Chainalysis predicts crypto sanctions evasion to surge 700% in 2025

Illicit financial activity involving cryptocurrencies is expected to reach an all-time high in 2025, driven by sanctions evasion from countries such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea, according to a report by Chainalysis. Last year, entities under sanctions received at least $104.0 billion in cryptocurrency, CoinDesk reported. This figure represents a nearly eightfold increase compared to 2024. The total value of illicit crypto transactions hit a record $154.0 billion. Chainalysis highlighted the case of A7A5, a ruble-pegged stablecoin issuer, explaining that it served as a payment system enabling sanctioned Russian companies to engage in cross-border trade. The token is said to have processed $93.3 billion in transactions in less than a year.