While the crypto industry continues to strengthen its defenses against financial crime, hackers are constantly evolving their tactics to stay one step ahead. Here’s a look at some of the most infamous heists that have shaken the centralized crypto world.
Bybit- $1.4 Billion Of ETH stolen in 2025 hack: One of the largest single thefts of cryptocurrencies in the industry’s history, the Bybit hack occurred on February 21, 2025. The Dubai-based crypto exchange lost 400,000 ETH worth $1.4B within minutes when hackers exploited a private key in Bybit’s hot wallet system to siphon off the funds. (Image : Pexels)
Coincheck- $534 million in NEM (XEM) stolen in 2018 hack: Hackers managed to break into the exchange and steal crypto worth $534m in January 2018. The hackers reportedly used a phishing attack to access hot wallets. (Image: Pexels)
FTX- $477 million of multiple cryptocurrencies stolen in 2022 post-collapse hack: The FTX CEX, founded in 2019 by Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and Gary Wang collapsed in November 2022, wiping out a grand total of $8.9 billion of its customers saving and investments. Nearly $477 million in various cryptocurrencies were drained in the suspected hack on November 11. (Image: Pexels)
Mt. Gox- $460 million in BTC stolen in 2014 hack: The Japan-based crypto exchange launched in 2010 was hacked and bitcoin worth $8.75 million was stolen in 2011. It suffered another attack in 2014, when nearly $460 million in Bitcoins were siphoned off.(Image: Pexels)
DMM Bitcoin: $308 million in Bitcoin stolen in 2024 hack: In May 2024, a massive hack resulted in the loss of 4,502.9 BTC, worth about $308 million at the time.(Image: Pexels)
KuCoin- $281 million in various cryptocurrencies stolen in 2020 hack: Founded in 2013, KuCoin is a crypto exchange based in Singapore. It deals in several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ardor. In September 2020, it was targeted, and the criminals managed to steal over $281m worth of coins and tokens.(Image : pexels)
Wazir X- $230 million of several cryptocurrencies stolen in 2024 hack: Founded in 2018 to cater to the growing Indian cryptocurrency market. On July 18, 2024, a significant security breach occurred at WazirX. Approximately 50% of its assets worth $230 million (INR 1900 crores) was stolen from one of its main trading wallets by hackers, despite its robust security measures.(Image: Pexels)
BitMart- $196 million of several cryptocurrencies stolen in 2021 hack: In December 2021, hackers were able to drain $196 million of crypto from the global centralised cryptocurrency exchange by stealing a private key that opened two hot wallets, consisting of $100 million in ETH and $96 million on the Binance Smart Chain.(Image: Pexels)
BitGrail- $170 million in Nano tokens stolen in 2018 hack: BitGrail was hacked in February 2018, and 17 million Nano worth about $170 million was stolen. (Image: Pexels)
CoinBene- $105 million in ETH stolen in 2019 hack: In March 2019, CoinBene was attacked by cybercriminals who managed to walk away with over $105 million in cryptocurrencies. (Image: Pexels)
