Illicit Crypto Activity Hits Record $158bn in 2025
Illicit Crypto Activity Hits Record $158bn in 2025
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/illicit-crypto-activity-record/
Publish Date: 2026-03-17 05:15:17
Source Domain: www.infosecurity-magazine.com
Blockchain Crypto Activity Reaches $158 Billion in Illicit Use
According to TRM Labs, last year saw the illicit use of cryptocurrencies reach its highest level in five years, totaling an estimated $158 billion. This 145% rise compared to 2024’s $64.5 billion is attributable to several factors, including increased sanctions evasion by countries like Venezuela, Iran, and especially Russia, significant hacks, and greater enforcement by stablecoin issuers. Both TRM Labs and Chainalysis found similar figures for 2025, with Chainalysis noting a 162% increase. The year-on-year rise can also be credited to the detection through the Beacon Network and the modest growth in crypto flows for darknet markets. Despite this alarming increase in absolute terms, there is a positive trend: these illicit activities make up a smaller share of the total blockchain volume and the percentage of funds entering the crypto ecosystem. However, both research firms emphasized that these figures are likely to increase as more data becomes available.
Key Points:
- In 2025, illicit crypto use reached an estimated $158 billion, up 145% YoY.
- Factors behind the rise include sanctions evasion and enhanced enforcement efforts by stablecoin issuers.
- Illicit crypto activity as a share of total blockchain flows declined to 1.5% in 2025, down from 1.7% in 2024.
- While the total amount of illicit use is concerning, it represents a smaller percentage of overall blockchain activity.
- Estimates are subject to revision as more information on 2025 activities becomes available.
