In 2025, the volume of cryptocurrency transactions related to evading international sanctions shows a rapid increase. According to analysts at Chainalysis, addresses affiliated with sanctioned entities received approximately $154 billion in digital assets, which is 694% more than last year. This figure has become a key factor in the rise of illegal activity on the blockchain.
This is reported by Finway
“The share of illegal transactions in the overall crypto economy remains below 1%”.
Sanctioned Countries Use Cryptocurrencies for International Settlements
Experts note that states are increasingly incorporating cryptocurrencies into their financial infrastructure, particularly for foreign economic settlements and the purchase of dual-use equipment. Russia, Iran, and North Korea are demonstrating the most activity, developing their own mechanisms for using digital assets to circumvent restrictions and fund government programs.
Among the tools used to evade sanctions, the A7A5 stablecoin, linked to the Russian ruble, stands out. In less than a year, transactions exceeding $93 billion have passed through it. Analysts emphasize that this stablecoin has become an important means of international settlements for sanctioned companies.
Increased Activity of Iran and North Korea in the Crypto Space
Iran is intensifying the integration of cryptocurrencies into its economy. According to Chainalysis, in 2025, addresses linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps received over $3 billion in cryptocurrency, exceeding half of all revenue from Iranian services for the year.
North Korea remains the leader among states in terms of cybercrime volume in the crypto industry. Throughout 2025, regime-controlled hackers stole over $2 billion in digital assets, setting a record for the country.
Despite the impressive growth rates of transactions related to sanctions, experts emphasize that the vast majority of cryptocurrency transactions remain legal. It is estimated that the share of illegal operations in the overall turnover of the crypto market does not exceed 1%.
At the same time, analysts point to the increasing use of blockchain infrastructure by states specifically to realize geopolitical interests. In response, regulators are intensifying monitoring of crypto platforms and expanding sanctions lists related to digital assets.