AI-Fueled Crypto Crime Surges 40% as Scams Reach New Heights
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in crypto crime has surged 40% over the past year, according to a report from blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs. The firm's 2026 AI-in-Crime Adoption Index places overall AI use across crypto crime at an 'emerging' level of 54 out of 100, up from about 28 in 2024.
TRM noted that scams are now considered a 'mature' area of AI adoption, while hacking and ransomware remain 'emerging.' The firm also highlighted the use of deepfakes and chatbots in crypto scams, with losses from deepfake scams already exceeding last year's total by 263%.
The report warned that security risks are escalating, with digital-asset hacks reaching a record 201 in the first half of 2026. North Korea-linked activity accounted for about $600 million, or 61%, of first-half losses.