In early 2025, a significant shift occurred in the world of cryptocurrency theft and money laundering. Cross-chain bridges, a technology that allows assets to be transferred quickly between different blockchain networks, emerged as the primary tool for laundering stolen crypto, surpassing traditional mixers like Tornado Cash. These bridges facilitated the movement of over $1.5 billion in hacked funds, showcasing their speed, liquidity, and ability to evade regulatory scrutiny.
The rise of cross-chain bridges as a preferred method for laundering stolen crypto was highlighted in a report by Global Ledger. The report revealed that in the first half of 2025, there were 119 incidents of crypto hacks, resulting in over $3 billion in stolen assets. Hackers were able to move funds at an unprecedented speed, often laundering them through bridges before the theft was even publicly disclosed. This rapid movement of funds has posed a significant challenge for regulators and law enforcement agencies.
The report also shed light on the patterns of how stolen assets are handled, emphasizing the importance of understanding these timelines to detect suspicious activity and prevent further laundering of funds. It was noted that centralized exchanges remained the primary cash-out points for hackers, with approximately 15% of hacked assets flowing into these platforms.
Despite the growing popularity of decentralized finance platforms, centralized exchanges continued to be the preferred destination for converting stolen crypto into fiat or other assets. Recovery efforts for stolen funds were limited, with only a small portion of the total amount being frozen, burnt, or voluntarily returned. The report emphasized the need for rapid intervention in recovery efforts, as voluntary returns were rare.
One of the most alarming findings of the report was the speed at which attackers were able to launder stolen funds. Funds from nearly one in four hacks were fully laundered before any public disclosure, closing the window for law enforcement to track or freeze the assets. The report warned that speed had become a dangerous weapon for attackers, with funds moving at a pace that outstripped alerting systems.
As of the report’s research, a significant portion of stolen funds remained unspent, indicating that some attackers may be waiting for the right moment to continue laundering the assets. The report highlighted the need for proactive measures to combat crypto theft and money laundering in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital assets.
Overall, the emergence of cross-chain bridges as a prominent tool for laundering stolen crypto underscores the need for increased vigilance and regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. As hackers continue to exploit new technologies and loopholes, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate and implement robust security measures to protect the integrity of digital assets.