Chainalysis Tracked 1,800 Wallets Moving $44M Daily Through Telegram Based Crypto Laundering Networks
Chinese crypto laundering networks moved around $16.1 billion in illegal cryptocurrency during 2025, according to a new Chainalysis report. This amount made up nearly 20% of all illegal crypto laundering recorded worldwide last year. The report shows these networks have become a major part of global crypto crime by using new methods that are harder for authorities to track.
Chainalysis estimated that criminals laundered more than $82 billion through cryptocurrencies in 2025, compared with around $10 billion in 2020. The sharp increase shows how organized crime groups have improved their operations while taking advantage of the growing crypto market. Many criminals now avoid centralized exchanges and prefer other methods that reduce the chance of funds getting frozen.
Chinese Networks Expand Crypto Laundering Operations
Most Chinese crypto laundering networks work through Chinese-language Telegram groups and guarantee platforms. These platforms act like trusted middlemen between buyers and sellers of illegal services.
Chainalysis found around 1,800 active wallets connected to these networks, handling nearly $44 million in illegal crypto transactions every day.
The report explains that these networks offer different services to move illegal money. Some brokers help convert cryptocurrency into cash, while others provide bank accounts, money mules, and over the counter trading services. Some groups even buy stolen or illegal cryptocurrency at lower prices before moving it through different wallets.
Links to Online Scams Grow Stronger
Chainalysis also found strong links between these networks and large online scams, including romance scams and investment fraud. Many operators have shifted their activities to Southeast Asia after China increased restrictions on cryptocurrency trading. Even when authorities shut down one platform, many operators quickly move to another service and continue their activities.
The report says weak international cooperation and different rules across countries make it difficult to stop these criminal networks. Limited blockchain investigation tools in some regions also give criminals more opportunities to hide their transactions.
DeFi Tools Make Tracking More Difficult
Chainalysis added that criminals now use decentralized finance platforms, decentralized exchanges, and cross-chain bridges to make stolen funds harder to trace.
The company believes stronger anti-money laundering rules, better wallet monitoring, and closer cooperation between countries will play an important role in reducing crypto crime as these networks continue to grow.
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