Illegal cryptocurrency transactions reach $158 billion in 2025, a 145% increase over 2024

According to the TRM Labs Crypto Crime Report 2026, illegal cryptocurrency flows in 2025 reached a new high of $158 billion, an increase of over 145% compared to 2024 and more than double the previous year. This sharp rise reverses the downward trend observed from 2021–2024.

TRM states that the main reason is the tightening of international sanctions, with many governments utilizing crypto, especially the launch of Beacon Network – a platform that helps investigative agencies share wallet data more quickly, allowing “dirty” wallets to be detected earlier.

Despite the significant increase in absolute value, the proportion of illegal transactions relative to total crypto volume has decreased, indicating that legitimate funds are growing faster. Wallets and tokens related to Russia account for over 80% of the sanctioned crypto volume, with stablecoins being the primary tool for evading controls.

TRM emphasizes: criminals are not more sophisticated; rather, enforcement agencies are faster and more effective.