Decline in the share of centralized exchanges in crypto money laundering
According to a new report by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, the volume of illicit cryptocurrency transactions reached $82 billion in 2025. At the same time, the share of centralized cryptocurrency exchanges in this volume is declining, while the role of Chinese-language shadow networks is growing.
The study shows that money launderers are increasingly using decentralized financial protocols and cryptocurrency mixing services to obscure the trail of funds. This is explained by both the tightening of control over centralized exchanges and the increased level of anonymity in the DeFi sector.
Chainalysis is particularly concerned about the growing influence of Chinese-language online communities associated with organized crime and involved in money laundering. According to the company, they account for more than half of the total volume of illegal cryptocurrency transactions.
Increasing risks for market participants
Experts note that the shift of money laundering activity towards decentralized protocols and anonymous services increases the risks for all participants in the cryptocurrency industry. Despite promises of greater privacy, these solutions are often used by criminal groups to evade responsibility.
In these conditions, regulators and law enforcement will have to find new approaches to combating money laundering using cryptocurrencies. Market participants, for their part, need to pay special attention to compliance and strengthen measures to combat financial crimes.