Ranked: The 10 Biggest Digital Heists

Ranked: The 10 Biggest Digital Heists

The technology behind cryptocurrency networks is a notorious black box. But some of the largest digital heists didn’t rely on brute-force hacking, they exploited the weakest link in security: human trust. 

This graphic, created in partnership with Inigo Insurance, visualizes the 10 largest digital heists around the globe. 

The Top 3 Crypto Heists

On February 21, 2025, a group of North Korean hackers pulled off the largest crypto heist to date, stealing $1.5 billion in Ethereum tokens from ByBit, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange. The unprecedented breach underscored the growing sophistication of state-sponsored cybercrime.

In 2022, hackers infiltrated the Ronin Network, a blockchain platform linked to the popular game Axie Infinity, and made off with $540 million in crypto. They reportedly gained access to private keys, enabling them to withdraw funds undetected—highlighting serious vulnerabilities in decentralized infrastructure.

The third-largest crypto heist occurred in 2018, when hackers drained $530 million from Japan-based exchange Coincheck. This early breach set a precedent for the industry, serving as a warning of what was to come as the crypto market grew.

The FTX Heist

While not the biggest theft by dollar amount, the FTX collapse remains one of the most infamous events in crypto history. As the exchange teetered on the brink of bankruptcy in 2022, hackers siphoned off $477 million in funds.

Initially, speculation swirled around potential insider involvement—including disgraced CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. However, U.S. authorities later charged three individuals—Robert Powell, Carter Rohn, and Emily Hernandez—for their role in operating a cybercrime ring believed to be behind the hack.

Exploiting a Vulnerability

Crypto is especially vulnerable to cyberattacks because it relies on decentralized systems with limited oversight, making it harder to detect and respond to breaches. Users often manage their own private keys, and if these are stolen or exposed, funds can be irreversibly lost. Additionally, the fast-paced innovation in the space often outpaces security protocols, creating loopholes for hackers to exploit.

Discover Hidden Threats

Inigo’s Financial Institutions experts proactively track financial crime risks, uncovering data-driven insights to expose hidden threats and empower wealth protectors to act decisively. 

Visit Inigo for a data-driven view of risk.