Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis has released its 2026 Crypto Crime Report, revealing a complex picture: while the number of ransomware attacks continues to rise, the total value of ransom payments in cryptocurrency has stagnated for the second consecutive year.
Declining Payment Rates
The report attributes the stagnation to several factors. Organizations are investing more in backup infrastructure, making it possible to recover from attacks without paying ransoms. Law enforcement operations have successfully disrupted several major ransomware groups, and blockchain analytics tools have made it harder for attackers to cash out without detection.
The Broader Crime Picture
Overall illicit crypto activity accounted for approximately $51 billion in 2025, down as a percentage of total crypto transaction volume. Scams and fraud remain the largest category, but their share is also declining as better verification tools reach the market.
Compliance as Defense
The report highlights the critical role that regulated platforms play in combating crypto crime. Exchanges and service providers with robust KYC/AML procedures serve as the first line of defense. ON3X takes this responsibility seriously, implementing comprehensive verification procedures and transaction monitoring to protect users and the broader ecosystem from illicit activity.