Crypto Thefts, Violence Surge in 2025

Crypto thefts soared to over $2.17 billion in the first half of 2025, surpassing the previous year's total, with a major portion attributed to a $1.4–$1.5 billion hack of the Bybit exchange by North Korean actors. North Korea's involvement highlights its central role in global crypto crime and sanctions evasion. Physical violence against crypto holders, such as kidnappings and assaults, has risen sharply, particularly in Asia, which has become a hotspot for both digital and violent crypto-related crime. Criminals are increasingly using decentralized finance tools and cross-chain bridges to launder stolen assets, pushing cross-chain crime to $21 billion. Regulatory responses are tightening in Japan and the Philippines, while the U.S. remains stalled on federal crypto legislation. The crypto community is also seeing the rise of techno-spiritual enclaves like Zuzalu, reflecting new ideological and lifestyle experiments.