How could you estimate the rate of theft for US currency? It depends on how you define 'stolen'. Was the 2008 global financial crash a huge case of theft? It al

How could you estimate the rate of theft for US currency? It depends on how you define 'stolen'. Was the 2008 global financial crash a huge case of theft? It also depends on how you define 'currency', as there are various measures of money supply, not just physical currency. One case, Bernie Madoff: $65 billion stolen Though that 1 in 14 number which you cited is barely even a guesstimate, for bitcoin it is easier to estimate the rate of theft, because at least you know exactly how many bitcoins exist now, or will exist in future, unlike the USD. A few other points for us to consider.. * About 75%-80% of banknotes in developed countries have traces of illegal drugs. One study suggested about 4% were involved in illegal activity such as purchasing, selling or using drugs[1]. Other crimes do not leave obvious chemical traces of course. * The further back into history you look, into colonial times and earlier, the more true becomes the statement "All wealth is stolen" [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contaminated_currency https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contaminated_currency