Chains of War: Crypto Sanctions, Hacking, and Blockchain Power Plays
When we talk about Chains of War, the use of blockchain technology as a tool in geopolitical conflict, often involving state-sponsored hacking, sanctions evasion, and digital asset control. Also known as crypto warfare, it's not science fiction—it's happening right now, with real money, real governments, and real consequences. This isn’t about price charts or meme coins. It’s about how nations are weaponizing crypto to break sanctions, steal billions, and build parallel financial systems outside the reach of traditional banks.
The OFAC sanctions, U.S. Treasury measures targeting individuals, entities, and crypto wallets tied to hostile regimes. Also known as crypto asset freezes, it's one of the main tools the U.S. uses to cut off funding for cybercriminals and state actors have hit North Korean hacking groups hard. In 2025, they stole over $2.1 billion in crypto—funding weapons programs by posing as IT workers, tricking exchanges, and laundering funds through mixers. OFAC responded by blacklisting wallets, exchanges, and even the people behind the code. But these hackers adapt fast. They shift to new chains, use privacy coins, and exploit bridges with weak oversight. Meanwhile, Russia, a country using crypto mining and stablecoins to bypass Western financial restrictions. Also known as sanctions evasion economy, it's turned crypto mining into a national strategy, using tokens like A7A5 to trade oil and gas without touching the dollar system. But blockchain’s transparency is a double-edged sword. Every transaction leaves a trail. Even if Russia moves billions, analysts can still trace where the money goes—and who’s helping them.
It’s not just Russia and North Korea. Countries like Qatar ban institutional crypto entirely, while Jordan is now licensing it. India taxes every crypto profit—even if you lost money overall. These aren’t random policies. They’re reactions to a world where digital assets can’t be controlled like cash or stocks. The Chains of War are being built every day, not by traders, but by governments, hackers, and regulators trying to outmaneuver each other. What you’ll find below are real stories from this battlefield: how crypto is used to fund war, how sanctions are enforced, how scams exploit fear, and how ordinary users get caught in the crossfire. No fluff. No hype. Just what’s actually happening on the front lines of digital finance.
