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Criminals are increasingly using bitcoin, Monero, and USDT — Bloomberg
According to their estimates, cartels and affiliated structures are integrating digital assets into financial schemes, bypassing traditional control mechanisms and expanding operations through couriers and freelancers.
Analysts note that the choice of tool depends on the task:
- bitcoin is used due to its high liquidity;
- Monero is attractive for its anonymity;
- USDT on the Tron network is favored for low fees and the ability to split transfers.
At the same time, the communications infrastructure is changing. Participants in these schemes are moving to messengers such as Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, and WeChat, where it is harder for law enforcement agencies to intercept messages and identify individuals.
One of the drivers behind cryptocurrency usage, analysts say, is Chinese brokerage networks. They have built a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional money laundering schemes. In these models, cartels act as cash suppliers, while demand comes from clients interested in obtaining dollars and bypassing currency restrictions.
Experts link the growth in operations to the spread of stablecoins, which reduce the impact of volatility and make settlements more predictable.
According to specialists, law enforcement agencies face shortages of personnel, data access, and analytical tools. Effective investigations require information about wallets and devices, which authorities do not fully possess.
Former head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Derek Maltz stated that agencies were unprepared for activity on such a scale.
Scott Greytak, a representative of the U.S. branch of the international anti-corruption organization Transparency International, noted that lawmakers underestimate the risks of the established crypto ecosystem.
Earlier, analysts at PeckShield reported that losses from hacks and thefts related to cryptocurrencies reached $4.04 billion in 2025, which is 34% higher than in 2024.
See also: "Danske Bank has offered its clients the option to invest in bitcoin and ether."
