Ransomware and Theft Drive Over Two Billion in Illicit Crypto Activity

In 2024, illicit crypto transactions driven by ransomware and theft surpassed $2 billion, with stolen funds inflows nearly doubling to $1.58 billion, an 84% increase from the previous year. Ransomware payments also rose slightly to $459.8 million, with the largest single ransom reaching $75 million. Despite the uptick in these activities, overall illicit on-chain activity has declined by 20%, and victims are increasingly reluctant to pay ransoms.

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Ransomware Payments Surge as Hackers Target Centralized Exchanges in 2024

In 2024, the value of stolen assets in crypto scams surged to $1.58 billion, an 84.4% increase from the previous year, while ransomware payments reached $459.8 million, indicating a potential record year. Criminals are shifting focus back to centralized exchanges, employing advanced social engineering tactics, with the largest ransom payment this year hitting $75 million, a staggering 96% rise from 2023.

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