AI tools are transforming cryptocurrency-related illicit activities, with overall adoption climbing sharply according to recent findings from blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs. The company’s 2026 AI-in-Crime Adoption Index scores the use of artificial intelligence across crypto crime at 54 out of 100, placing it in the “emerging” category.

According to insights from TRM Labs, this marks a rise from roughly 28 in 2024 and reflects approximately a 40 percent increase over the past year.

Scammers account for most of the growth and have reached a “mature” stage of AI integration, while hacking and ransomware operations remain in the emerging phase.

Activities linked to narcotics and darknet markets are still at the…