Illicit Crypto Transactions Reached All-Time High In Past Year, Report Claims
Illicit cryptocurrency transactions reached an all-time high of $158 billion in 2025, according to TRM Labs‘ newly released 2026 Crypto Crime Report. This figure marks a 145% increase from the $64.5 billion recorded in 2024, shattering the multi-year decline observed from 2021 ($85.9 billion) through 2023 ($73.3 billion).
The report, which leverages advanced blockchain analytics, highlights how cryptocurrency‘s growing integration into global finance has amplified both legitimate and illicit activities.
Despite the absolute surge, the proportion of illicit flows relative to overall crypto volume actually dipped slightly, from 1.3% in 2024 to 1.2% in 2025.
When measured against incoming flows to virtual asset service providers (
