Crypto Money Laundering Activity to Reach $82 Billion by 2025: Report

Money laundering activitiesUsing crypto assets is back in the spotlight in 2025. A recent report from Chainalysis revealed that criminals received at least $82 billion in cryptocurrency this year.

This figure represents a sharp increase compared to 2020, when it was only around $10 billion. This trend indicates that crypto is increasingly being used in transnational crime, although it remains a small portion of total global financial crime.

Key Points

• The value of cryptocurrency money laundering has skyrocketed in the last five years.
• Mandarin-speaking criminal networks are becoming the dominant actors.
• Stablecoins and Bitcoin remain the preferred assets for illegal cross-border transactions.

The Scale of the Problem: $82 Billion Is No Small Number

According to Chainalysis' report, the totalillegal crypto fund flowsin 2025 it will reach around IDR 1,369 trillion or the equivalent of $82 billion.

This figure represents a significant increase from the previous report, while also marking a reversal of the trend after a relatively “quieter” 2024 with estimates of $40–51 billion.

What makes this situation even more complex is the finding that the data is likely still conservative.

Chainalysis tracks approximately 1,800 active wallets connected to the money laundering network, with total transactions reaching $16.1 billion in 2025 alone. This means the potential true value could be much greater if the entire network is successfully identified.

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The Role of Mandarin-Speaking Criminal Networks

One of the most striking findings was the dominance of Chinese-speaking criminal networks. These groups reportedly process nearly $40 million in crypto transactions daily, utilizing a well-organized organizational structure and sophisticated technology.

They not only rely on wallet-to-wallet transfers, but also use systems similar to “guarantee platforms” or illegal escrow services.

This platform functions as a “trusted” intermediary in the criminal world, so that perpetrators feel safe transacting without fear of being cheated, ironically, with a mechanism that resembles legal financial services.

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Why Stablecoins and Bitcoin Are the Top Choices

Despite China's strict ban on crypto, criminal networks continue to exploit digital assets, particularly stablecoins and Bitcoin. The reasons are quite clear:

• Stablecoins offer high value stability and liquidity.
• Bitcoin still has the edge in terms of global acceptance and ease of cross-border transfers.

The combination of the two makes crypto an efficient tool for moving funds quickly, relatively anonymously, and less traceable than traditional financial systems, especially in jurisdictions with patchy oversight.

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Broader Context: Global Cryptocrime Trends

According to data from TRM Labs, the total volume of illegal crypto activity in 2025 is estimated to reach $158 billion, an increase of approximately 140% year-on-year.

While these figures may sound alarming, it's important to note that crypto still accounts for a small portion of conventional financial crime.

However, this rapid growth underscores one thing: regulation and law enforcement have not fully kept pace with technological innovation. This gap is exploited by criminals.

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Immediate Impact on Crypto Traders and Investors

For crypto traders, including those in Indonesia, this report is more than just international news. Global regulators are now increasingly aggressive in tightening regulations.Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policyand Know Your Customer (KYC). Unfortunately, historically only about 0.1% of illicit funds are recovered.

This means the risk lies not only with criminals, but also with ordinary users who unknowingly interact with dirty funds.

Therefore, choosing a crypto platform that is compliant with regulations, transparent, and implements international standards such as the Travel Rule is becoming increasingly crucial.

Using a Regulated Crypto Platform

Before you go any further in trading or DeFi activities, make sure you are using a legal and regulated platform.

One wise step is to register atBittime is an official crypto platform., which prioritizes regulatory compliance, asset security, and transaction transparency. This way, you can transact with peace of mind without worrying about future legal risks.

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Conclusion

The surge in cryptocurrency money laundering activity to $82 billion by 2025 is a stark reminder that financial innovation always goes hand in hand with risks.

While crypto is not the primary cause of global financial crime, its increasingly significant role demands greater vigilance from regulators and users.

For traders and investors in Indonesia, choosing a platform that complies with regulations and understands AML risks is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity in the modern crypto era.

FAQ

What is money laundering in crypto?

Cryptocurrency money laundering is the attempt to disguise the origin of illegal funds through digital asset transactions to make them appear legitimate.

Why will cryptocurrency money laundering rates increase in 2025?

The increase is driven by the expansion of global criminal networks and the increasingly sophisticated use of crypto technology.

What crypto assets are most often used for crime?

Stablecoins and Bitcoin are most commonly used due to their liquidity and ease of cross-border transfer.

Can ordinary traders be affected by AML risks?

Yes, traders can be impacted if they transact on a non-compliant platform or receive funds from illegal sources.

How to minimize risks as a crypto user?

Use a crypto platform that is legal, compliant with regulations, and has strong KYC and AML systems.