AI-Driven Crypto Crime Surges 40% Over the Past Year, TRM Labs Finds

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly central role in crypto-related crime, according to a new report from blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs, with AI adoption in this space rising 40% year over year, largely driven by scammers.

Scams Lead AI Adoption

TRM’s 2026 AI-in-Crime Adoption Index rates overall AI use in crypto crime at 54 out of 100, up sharply from around 28 in 2024. Scams now sit at a “mature” stage of AI use, while hacking and ransomware remain “emerging.” Deepfake related scam losses in 2026 have already surpassed all of 2025’s total by 263%.

Hacking and Ransomware Grow More Sophisticated

North Korean cyber actors are reportedly using deepfake identities and AI-driven social engineering to infiltrate crypto firms. TRM recorded 201 digital asset hacks in the first half of 2026, more than double last year’s figure, with North Korea-linked activity responsible for about 61% of total losses.

Researchers also identified JadePuffer, described as the first fully autonomous AI-run ransomware attack, capable of handling an entire extortion operation without human involvement.