Cryptocurrency based money laundering has expanded sharply over the past five years, reaching an estimated 82 billion dollars in 2025 as illicit activity becomes more organized and global in scale. New research from Chainalysis shows that onchain laundering volumes have surged from around 10 billion dollars in 2020, driven by deeper crypto market liquidity and the rise of specialized laundering services. Unlike earlier periods when illicit flows relied heavily on exchanges or DeFi protocols, criminal groups increasingly use dedicated networks designed to avoid asset freezes and monitoring. These services operate openly across blockchains and messaging platforms, offering tailored solutions for moving funds quickly and discreetly. The findings highlight how crypto laundering has evolved from fragmented activity into a professionalized underground industry with global reach.
Chinese language money laundering networks have emerged as a central force within this ecosystem, accounting for roughly 20 percent of known illicit crypto flows worldwide. Chainalysis estimates that these networks processed at least 16.1 billion dollars in 2025 alone, spread across nearly 1,800 active wallets. Their growth has far outpaced inflows seen across centralized exchanges or decentralized finance platforms, reflecting a shift toward venues perceived as less vulnerable to enforcement. These networks rely on a layered structure that includes money mules, informal over the counter brokers and services that trade tainted crypto at discounted rates. By offering end to end laundering capabilities, they allow criminal actors to move large volumes of funds while minimizing exposure to regulated financial channels.
At the core of these operations are Telegram based guarantee platforms that function as escrow services and reputation systems for laundering providers. These hubs connect buyers and sellers, manage disputes and help maintain trust within the illicit marketplace. Even when individual channels are shut down, vendors quickly relocate, allowing the broader network to continue operating with minimal disruption. Researchers say the speed and resilience of these systems suggest strong links to offchain criminal enterprises, including scam operations and cybercrime groups. The report underscores the growing challenge for regulators and law enforcement as crypto enabled laundering adapts rapidly, maintaining scale and efficiency despite increased scrutiny.
