Cryptocurrencies are increasingly being utilized in human trafficking operations, according to Chainalysis., 2026/02/19 09:50:46

The blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis has reported that the volume of cryptocurrency transactions linked to human trafficking schemes is projected to increase by 85% by 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.

Analysts estimate that the rise in cryptocurrency usage within human trafficking operations coincides with the expansion of criminal networks, primarily in Southeast Asia. These networks are continually evolving and becoming more complex; however, the transparency of blockchain technology allows for the tracking of a significant portion of transactions, which can be utilized to identify and disrupt criminal activities.

“As these networks develop, the transparency of blockchain provides us with unprecedented opportunities for detection, disruption, and law enforcement actions that would be impossible with traditional payment methods,” stated Chainalysis.

The choice of crypto assets by criminals varies based on the type of schemes. In sectors related to international escort services and prostitution, stablecoins are more frequently utilized due to their price stability and ease of conversion to fiat currency. In areas involving illegal content featuring minors, criminal networks tend to favor coins on first-layer blockchains, decreasing the share of Bitcoin and shifting towards altcoins.

In January, it was reported that Bitcoin’s share in illicit payments dropped from 70% in 2020 to 7% in 2025. Currently, 84% of shadow transactions are conducted using stablecoins.