Published on
November 15, 2025
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.
Russia: The Most Dangerous Place for Crypto Holders
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.
Why is Russia So Risky?
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.
United States: High Exposure and Record Cybercrime Losses
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.
Why is the United States Risky 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.
Brazil: Extreme Physical Danger for Crypto Holders
Brazil comes in at third place on the list with an ECTI Score of 60.05. While Brazil may not have the same level of cybercrime exposure as Russia or the US, it has significant physical risks that make it dangerous for crypto holders.
Why is Brazil So Dangerous for Crypto Holders?
Brazil has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with 25 per 100,000 people. This is more than three times the global average. In addition to violent crime, the country also faces extortion and kidnapping risks, making it a dangerous place for wealthy individuals.
While Brazil’s Bitcoin ATM density is low (~90 nationwide), the physical danger outweighs any other risks. The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil, warning against travel due to the high levels of crime.
Indonesia: Cyber Risk and Limited Protection for Crypto Holders
With an ECTI Score of 48.71, Indonesia ranks fourth on the list. The country faces high cybercrime risks but has relatively low physical safety risks.
Why is Indonesia Risky for Crypto Holders?
Indonesia’s cybercrime risk is quite high, with the country having a high number of illicit crypto activities. It also ranks poorly in terms of telecommunications vulnerabilities, with weak SIM-swap protections in place. This makes it easier for hackers to access crypto wallets and other digital assets.
However, the physical safety risks in Indonesia are relatively low compared to places like Brazil or Russia, with a homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 people. Still, the combination of cyber threats and SIM-swap fraud puts crypto holders at significant risk.
Australia: High Exposure to Crypto and Telecommunications Vulnerabilities
Australia ranks fifth on the list with an ECTI Score of 46.99. While it offers relatively low physical safety risks, Australia is not without its challenges.
Why is Australia Risky for Crypto Holders?
Australia has a high exposure to crypto, with many Bitcoin ATMs throughout the country. However, it also faces increasing cybercrime risks, especially when it comes to SIM-swap fraud. In fact, SIM-swap fraud has surged by 240% in recent years, making Australians vulnerable to these types of attacks.
Despite a low homicide rate (just 1.4 per 100,000 people), the country’s telecommunications vulnerabilities make it a risky place for crypto holders.
Canada: High Cybercrime and Vulnerability to SIM-Swap Fraud
Canada ranks sixth with an ECTI Score of 46.70. Like the United States, Canada faces significant cybercrime and SIM-swap fraud risks, although its physical safety risks are much lower.
Why is Canada Risky for Crypto Holders?
Canada has been identified as a high-risk country for SIM-swap fraud, which is on the rise. The country also faces cybercrime risks, with cryptocurrency scams and thefts continuing to rise in the past year. However, Canada’s physical safety score is relatively low, meaning that the risk is more related to cyber threats than physical danger.
Other Countries with High Crypto Risks
United Kingdom: Low ATM Exposure, but Rising SIM-Swap Fraud
The United Kingdom has an ECTI Score of 43.12, primarily due to its high SIM-swap fraud activity. While the country has relatively low physical crime and Bitcoin ATM exposure, the rise in SIM-swap fraud makes it a country to watch out for.
Hong Kong: Moderate Risk from Crypto Exposure
Hong Kong has an ECTI Score of 42.21, driven by a moderate exposure to Bitcoin ATMs and a cybercrime risk that is increasing as more people adopt cryptocurrencies. Despite the high exposure to crypto ATMs, the physical safety score is relatively low.
United Arab Emirates: Low Risk, but Vulnerable to Cyber Threats
The UAE has an ECTI Score of 35.88. While it ranks low in physical safety, the country faces significant cybercrime threats. Still, its Bitcoin ATM exposure is low, and this keeps the overall risk relatively moderate.
Safer Countries for Crypto Holders
While countries like Russia, the United States, and Brazil pose high risks to crypto holders, there are some countries where the risk is much lower.
Japan: A Safe Haven for Crypto Holders
Japan is one of the safest countries for crypto holders, with an ECTI Score of 34.05. The country has a low homicide rate and very few Bitcoin ATMs. Additionally, Japan has strict SIM registration laws, which help protect individuals from SIM-swap fraud. As a result, Japan is a relatively safe place for crypto holders.
Singapore: Low Risk and Strict Regulations
Singapore is another country where the risks to crypto holders are low, with an ECTI Score of 27.28. The country has strict regulations and a low homicide rate, making it a safe place to store and trade digital assets.
Conclusion: Are You Safe?
Crypto holders must be aware of the risks they face, especially in certain countries that present high dangers in terms of cybercrime, physical safety, SIM-swap fraud, and exposure to Bitcoin ATMs. Countries like Russia, the United States, and Brazil present significant risks to high-net-worth individuals, while countries like Japan and Singapore offer a safer 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.
Stay safe and keep your digital assets secure!
Credit: Hyperion
