Chainalysis 2024 Report: Illicit Crypto Activity Down 20% YTD but Ransomware and Stolen Funds Surge

• Recent reports highlight a significant shift in crypto-related crime.
• Chainalysis reveals a near 20% drop in overall illicit activity on blockchain networks.
• “Legitimate activity is expanding faster than illegal activities,” according to Chainalysis.

Discover the latest insights into crypto crime trends with a detailed analysis from Chainalysis, showcasing both positive developments and emerging challenges.

Major Drop in Illicit On-Chain Activity

On August 15, 2024, Chainalysis released its initial findings for their 2024 crypto crime report. The data reveals a significant 19.6% year-to-date decrease in illegal activities on the blockchain, dropping from $20.9 billion to $16.7 billion. This decrease indicates that the growth rate of lawful transactions is outpacing that of illicit ones.

Rising Concerns: Stolen Funds and Ransomware

Despite the overall decline in illicit crypto activities, Chainalysis reported increases in specific crime categories. Stolen funds have surged, nearly doubling from $857 million to $1.58 billion. Additionally, ransomware inflows saw a 2% increase, climbing from $449.1 million to $459.8 million. Notably, the amount stolen this year is already 84% higher compared to the first half of 2023.

Changing Patterns in Cybercrime

The report highlights that hackers are increasingly targeting centralized exchanges over decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Following a 50% reduction in the value of stolen crypto in 2023, hacking activities have seen a resurgence in 2024. Average theft per heist has also soared by nearly 80%.

Ransomware Payments Hit New Records

This year also marks a significant rise in ransomware payments. The median ransom for severe malware cases rose dramatically from $200,000 in early 2023 to $1.5 million by mid-2024. While attacks have become more frequent, the tendency of victims to pay ransoms is decreasing.

Risky Services See Increased Inflows

Chainalysis identified a growing trend of inflows to risky services such as crypto mixers and exchanges that lack Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. This trend is notably higher compared to the same period last year, suggesting an evolving landscape in crypto-related crime.

Strategies to Combat Cybercrime

Efforts to mitigate cybercrime must involve disrupting its supply chains, according to Chainalysis researchers. This includes targeting attackers, affiliates, infrastructure service providers, launderers, and cashout points. Increasing the number of skilled investigators and enhancing technical resources is also crucial in combating these illicit activities.

Conclusion

While the reduction in overall illicit crypto activities is a positive sign, the rise in stolen funds and ransomware payments presents significant challenges. Addressing these issues will require comprehensive strategies and resources to disrupt the operations of cybercriminals. Through continued vigilance and improved investigative capabilities, the crypto industry can continue its path toward greater legitimacy and security.