The volume of cryptocurrency transactions used to evade international sanctions demonstrated rapid growth in 2025, reaching nearly $154 billion. This conclusion was drawn by Chainalysis analysts in their recent report on sanctions and digital assets.
This is reported by Business • Media
- Analysts recorded a sharp increase in digital asset transactions related to sanctioned entities.
- Countries such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea play a major role in these transactions.
- The share of illegal operations in the overall crypto economy remains below 1%.
“The indicator increased by 694% compared to the previous year and became a key factor in the growth of illegal activity on the blockchain.”
According to the study, most cryptocurrency transactions related to sanctioned regimes are conducted by countries that are under restrictions from the international community. The most active users of digital assets remain Russia, Iran, and North Korea. They not only conceal funds but also use cryptocurrencies for foreign economic transactions and the procurement of dual-use equipment.
Crypto Infrastructure in State Strategic Schemes
Domestic financial instruments of sanctioned countries play a special role in schemes to evade sanctions. In particular, the Russia-linked stablecoin A7A5, denominated in rubles, conducted transactions exceeding $93 billion in a year. This asset has become an important tool for international settlements for companies under sanctions and is widely used to circumvent restrictions.
Analysts note that countries are increasingly effectively integrating blockchain into their financial infrastructure, using digital assets not only to conceal funds but also to support state programs and circumvent sanctions in global trade.
Iran and North Korea’s Activity in the Crypto Industry
Iran is enhancing the role of cryptocurrencies in its economic strategy, particularly through entities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In 2025, addresses associated with these entities received over $3 billion in cryptocurrencies — this accounts for more than half of all revenues of Iranian crypto services for the year.
North Korea continues to be one of the most active participants in cybercriminal activities in the digital asset sphere. Throughout the year, hackers associated with the North Korean regime seized over $2 billion in cryptocurrencies — a new record for the country.
Despite the significant increase in the volume of sanctioned operations, analysts emphasize that most transactions in the crypto economy remain legal. According to Chainalysis, the share of illegal operations does not exceed 1% of the total volume of the digital asset market.
At the same time, experts warn that states are increasingly leveraging blockchain technologies to pursue geopolitical interests, prompting regulators to enhance oversight of crypto platforms and expand sanctions lists related to digital assets.