Crypto use in human trafficking networks surged in 2025: Chainalysis

CoinTelegraph

by Martin Young

February 13, 2026

Chainalysis says that despite the rising use of crypto in trafficking networks, the transparency of blockchain may give visibility into the operations, aiding law enforcement. Crypto flows to suspected human trafficking networks increased 85% year over year in 2025, but crypto analytics firm Chainalysis said blockchain transparency could help disrupt the operations. Chainalysis said in a report on Thursday that the total transaction volume to suspected trafficking networks, largely based in Southeast Asia, reached “hundreds of millions of dollars across identified services.” It added that the services are “closely aligned” to scam compounds, online casinos, and Chinese-language money-laundering networks, which have recently grown in popularity. Read more

Verticals

cryptoblockchain

Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/13/2026