Crypto Scam Losses Reached an Estimated US$17 Billion in 2025

Cryptocurrency scams and fraud generated an estimated US$17 billion in 2025, according to Chainalysis’ 2026 Crypto Crime Report.

The report describes a more industrialised fraud economy supported by impersonation services, artificial intelligence, professional money laundering networks and large scam compounds. East and Southeast Asian criminal groups remain closely connected to the movement of proceeds through layered wallets, exchanges, shell companies and informal payment channels.

Chainalysis also identified a growing Chinese-language laundering ecosystem using money mules, over-the-counter brokers, gambling platforms, mixing services and cross-chain swaps. The estimates are based on identified on-chain activity and may rise as more illicit addresses are discovered.

Sources: Chainalysis 2026 Crypto Crime Report: Scams; Chainalysis report on Chinese-language laundering networks.