Chinese-language crypto laundering networks surge as illicit on-chain flows hit $82B
Cryptocurrency money laundering has expanded dramatically over the past five years, with Chinese-language networks emerging as a central pillar of the global underground economy, according to new research from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.
The report estimates that more than $82 billion flowed through on-chain laundering channels in 2025, up from roughly $10 billion in 2020. Chainalysis attributes the surge not only to the growing liquidity of crypto markets but also to the professionalization of laundering services that operate openly across messaging platforms and blockchains.
Chinese-language money laundering networks (CMLNs) now account for around 20% of known laundering activity, the firm said. Inflows to these networks have…
