According to a recent Chainalysis report, North Korea has set a new record for cryptocurrency theft, amassing $2.02 billion in 2025. This figure marks a staggering 51% increase from the previous year's total of $1.3 billion, contributing to a cumulative theft of approximately $6.75 billion since 2017. The report highlights that North Korean hackers are inflicting greater damage with fewer breaches, indicating a shift in their operational strategy. This surge in theft coincides with a broader rise in global crypto theft, which has reached $3.4 billion this year alone.
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen significant inflows, totaling $457 million on a recent Thursday. This marks the third-largest single-day inflow since early October, driven primarily by institutional interest in Bitcoin as a liquid asset. Despite mixed sentiment in the broader crypto market, Bitcoin's price has shown resilience at key support levels, suggesting underlying institutional demand. Analysts note that this trend reflects a "flight to quality," with investors consolidating capital around more established assets.
Bitcoin's price recently hovered around $85,200, reflecting a slight decline as traders await key market catalysts. Notably, wallets holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC have increased, indicating potential whale activity; however, this is attributed more to wallet reshuffling than new buying. Technical analysis suggests that Bitcoin remains above critical support at $82,000 to $85,000. A sustained hold in this range could reinforce bullish momentum, while a drop below $80,600 would expose the asset to further downside risks.
The recent surge in Bitcoin ETF inflows and North Korea's escalating thefts underscore the contrasting dynamics in the crypto market. While institutional interest appears robust, regulatory scrutiny remains high, particularly with ongoing discussions around digital asset legislation. As the market approaches 2026, analysts predict a potential "ETF-palooza," with over 100 new crypto-linked ETFs expected to launch in the U.S. This regulatory clarity could further enhance institutional participation, shaping the market's trajectory in the coming year.
The administrators of Terraform Labs have initiated a federal lawsuit in Illinois against Jump Trading, seeking $4 billion in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Jump Trading engaged in market manipulation and self-dealing, which contributed to the collapse of Terraform Labs and resulted in significant financial losses for investors. The collapse of Terraform's stablecoin, UST, in May 2022 erased approximately $40 billion in market value, leading to a broader crisis in the crypto industry that affected numerous firms, including Three Arrows Capital. Terraform filed for bankruptcy in January 2024, with the estate recovering around $300 million to date.
SoFi Technologies has announced the launch of its own stablecoin, SoFiUSD, which will be issued by SoFi Bank and initially available on the Ethereum blockchain. This move positions SoFi as a key player in the stablecoin market, particularly as it aims to provide "bank-grade oversight." The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted conditional approval for this initiative, marking a significant step in the regulatory landscape for stablecoins and digital assets.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published new staff guidance clarifying how existing securities laws apply to crypto assets. This guidance outlines expectations regarding custody, capital, trading, and recordkeeping for broker-dealers and market infrastructure handling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The SEC's approach indicates a degree of flexibility in regulatory compliance for entities operating within the crypto space.
A recent sentencing in a Ponzi scheme case involving the crypto platform IcomTech underscores the regulatory challenges facing the industry. Promoter Magdaleno Mendoza was sentenced to nearly six years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of approximately $789,219, alongside forfeiting $1.5 million in assets. This case reflects ongoing efforts by authorities to combat fraud and protect investors in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
Sweden’s largest pension fund, Alecta, has been cleared by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) following an investigation related to its investments in failed U.S. banks. This resolution may restore some confidence in Alecta's management and investment strategies, which had previously faced scrutiny for decisions that led to significant losses.
The upcoming $8 trillion debt rollover in 2026 is being viewed as a potentially bullish signal for risk assets, including Bitcoin. Analysts suggest that this macroeconomic event could create favorable conditions for Bitcoin's price appreciation, as investors seek alternative assets amidst changing economic landscapes.
North Korean hackers stole $2.02 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, bringing their all-time total to $6.75 billion.
U.S. prosecutors have indicted Mykhalio Petrovich Chudnovets, a Russian national accused of running E-Note. Authorities seized E-Note’s servers and websites, alleging the service laundered over $70 million in illicit crypto.
The SEC charged Danh C. Vo, founder and CEO of a bitcoin mining business called VBit, involving $48.5 million misappropriated in bogus investment deals.
Chainalysis reported that crypto hacks hit $3.4 billion in 2025, with personal wallet hacks and private key breaches on centralized services on the rise.
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