Chainalysis report exposes how criminal networks are raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions
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A new report by blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis has revealed a disturbing trend. Payments in cryptocurrencies to suspected human trafficking organisations increased by 85% in 2025. “The key takeaway is that the true financial scale is enormous, at least hundreds of millions of dollars in crypto transactions,” said Chainalysis analyst Tom McLouth.
The report shows that the majority of these services originate from Southeast Asia. However, the customers sending the payments were based in North and South America, Europe and Australia.
Chainalysis found three primary categories of crypto activity linked to human trafficking: international escort and prostitution services, employment agencies engaged in scam operations, and vendors distributing material depicting the sexual abuse of children (CSAM). According to the report, clear financial patterns can be found in each category, which they say point to well-organised criminal networks rather than isolated individuals.
The report highlighted the important role of blockchain analysis in identifying and dismantling these criminal networks. The transparency of public blockchains offers unprecedented insight into financial flows, enabling law enforcement agencies to track illegal activities and apprehend perpetrators.
Chainalysis acknowledges the ongoing efforts of police forces and other bodies to combat human trafficking financed with cryptocurrencies. Nevertheless, the company expects this type of crime is likely to continue to grow, due to the increasing global acceptance and use of cryptocurrencies.
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