According to a report by Chainalysis, Chinese-language money laundering networks funneled an estimated $16.1 billion in illicit cryptocurrency transactions in 2025.
This amount represents approximately 20% of the global crypto crime market, which was valued at over $82 billion for that year. The report was released on February 1, 2026.
The networks primarily operate through Telegram channels that serve as marketing hubs for laundering services.
These channels allow launderers to advertise their services to potential customers. Advertisements often include images of cash and testimonials that claim to prove the quality of their services, according to Chainalysis.
Chainalysis estimated that these Chinese-language networks laundered about $44 million per day in 2025.
The criminal activities facilitated through these channels include not only money laundering but also human trafficking and the sale of illicit goods, as stated by Andrew Fierman, Head of National Security Intelligence at Chainalysis.
Southeast Asia has emerged as a base for these networks due to China tightening its enforcement against organized crime and money laundering.
Criminal groups often relocate to regions with weaker regulations, such as Cambodia and Myanmar, where they can operate more freely.
Despite efforts to combat these illicit networks, enforcement remains challenging due to the complexity of their operations.
Mark Button, a criminology professor at the University of Portsmouth, emphasized that these organizations are large and well-resourced, making them difficult to take down. He noted that this is not just a few criminals working out of a small space.
While the Chinese government has implemented strict laws against money laundering and banned cryptocurrency trading since 2021, criminal groups have found ways to continue their activities.
The rise of these networks in Southeast Asia highlights the ongoing challenges of cross-border crime and the need for continued vigilance from law enforcement agencies.