Hey kids! Did you know bad guys use cryptocurrency sometimes? A new report talks about how criminals are using crypto, but also how things are changing.
It's like a detective story about money! Some people try to use crypto to do bad things, but clever people are working hard to stop them.
Here's what's happening:
- Criminals used $40.9 billion in crypto in 2024, but this is less than the year before.
- They're using stablecoins (like digital dollars) more often now because they're easier to hide.
- Ransomware (getting money by locking up computer files) went down, but criminals are getting smarter.
- Crypto theft went up, with North Korea being involved in a big way!
- Fake websites and sneaky tricks are becoming more common.
| Fact | Number |
|---|---|
| Total illicit crypto in 2024 | $40.9 billion |
| Percentage of illicit transactions using stablecoins | 63% |
| Decrease in ransomware payments | 35% |
| Increase in crypto theft | 21% |
| North Korea's share of crypto theft | 61% |
