Cryptocurrencies may experience increased illicit activity amid potential sell-off, predicts expert

The crypto world is currently experiencing what Zach Burks, the CEO of Mintology, refers to as "crime season," with hacks and unlawful actions contributing to a decline in investor confidence. Thus far in 2025, more than $2.2 billion worth of cryptocurrency has been stolen, including a $1.5 billion theft by North Korea's Lazarus Group. In a message to crypto.news, Burks cautioned that the increase in crime is harming markets and posing a threat to national security.

"The growing perception of crime in the crypto realm has led to a 56% drop in the meme coin market since December," Burks stated. "Simultaneously, Bitcoin has decreased from $106,000 to $83,000, and it could potentially fall to $72,000 in the upcoming weeks."

He advises investors, particularly those holding meme coins, to prepare for further volatility in the following six weeks.

Regulation is not the solution to crypto's crime issue

Burks asserts that conventional regulatory bodies such as the SEC and FCA are poorly equipped to deal with crypto crime.

"These agencies are slow in recovering crypto funds and only aim to create more red tape, taking crypto away from its intended purpose," he wrote.

Instead, Burks believes that the industry requires a decentralized, community-driven strategy. According to him, we need to establish a network of community-led tacticians like Zach XBT to combat large-scale illicit transactions and restore trust in crypto, preventing the permanent loss of capital.

Burks argues that the problem extends beyond protecting individual investors - it's a matter of national security. He claims that relying on politicians and bureaucracy won't solve the issue. Instead, what's required are crypto pragmatists who are willing to advocate for a fair and equal playing field.