AI Use in Crypto Crime Reaches Emerging Stage
AI adoption in crypto crime has increased 40% over the past year, according to a new TRM Labs report. The firm’s 2026 AI-in-Crime Adoption Index now stands at 54 out of 100, up from about 28 in 2024. Overall AI use remains at an “emerging” level. Scams rank as “mature,” while hacking and ransomware stay “emerging.” Narcotics and darknet markets remain at the earliest “horizon” stage.
Scams Drive Growth Through Deepfakes and AI Chatbots
Scammers account for most of the rise in AI use. The share of crypto scam reports involving AI tools such as deepfakes or chatbots has grown up to 13 times since 2022. Reported losses from deepfake scams in 2026 have already exceeded the full-year total for 2025 by 263%. TRM Labs Global Head of Policy Ari Redbord said AI has not created new crimes but removed old constraints, lowering the skill floor and raising the scale ceiling.
AI Boosts Crypto Hacks and Ransomware Operations
Crypto hackers are using AI for vulnerability analysis, social engineering, and infiltration. North Korean actors employ deepfake IT-worker schemes and AI-assisted tools to target firms and protocols. Digital asset hacks hit a record 201 in the first half of 2026, more than double the 2025 figure. About 75% of losses came from just 4% of incidents, mostly private-key or credential theft. North Korea-linked activity caused roughly $600 million, or 61% of those losses.
Most ransomware groups already use AI in phishing and initial access. No-code ransomware kits sell for $400 to $1,200. Researchers recently disclosed JadePuffer, the first fully agentic ransomware attack that handled every stage without human intervention.
Limited AI Use in Other Crime Areas
AI adoption remains limited in narcotics trafficking and darknet markets, mainly for marketing purposes. TRM Labs noted that much criminal activity ultimately moves value on public blockchains. This makes onchain trends a useful proxy for broader patterns in AI-driven crypto crime.
