The illicit on-chain
money laundering ecosystem has grown dramatically in recent years, increasing from US$10 billion in 2020 to over $82 billion in 2025. [1] This substantial topline growth reflects the growing accessibility and liquidity of cryptocurrencies, as well as a fundamental shift in how this laundering activity occurs and by whom.
As shown in the chart below, Chinese-language money laundering networks (CMLNs) have increased their share of known illicit laundering activity to approximately 20% in 2025. This regional connection is further evidenced by the off-ramping patterns we observe.