Chinese money launderers moved more than $16 billion of illicit crypto in 2025, report finds

New Chainalysis research finds Chinese-language money laundering networks processed roughly 20% of illicit cryptocurrency in 2025, averaging $44 million laundered per day (about $16.1 billion) and contributing to an estimated $82 billion laundered on-chain last year. These professionalized operations advertise on Telegram, use “guarantee” marketplaces, money mules, swapping and “Black U” services, and have adapted to sanctions and enforcement actions such as those against Huione and the Prince Group, with prosecutions including Chen Zhi and Jingliang Su. #Chainalysis #PrinceGroup

Keypoints

Chainalysis estimates Chinese networks handled about 20% of illicit crypto, roughly $44 million per day in 2025.
An estimated $82 billion of cryptocurrency was laundered on-chain last year, up sharply from $10 billion in 2020.
Operators use Telegram-promoted “guarantee” platforms, money mules, swapping services and “Black U” services to launder funds.
Sanctions and crackdowns (e.g., Huione, Prince Group) have led vendors to migrate to other platforms rather than cease operations.
Law enforcement actions include asset seizures linked to Chen Zhi and the sentencing of Jingliang Su for laundering scam proceeds.