Attacks Bitcoin, once the primary currency for bad actors, has been overtaken by stablecoins, which now account for 63% of all illicit crypto transactions. Chainalysis highlighted that financial sanctions have led to the shift toward stablecoins, as they offer speed, liquidity, and regulatory blind spots that make laundering funds easier. Further, these assets provide near-instant transactions and eliminate concerns over price fluctuations. Some stablecoin issuers, including Tether, have frozen hundreds of addresses linked to illegal activity. In response, some criminals have turned to privacy coins like Monero (XMR), privacy wallets, and DeFi-based laundering schemes. Ransomware payments dropped 35% in 2024, with less than half of recorded attacks resulting in payments. Chainalysis attributes this decline to law enforcement crackdowns and a reduced willingness among victims to pay. However, groups engaged in the activity are adapting. Following the takedown of LockBit, smaller syndicates such as RansomHub have absorbed displaced operators and remain operational. The report also highlighted that ransomware tactics are shifting toward data theft and extortion. Meanwhile, market manipulation on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) continues to thrive. In 2024, an estimated $2.57 billion in illicit trading volume was artificially generated, with 3.59% of newly minted tokens showing rug-pull characteristics. Crypto Theft and AI-Driven Fraud Increase The New York-based firm revealed that crypto theft grew by 21% in 2024, reaching $2.2 billion. While DeFi platforms accounted for most stolen funds, centralized services became the primary targets in the second and third quarters. North Korean hackers were responsible for 61% of these thefts. Fraud and scams remained widespread, with high-yield investment schemes and “pig butchering” among the most successful. Chainalysis revealed the growing use of AI tools by lawbreakers to bypass KYC measures and automate fraud. The analysis described this as part of a broader trend in cybercrime, where AI is being leveraged to enhance deception and evade detection. Bad actors in the crypto space have also become more professional, with hackers, scammers, and extortionists behind $10.8 billion of the estimated $40.9 billion in digital asset crime last year. Chainalysis further examined the SEC’s crackdown on $2.57 billion in market manipulation schemes, detailing evolving criminal tactics and enforcement efforts. As regulators respond to stablecoins’ growing role in money laundering, oversight is expected to tighten. Meanwhile, AI-driven fraud is projected to expand, making deepfakes, synthetic identities, and phishing attacks increasingly difficult to detect. The post Chainalysis Report Reveals Rising Sophistication in Crypto Crime appeared first on CryptoPotato .
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Can 250 Million USDC Boost Solana’s Recovery Potential Amidst Market Struggles?

Solana (SOL) is currently navigating a turbulent market environment, with recent events raising questions about its liquidity and investor confidence. Despite the minting of 250 million USDC, the demand for Crypto Potato

China Warns of DeepSeek Crypto Scams and Malware Threats
Chinese authorities have issued a warning about a group of scammers who falsely presented themselves as developers of a blockchain project called DeepSeek. These fraudsters used deceptive tactics to attract investors, claiming that the platform was built using DeepSeek technology and was a secure and efficient investment opportunity. The scammers also distributed fake DeepSeek applications that contained malware, compromising users` data and security. DeepSeek gained attention in January when its AI model reportedly matched OpenAI`s performance on certain benchmarks but at a lower cost. The buzz surrounding DeepSeek caught the attention of many investors, and fraudsters capitalized on the excitement by launching fake crowdfunding campaigns. These scammers disappeared with investors` funds after promising returns of over 10,000 yuan ($1,373) per month from their involvement with DeepSeek. In one scam, fraudsters sold a tutorial for 39.9 yuan ($5.5), claiming it would teach users how to write viral content. However, only four of the 104 pages in the tutorial contained relevant material, with the rest being publicly available information. In another scam, the fraudsters set up fake "monetization training camps," charging between 299 yuan ($41) and 399 yuan ($55) for courses that turned out to be entirely worthless. To add to the deception, the scammers created fake communities that appeared to be official DeepSeek groups. These communities promoted "internal test qualifications" and "advanced courses" before introducing DeepSeekCoin, a fake cryptocurrency they claimed had strong technical backing. Investors were lured in, only to lose all their funds. In response to the fraud, DeepSeek distanced itself from any crypto tokens associated with its name. The project clarified that it had never issued any cryptocurrency and emphasized that its only official social media presence was on Twitter. They further stated that they would not contact anyone through other accounts. Chinese authorities have also raised alarms about fake DeepSeek apps that are being used to spread malware. These apps, disguised under names like DeepSeek.apk, DeepSeek.exe, DeepSeek.msi, and DeepSeek.dmg, pose significant security risks. Once installed, the apps prompt users to download updates that contain harmful code, which then steals sensitive information like contacts and messages. In some cases, the malware prevents users from uninstalling the app, making it even harder to remove. Authorities warn that as AI applications such as DeepSeek continue to gain popularity, the likelihood of similar scams will rise. They advise users to be cautious when engaging with AI-related investment opportunities and to always verify sources before downloading apps. As the AI sector continues to expand, it is expected that scams involving Trojan viruses and impersonation of reputable platforms like DeepSeek will increase. To protect themselves from scams and malware, users are urged to carefully scrutinize the sources of investment opportunities and applications. This increased awareness will help prevent further losses and safeguard personal data in an environment where AI technology is rapidly advancing. Crypto Potato