Chainalysis has successfully acquired the AI-driven fraud detection startup Alterya, marking a significant move in the fight against crypto fraud.
The blockchain analytics firm announced the acquisition on January 13, with estimates suggesting the deal was completed for approximately $150 million, although specific financial details remain undisclosed.
Alterya employs advanced AI technology to detect scammers before they can engage with potential victims. The startup has already established partnerships with leading industry entities, enabling it to oversee over $8 billion in transactions and safeguarding more than 100 million users.
Based in Tel Aviv, Alterya previously secured $9.8 million through a seed funding round backed by notable venture capital firms.
This acquisition follows Chainalysis’ recent purchase of web3 security platform Hexagate, underscoring its commitment to enhancing crypto compliance and security protocols in partnership with advisory firm AlixPartners.
“This acquisition allows Chainalysis to offer real-time fraud protection for payments and improve fraud detection during KYC processes for exchanges, blockchains, and wallet providers,” the company stated.
Chainalysis views Alterya’s capabilities as a pivotal advancement in its mission to combat fraud and scams within the cryptocurrency landscape, which saw losses exceeding $3 billion in 2024 due to hacking and fraud activities.
Experts raise concerns that the growing adoption of generative AI by criminals may lead to more profound challenges. In December, the FBI alerted the public about the rising use of AI in facilitating sophisticated crypto scams, enabling fraudulent actors to create convincing content on fake websites.
