Asia Emerges as Major Hotspot for Violent Crypto Crime: Chainalysis

Asia is emerging as the epicenter of an unprecedented surge in crypto-related crime, with the region experiencing record-breaking digital heists and a concerning increase in physical violence targeting crypto holders.

The mid-year update published by Chainalysis on Thursday shows that the Asia-Pacific region now ranks second for Bitcoin thefts.

While North America leads in total theft, Asia stands out for its mix of state-backed hacks, violent attacks, and complex laundering networks. Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea rank among the top countries for victim counts, with the region as a whole placing third in Ethereum losses.

The region’s crypto crime ecosystem has spiraled into a complex web where North Korean hackers execute billion-dollar heists, organized crime syndicates kidnap executives for ransom, and local financial platforms serve as unwitting conduits for laundering stolen funds.

For instance, the $1.5 billion Bybit hack, linked to North Korea, is the industry’s largest and shows the scale of state-linked threats in the region.

“Illicit actors could attempt to launder and potentially offramp funds through any service with sufficient liquidity,” Eric Jardine, cybercrime research lead at Chainalysis, told Decrypt.

Asked about regional patterns in how crypto crimes affect trust among Asian communities, Jardine told Decrypt that it lacks systematic data on the issue.

“Negative events can absolutely affect people’s sense of trust, so it stands to reason that prolific crypto hacks might undermine sentiment toward crypto assets,” he said, adding that factors like user behavior, cause of theft, and law enforcement response also shape public reaction.

‘Real human cost’

Chainalysis pointed to the high-profile murder of Chinese-Filipino steel magnate Anson Que as a case that highlights how crypto and violent crime increasingly overlap.

The case exemplifies a broader pattern across Asia where “wrench attacks” or physical violence done to access crypto holdings have surged alongside Bitcoin price movements.

In March last year, Que and his driver were abducted in Bulacan province, with their bodies later discovered bound and assaulted in neighboring Rizal.

Que’s kidnappers allegedly used junket operators and crypto payment channels to collect a ransom, according to Chainalysis’ coordinated effort with Philippine police. It also worked with Tether to freeze a portion of the ransom held in USDT.

Authorities initially believed the ransom totaled ₱20 million, but later confirmed that ₱200 million (about $3.5 million) was laundered into crypto through casino e-wallets and shell accounts.

The tragic loss of Que and Pabillo, his associate, “reminds us of the real human cost behind these crimes,” Chainalysis said.

Still, Chainalysis argues that the case shows how the immutable nature of blockchain technology “can serve as a powerful tool for justice,” ensuring that “those who exploit others cannot simply disappear into the digital shadows.”

Recognizing the security challenges facing Asia’s crypto ecosystem, Jardine told Decrypt that while “limited awareness of threats and unavailability of tools are clearly a challenge,” the industry must act.

“The ecosystem as a whole has a responsibility to try to improve everyone’s access to crypto,” he said, “while ensuring they can do so effectively with minimal risks.”