Crypto Flows Tied to Suspected Human Trafficking Reached ‘Hundreds of Millions’ in 2025: Chainalysis
The Defiant
by Jona JaupiFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cryptocurrency payments linked to suspected human trafficking services surged by 85% in 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a report from Chainalysis. The findings highlight a concerning trend as criminals increasingly turn to digital assets for facilitating illegal activities, particularly in Southeast Asia. Much of the activity was traced back to Telegram-based “international escort” services, where nearly half of transactions exceeded $10,000.
The report revealed that most payments within these networks were made using stablecoins, which offer stability and ease of use compared to other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or privacy coins such as Monero. However, researchers noted that some categories, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) vendors, relied more heavily on Bitcoin and privacy-enhancing coins for money laundering purposes. Instant exchangers—services that allow quick and anonymous swapping of cryptocurrencies without Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements—played a significant role in enabling these transactions.
This rise in crypto-facilitated human trafficking raises critical concerns for the cryptocurrency community, particularly as DeFi and Web3 continue to grow. The use of blockchain technology for illicit activities underscores the need for stronger anti-money laundering (AML) measures and greater regulatory oversight. While cryptocurrencies offer benefits like transparency and efficiency, their misuse highlights the importance of ensuring these platforms are secure and compliant with global financial regulations. For users and developers alike, understanding the risks and staying informed about emerging trends is essential to fostering a safer digital economy.
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Originally published on The Defiant on 2/13/2026