Cryptocurrency flows linked to suspected human trafficking networks surged 85% in 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new analysis. The investigation highlights the growing use of stablecoins and encrypted Telegram channels by organized criminal groups, primarily in Southeast Asia. Researchers identified four primary illicit service categories exploiting crypto, with large transaction volumes indicating sophisticated, professional operations.
A report detailed a sharp 85% annual increase in crypto transaction volumes tied to platforms suspected of supporting human trafficking. The activity is centered in Southeast Asia, where scams and trafficking networks overlap on Telegram.
The four primary factors identified were international escort services, forced scam labor, prostitution networks, and child abuse material vendors. Stablecoins became the main payment tool for escort and prostitution services, facilitating rapid cross-border movement.
International escort services showed a professional financial pattern where 48.8% of transactions exceeded $10,000. Some groups even used tiered pricing systems, charging between $420 and $1,120 for different East Asian cities.
Labor agents linked to forced scam operations made most recruitment payments between $1,000 and $10,000. Investigators detected connections to groups like the Fully Light Group, previously cited for laundering.
Networks exploiting children generated revenue through small, subscription-like payments often under $100. One dark web operation, with over 5,800 crypto addresses, earned more than $530,000 since 2022.
Chris Hughes of the Internet Watch Foundation stated, there were 312,030 CSAM reports in 2025, the highest number ever. These networks showed significant international reach, with transactions detected globally from the U.S. to Brazil.
