In 2025, Russia, UAE, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and India are emerging as the world's most dangerous countries for crypto holders. With the rise of digital currencies, the safety of crypto assets has become a major concern for investors. These countries, each with their unique risks, present serious threats to individuals holding cryptocurrencies. Whether it's cybercrime, physical threats, or telecommunications vulnerabilities, the dangers are ever-present. Russia and the UAE top the list due to severe cybercrime risks and high exposure to illicit activities. Switzerland, traditionally known for its financial stability, now faces growing concerns over SIM-swap fraud. Meanwhile, Hong Kong and India are also facing increasing threats, from physical safety risks to rising cybercrimes. If you are a crypto holder, it's essential to understand these risks and protect your digital wealth. Are you at risk in these high-risk countries?
Based on the most recent global research, we've identified the countries where the threat to crypto holders is highest. This study looks at several key factors: cybercrime, physical safety, telecommunications vulnerabilities, and exposure to Bitcoin ATMs. These elements have been combined into an ECTI Score (Overall Risk Score) for each country. In this article, we will take a closer look at the countries with the highest risks for crypto holders in 2025.
When it comes to the safety of crypto holders, Russia tops the list of the most dangerous countries. With an overall ECTI Score of 66.87, Russia poses a significant risk to anyone holding large amounts of cryptocurrency.
Russia faces a combination of cybercrime, physical danger, and exposure to illicit crypto flows. In recent years, Russia has been repeatedly flagged in reports from global agencies like Chainalysis for its role in ransomware operations and illicit crypto flows. The FBI IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) has also reported significant losses due to cybercrime originating from Russia.
On the physical side, Russia has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. With a homicide rate of 8.2 per 100,000 people, it is a risky environment for anyone, especially for high-net-worth individuals who are more likely to be targeted by criminals. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Russia, warning citizens to avoid travel due to these risks.
Despite the low density of Bitcoin ATMs in the country (only about 26 nationwide), the combination of violent crime, cybercrime, and instability makes Russia a hotspot for crypto-related risks.
The United States ranks second on the list, with an ECTI Score of 66.86. Despite having a strong legal system and robust infrastructure, the US presents numerous challenges for crypto holders.
The United States leads the world in Bitcoin ATM exposure, with over 31,000 Bitcoin ATMs across the country. This makes crypto holders highly visible and increases the potential for exposure to criminal activities. In 2024, the FBI IC3 reported losses of over $9.3 billion related to cryptocurrency scams, and SIM-swap fraud has also seen significant growth in the country.
SIM-swap fraud, which involves criminals hijacking a person's phone number to access their crypto accounts, has resulted in nearly $26 million in losses in 2024 alone. While the homicide rate in the US is lower than Russia and Brazil (around 6.8 per 100,000 people), the sheer size of the country and its high levels of exposure and cybercrime make it a risky environment for crypto holders.
If you're planning to travel or operate in any of these countries, it's important to take proactive steps to secure your digital assets. Whether it's using secure storage solutions, protecting your SIM card, or staying informed about the latest cyber threats, the risk to your cryptocurrency holdings is something you need to manage.