North Korea-Linked Hackers Steal Record $2B in 2025, Chainalysis Says

Published at 2025-12-18 13:15:25

Chainalysis released a report showing North Korea–linked hacking groups moved an estimated $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, continuing a trend toward high-value strikes against centralized platforms. The firm notes attackers have concentrated on fewer, larger operations—a pattern that began in 2024 and was exemplified by the $1.4 billion Bybit breach.

The scale of these thefts heightens risks for exchanges, amplifies concerns about sanctions evasion, and puts renewed focus on AML controls and custody hardening. Chainalysis warns that once stolen assets hit mixers or cross-chain bridges recovery is difficult, so regulators and market participants should expect increased scrutiny, pressure for stronger incident response, and calls for greater transparency from centralized platforms.

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On March 3, 2026, U.S. federal authorities moved a small amount of Bitcoin from a government-controlled wallet, the first blockchain-recorded Bitcoin transaction by the U.S. this year. The transfer was logged on-chain amid heightened tensions around Iran.

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Published at 2026-03-04 07:30:13

FATF: Stablecoins Now Main Vehicle for Sanctions Evasion and Money Laundering

FATF warns stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit crypto activity, with peer-to-peer transfers enabling sanctions evasion and money laundering. The report signals a need for stronger AML controls and closer scrutiny of off-ramps and decentralized rails.

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Published at 2026-03-03 18:01:07

Iran Turmoil Exposes Regime's $7.8B Crypto Shadow Economy

New reporting shows Iran's government and citizens rely on a $7.8 billion crypto shadow economy for international trade and as a financial lifeline amid protests and sanctions. The network blends state-level sanctions evasion with grassroots remittances and P2P activity.

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Published at 2026-02-28 18:45:13

Sen. Blumenthal Seeks Binance Records Over Alleged $1.7B Iran Sanctions Breach

Sen. Richard Blumenthal has launched a formal Senate Homeland Security Committee investigation into Binance after reports the exchange allegedly facilitated $1.7 billion in crypto transfers to Iranian entities tied to terrorism. The probe targets Binance's Hong Kong operations and requests internal records and communications.

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Published at 2026-02-26 22:15:17

Sen. Blumenthal Probes Binance Over Alleged $1.7B Transfers to Sanctioned Iran

Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal has opened a formal probe into Binance after reports that the exchange may have facilitated roughly $1.7 billion in transfers to entities tied to sanctioned Iranian parties. He has sent a letter requesting clarification from Binance as regulators weigh potential sanctions violations.