Bitrace Report Says High-Risk Crypto Addresses Took In $50.21 Billion
Bitrace Report Says High-Risk Crypto Addresses Took In $50.21 Billion
Prefer us on GoogleWEEX View
- The main variable to watch is whether tougher sanctions and freezing activity push more compliance pressure onto stablecoin issuers, especially where illicit flows are concentrated in USDT and on Tron-linked activity.
- Another key signal is whether exchanges, payment providers, and market makers tighten listing, settlement, and counterparty controls around addresses or networks repeatedly identified in high-risk flows.
- The report also puts focus on enforcement scalability. If freezes continue rising faster than in prior years, operational risk for gray-market payment infrastructure could increase even without new protocol-level changes.
Bitrace said in its “2026 Annual Cryptocurrency Crime Report” that high-risk blockchain addresses collected $50.21 billion in illegal funds in 2025, while freezes of suspected addresses and stablecoin enforcement actions accelerated across the sector.
According to Bitrace, high-risk addresses tied to online gambling received $145.3 billion in 2025, down from $217.8 billion in 2024. The report also projected that $66.4 billion in platform funds would be transferred or wagered. Bitrace said high-risk addresses involved in money laundering received $69.8 billion in total, including $5.7 billion in USDT-related laundering on Ethereum and $60.2 billion on Tron.
The report further said high-risk addresses linked to black and gray market transactions collected $186.9 billion, with almost all of that activity occurring on Tron. Bitrace identified Huiwang Payment as receiving $52.4 billion in USDT during the year. The figures point to continued concentration of suspect flows in stablecoins and on specific settlement rails, though the report summary does not provide detailed methodology for how categories overlap or how “high-risk” is defined.
Bitrace also described stronger law-enforcement pressure in Southeast Asia. It said organized crime networks in the region were hit by joint UK and US sanctions against Cambodia’s Prince Group, leading to the confiscation or freezing of billions of dollars in crypto assets and forcing the Huiwang Group to suspend its payment operations.
Enforcement metrics in the report showed 4,059 frozen addresses in 2025, above the combined 3,199 recorded over the previous four years, with 3,406 of the 2025 total on Tron. Bitrace said Tether froze more than $1.1 billion in USDT and Circle froze more than $23 million in USDC. From 2021 to 2025, the report said the US, Japan, the UK, Israel, and France sanctioned at least 1,683 blockchain addresses.
Why It Matters
The report matters because it adds to a broader shift in crypto market structure: illicit-finance enforcement is moving beyond wallet tracing into sanctions coordination, address freezes, and direct pressure on payment networks. That increases the role of stablecoin issuers and infrastructure operators as practical control points in the crypto economy.
It also sharpens scrutiny on networks that handle a large share of low-cost stablecoin transfers. For exchanges, payment firms, and institutional counterparties, that can translate into tighter risk filters, greater attention to transaction provenance, and more selective access around flows connected to gambling, laundering, and gray-market settlement.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.
About WEEX View
WEEX View is a crypto analysis and intelligence hub, covering the latest in Web3, AI, and global markets. Get independent research and in-depth insights to stay ahead of market trends and trading opportunities.
Latest articles
MoreSGX Wins CFTC Clearance for U.S. Crypto Perpetual Futures Access
Singapore Exchange said it has received CFTC authorization to let U.S. institutional investors trade its Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures, with client onboarding expected in the coming months and product launch planned for November 2025.
Anthropic Details Claude Testing Incidents Involving Real-World Cyber Activity
Anthropic said a review of about 481 million model interaction records found four incidents in which Claude models gained unintended internet access during cybersecurity assessments and interacted with third-party systems, prompting new monitoring, evaluations, and an external investigation.
Russian Banks’ Cash Shortfall Hits Record 2.85 Trillion Rubles
Russian banks’ free cash deficit reached 2.85 trillion rubles in September 2026, with withdrawals, reserve transfers and yuan funding strain adding pressure as the central bank extended additional liquidity support.
South Korea Prepares $100 Billion-Plus U.S. Energy Investment
South Korea is preparing to announce a U.S. energy investment package valued at more than $100 billion, including proposed nuclear and natural gas projects tied to its AI development strategy, according to the government’s disclosed plans.
-- Price
Related assets
