AI-Powered Crime Surges in Crypto Space
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to commit crimes, particularly in the crypto space. According to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs, AI adoption in crime has climbed 40% year-on-year in 2026, with scams driving most of that growth.
The firm's new AI-in-Crime Adoption Index rates overall adoption at 54 out of 100, up from about 28 in 2024. Scams are the only category rated 'Mature', meaning they have widespread use and advanced technology.
AIs now generate target lists and lures, power deepfakes, and run victim conversations themselves. The share of scam reports involving AI has grown by roughly 13 times since 2022. Among crypto scams with live domains, 17% advertise AI products.
Deepfake scam losses in 2026 have already exceeded the 2025 total by 263%. Hacking and state-sponsored theft are also on the rise, with North Korea accounting for roughly $600 million of the half-year total. The $285 million Drift Protocol breach and the $292 million KelpDAO exploit were both high-profile incidents.
Ransomware is another area where AI adoption is increasing, with no-code ransomware kits now changing hands for $400 to $1,200. TRM's broader finding is that AI touches every stage of the crime lifecycle, lowering barriers to entry and raising attack sophistication. The firm warns that enforcement and compliance tooling must scale at a similar pace to hold the current balance between offense and defense.