Crypto flows to suspected human trafficking networks surged by 85% in 2025, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Chainalysis. The networks are linked to scam compounds, online casinos, and money-laundering networks. Transactions included services for escorts, labor placement agents, prostitution networks, and child sexual abuse material vendors. International escort services and prostitution networks mainly used stablecoins for payments.

Chainalysis suggested that blockchain technology could help law enforcement track and disrupt trafficking operations by identifying transaction patterns and targeting chokepoints at exchanges and illicit online marketplaces. The transparency of blockchain provides visibility into these operations, allowing for detection and disruption that would be impossible with traditional payment methods. Compliance teams should monitor for large payments to labor placement services and wallet clusters showing activity across multiple illicit service categories.

Law enforcement scored victories against traffickers last year, such as German authorities dismantling a child sexual exploitation platform with the help of blockchain analysis. Chainalysis emphasized the importance of monitoring for regular stablecoin conversion patterns and wallet clusters engaging in various illicit activities. The report aims to provide accurate and timely information to readers, encouraging independent verification.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Crypto Use in Trafficking Surges, but May Help in Crackdowns