LIVE
8 Biggest Crypto Lawsuits of All-TimeTesla Says It Did Not Sell Its Bitcoin Holdings in Q2 202610 Biggest Crypto Fraud Cases in 2026SEC Settles With Coinbase After 2024 LawsuitCelsius Founders Could Face Permanent Crypto Bans Beyond $16.5M Obligations: ReportSEC settles FOIA lawsuit with Coinbase, agrees to pay $150,000Pakistan FIA Launches Digital Asset Unit: What It MeansMovement Labs Bankruptcy Filing Raises Questions for MOVE BlockchainBessent Says Crypto Clarity Act Is at the 1-Yard LineWanchain Bridge Exploit Drains $13M in NIGHT Tokens8 Biggest Crypto Lawsuits of All-TimeTesla Says It Did Not Sell Its Bitcoin Holdings in Q2 202610 Biggest Crypto Fraud Cases in 2026SEC Settles With Coinbase After 2024 LawsuitCelsius Founders Could Face Permanent Crypto Bans Beyond $16.5M Obligations: ReportSEC settles FOIA lawsuit with Coinbase, agrees to pay $150,000Pakistan FIA Launches Digital Asset Unit: What It MeansMovement Labs Bankruptcy Filing Raises Questions for MOVE BlockchainBessent Says Crypto Clarity Act Is at the 1-Yard LineWanchain Bridge Exploit Drains $13M in NIGHT Tokens
Homepage/News/Crypto Scammers Stole $244M in May, Losses Drop 40%
NEWS

Crypto Scammers Stole $244M in May, Losses Drop 40%

BY Solomon M.·2 MIN READ·JUNE 1, 2025

Crypto scammers stole $244.1 million in May 2025, primarily due to a massive theft on the Cetus DEX. PeckShield, a blockchain security firm, reported the 40% reduction from April’s losses.

KEY FINDINGS - EVIDENCE LEVEL: MULTI-SOURCE
1Key sections mapped in this report
0Internal references connected to related coverage
3External source domains cited in the article
2 minEstimated time to read the full report
Key Points:
  • May marked a decline in crypto scams; losses dropped by 40%.
  • Cetus hack dominated, losing $223 million, most funds were frozen.
  • Vigilance in DeFi security showcased, major recovery efforts underway.

PeckShield’s report highlights improved resilience in the crypto sector, signaling progress in combating scams despite the massive exploit affecting the Sui-based Cetus DEX.

PeckShield, a leading blockchain security firm, revealed in their report that approximately $244.1 million was stolen in May through 20 major hacks. “In May 2025, ~20 major crypto hacks were recorded, resulting in total losses of $244.1M — a 39.29% decrease from April,” noted PeckShield, as reported by Cointelegraph. The Cetus DEX incident alone accounted for a staggering $223 million loss.

The Cetus event resulted in the freezing of $157 million of the stolen assets by Sui Network and Cetus, illustrating effective response protocols. The Cork Protocol also faced significant disruption with a theft of 3,761 wstETH units.

The impact primarily hit Ethereum and Sui-based assets. While the market saw a sizable theft, efforts to recover and secure funds highlight industry improvements, though DeFi vulnerabilities remain concerning.

The aftermath placed a spotlight on DeFi protocol security. The sector’s efficiency in some recoveries, particularly on the Sui Network, hints at better industry preparedness, even as potential threats linger.

The report underscores the long-tail risk in digital asset protocols, with data suggesting trends toward improved incident handling. However, vulnerabilities in DeFi protocols like Cetus suggest further security reviews are crucial.

Disclaimer:

The content on The CCPress is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry inherent risks. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

SOURCE TRANSPARENCY
  • External Source - Referenced domain: cointelegraph.com
  • External Source - Referenced domain: cryptopolitan.com
  • External Source - Referenced domain: twitter.com
  • Byline - Reported by Solomon M.
  • Coverage Desk - Primary editorial category: News
  • Media Asset - Featured image served from the WordPress media library