Global Watchdog Reveals Surge In Criminal Activity Involving Stablecoins

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has raised alarms about the “increasing risks” associated with the adoption of stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies. 

Stablecoin Adoption Raises Security Concerns

In a press release issued on June 26, the FATF noted that the growing use of stablecoins by illicit actors—including North Korean agents, terrorist financiers, and drug traffickers—poses significant challenges to global financial security. The report further notes that a considerable portion of on-chain illegal activities now involves stablecoins.

The FATF, a global organization dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, emphasized that mass adoption of stablecoins could exacerbate these risks, especially given the “inconsistent application” of its standards across various jurisdictions. 

In its report, the Financial Action Task Force pointed to alarming statistics surrounding cryptocurrency thefts, noting that only 3.8% of the $1.46 billion stolen by North Korean hackers from the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has been recovered. 

The organization also observed a significant rise in the use of digital assets for fraudulent activities and scams, further complicating the regulatory environment for both issuers, users and companies looking to adopt these assets for clients eager to participate in crypto activities.

Cryptocurrency Theft Soars 300% In Q1

To address these emerging threats, the Financial Action Task Force is calling on governments worldwide to enhance their licensing and registration processes for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). 

This includes identifying individuals engaged in VASP activities, mitigating risks associated with offshore VASPs, and ensuring transparency in cross-border payment information. The FATF stressed that the borderless nature of virtual assets means that regulatory failures in one area can have far-reaching global consequences.

Recent reports indicate a staggering 303% increase in cryptocurrency thefts during the first quarter of the year, totaling $1.67 billion. This surge was largely driven by the high-profile hack of the Bybit exchange in February, which saw 197 hacks occur in just three months. 

Blockchain data platform Chainalysis has also reported that the total value stolen through cryptocurrency hacks reached $2.2 billion in 2024, a figure that, while higher than the $1.8 billion lost in 2023, remains below the record $3.7 billion stolen in 2022. 

Due to the increased interest in stablecoins, Circle, the issuer of the second largest stablecoin in the market, USD Coin (USDC), has seen notable engagement from investors in its initial public offering (IPO).

Since June 5, Circle’s newly traded stock, under the ticker symbol CRCL, has surged significantly. It closed at $84 on its first day of trading, but by June 26, it stood at $213—a 232% increase in just three weeks.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com