US-sanctioned currency exchange says $15 million heist done by "unfriendly states"

A U.S.-sanctioned currency exchange claims a $15 million heist was orchestrated by 'unfriendly states,' introducing a geopolitical dimension to the theft. The incident, which targeted the exchange's digital wallets, involved the loss of 500 Bitcoin, a 20% increase over the average crypto heist in 2025. This accusation outperforms #2 on this list in terms of geopolitical intrigue, as it explicitly links state actors to financial crime. The exchange's response contrasts sharply with the typical hacker-for-hire narrative, noting that the attackers employed advanced persistent threat techniques. Despite the gravity, the exchange has yet to provide public evidence of state involvement, leaving room for skepticism among security analysts.