BUSINESS

Americans reported a record $9.3 billion in losses to cryptocurrency-related crimes in 2024, according to a report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The losses represent a 66% jump from 2023 and highlight the growing use of digital assets in online fraud schemes.

The annual IC3 report says nearly 150,000 complaints linked to crypto, with investment fraud leading the way. In these schemes, scammers often pretend to offer high returns on fake cryptocurrency platforms, coaxing victims to transfer funds that are then siphoned away.

The FBI also spotlighted “pig butchering” scams, where fraudsters build online relationships before pushing fake crypto investments. Crypto investment schemes led to $5.8 billion in losses, while the second-largest category by losses at $1.1 billion were data breaches.

Elderly Americans bore the brunt of the damage. Individuals over 60 reported $2.8 billion in losses through crypto-related crimes—more than any other age group— up from $1.65 billion in 2023 and $1.08 billion in 2022.

The second-most affected age group, those aged 40-49, suffered $1.4 billion in losses, while those under the age of 40 suffered combined losses of around $1.37 billion.

Over 8,000 of the complaints stemmed from people over 60 and related to fake investment opportunities, while others fell victim to tech support fraud and impersonation schemes, often involving cryptocurrency ATMs.

Operation Level Up, a government initiative launched in January 2024, identified thousands of victims of crypto investment fraud and prevented an estimated $285 million in further losses, per the report. It referred 42 victims for suicide intervention.

Hit TV series Peaky Blinders, which reached an estimated audience of 80 million through platforms like Netflix, is set to be adapted into a blockchain-based video game and wider Web3 ecosystem, the companies behind the effort announced on Thursday.

It is being developed by Anonymous Labs, a Web3 venture builder that previously launched the Simon’s Cat cartoon IP token. The company is partnering with Banijay Rights, the global distributor of Peaky Blinders, to expand the show’s presence into blockchain gaming and fan engagement tools.

The smoky streets of 1920s England are reimagined as a decentralized playground where fans can dive into high-stakes missions, craft their own Shelby-style legacy (the family the series is based around), and engage with the Peaky Blinders universe.

The game is being designed as an AAA title (a gaming buzzword where such products have extensive development budgets, large teams, and emphasis on high technical quality). It will feature digital collectibles and community engagement mechanisms that use blockchains.

The goal is to onboard traditional Peaky Blinders fans into crypto through interactive storytelling and gameplay.

“Peaky Blinders is arguably the biggest IP to date to embark on building a blockchain-based project, and I see this as a defining moment for the entire Web3 industry,” Wojciech Gruszka, head of Development at Peaky Blinders Web3 Game, said in a statement.

“This project is not just about creating an incredible user experience—it’s a gateway to bringing blockchain new revenue streams and building brand loyalty in the Web3 space,” Gruszka added.

Specific details around token mechanics, launch timelines, or the game’s economic structure have not been disclosed as of Thursday.