Fraud on the Rise: Crypto Market Documents Nearly $70 Billion in Illegal Transactions
According to AltIndex.com, the crypto market has witnessed illegal transactions totaling nearly $70 billion over the past five years. Despite a temporary decline in market conditions, illicit activity in the cryptocurrency sector has continued to grow for the second consecutive year.
The Battle of Regulation: Fraud on the Rise in the Crypto Sector
In 2021 and 2022, there was a significant increase in illicit activity in the crypto market. The total volume of illicit transactions more than doubled from $18.1 billion in 2020 to $20.6 billion in 2022, marking the highest value in the history of this market. These illicit transactions include theft, fraud, ransomware extortion, human trafficking, terrorist financing, and dark net market activities.
The Increasing Number of Sanctioned Entities
Alongside the rise in illicit activities, there has been a significant increase in the number of sanctioned entities and addresses involved in the crypto world. In 2018, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on two Iranian nationals associated with ransomware. Over time, OFAC shifted from sanctioning individuals to complete crypto services. This change led to an increase in the number of addresses associated with each sanctioned entity, reaching 35 in 2022.
Scams as the Main Source of Revenue
Data collected by Chainalysis reveals that scams have been the primary source of revenue for cryptocurrency-related criminal activities over the past five years. These scams are followed by operations related to stolen funds and darknet markets.
Hot Take: The Crypto Market Battles Rising Fraud
The crypto market is facing an uphill battle against fraud and illicit activities. Despite efforts to regulate the sector, the volume of illegal transactions continues to increase. Sanctioned entities and addresses also pose a significant challenge in combating crypto-related criminal activities. Scams remain a major source of revenue for criminals in this space. As the market evolves, it is crucial for regulators and industry players to implement stricter measures to protect investors and ensure the integrity of the crypto market.
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