NEW YORK/LONDON: Despite global crackdowns and tighter regulations, crypto-based money laundering is not just surviving—it is thriving. According to a bombshell report released on Tuesday by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, money launderers moved at least $82 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025. To put this in perspective, this is a massive jump from just $10 billion in 2020.
The “Chinese-Speaking” Connection The report highlights a specific demographic driving this growth. “Chinese-language money-laundering networks” have emerged as the dominant force, processing nearly $16.1 billion worth of crypto in 2025 alone. These groups, which gained prominence during the pandemic, are reportedly moving over $40 million per day. Chainalysis identified nearly 1,800 active wallets linked to these networks. “These groups use ‘Guarantee Platforms’—escrow services that allow criminals to advertise their laundering services openly,” the report stated.
Sophisticated Methods Criminals are no longer just using simple wallet transfers. The 2025 data shows a heavy reliance on:
- Cross-Chain Bridges: Moving funds between different blockchains (e.g., Ethereum to Tron) to break the transaction trail.
- Stablecoins: The use of USDT (Tether) remains high due to its liquidity.
The Tip of the Iceberg? Chainalysis warned that the $82 billion figure is likely a “conservative estimate.” As tracking tools improve, the known volume of illicit funds often increases retrospectively. While China has banned crypto trading and prosecuted over 3,000 individuals for laundering in 2024, the decentralized nature of these networks makes them difficult to dismantle completely.
