Elliptic Reports $21 Billion in Cross-Chain Crypto Crimes

Arda Akartuna, APAC Lead at Elliptic, reported a $21.8 billion surge in cross-chain crypto crimes in 2025. Despite major hacks such as Bybit, criminals used decentralized platforms globally to obscure and move funds.

The increase in cross-chain crypto crimes signals rising challenges for blockchain security. Criminals’ ability to obscure funds through decentralized platforms complicates recovery efforts and impacts financial stability.

Elliptic reports cross-chain crimes have escalated to $21.8 billion, tripling from 2023 figures. Multi-chain laundering and major hacks like Bybit highlight the growing complexity of securing crypto assets.

Elliptic

A leader in blockchain analytics, uncovered this trend through comprehensive investigations. The report emphasizes the critical need for improved compliance and tracing tools as multichain use broadens.

People and industries face heightened risks as criminals exploit cross-chain capabilities. The market impact includes increased scrutiny and demand for robust anti-money laundering measures.

On a financial level, these crimes disrupt market trust and complicate asset recovery efforts. The lack of direct regulatory actions further highlights the need for collaboration across borders.

“It’s an increasingly multichain ecosystem… that just widens the available assets and the available obfuscation channels open to criminals.” – Arda Akartuna, APAC Lead Crypto Threat Researcher, Elliptic

Major cross-chain crimes utilize decentralized exchanges and bridges, making prevention and tracing difficult. Regulatory developments remain crucial to adapting to rapid technological and market changes.

Insights indicate potential for technological innovations and collaborative regulatory frameworks. Historical crime trends show a need for enhanced law enforcement and compliance strategies to effectively tackle cross-chain laundering.