Nairobi, March 9 -- Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies backed by physical assets, have now become the primary type used in illicit transactions the world over, putting on the line their reputation as a 'better' and more stable type of the generally unconventional digital assets.

The 2024 Crypto Crime Report published by blockchain research firm Chainalysis reveals that although the total amount of value transacted illegally in the crypto space last year dropped, the share done using stablecoins surged, maintaining a majority for the second consecutive year.

Of the $24.2 billion crypto value transacted illicitly last year, about 62 percent, or $15 billion, was done in stablecoins, as the share of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies i...