Blockchain analysis firm TRM Labs‘s report published on Tuesday states that illegal entities received approximately 141 billion dollars through stablecoins in 2025; this is the highest level in the past five years. The increase does not indicate overall growth in crypto-based crimes, but it has created deep dependency in certain activities due to the advantages stablecoins offer in sanctioned networks and large-scale money transfers.
Sanctions-related activities accounted for 86% of all illicit crypto flows. Source: TRM Labs
Record Sanctions Evasion in Stablecoins
Half of the $141 billion stablecoin flow, $72 billion, is tied to the Russian ruble-pegged A7A5 token. All of its activity is concentrated in sanctioned ecosystems. Russian-linked A7 intersects with structures from China, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. Volume on guaranteed markets Huione reached $17 billion by year-end; 99% stablecoin.
- Illicit stablecoin volume: $141 billion (1% of total volume, $12 trillion)
- Sanctions: 86% share
- A7A5 volume: $72 billion
Crime Preferences in BTC and Stablecoins
Fraud, ransomware, and hacks prefer assets like BTC detailed analysis. This highlights the superiority of stablecoins in large transfers. Current BTC price $67,373.50 (+0.56%), in downtrend with RSI 35.36. While institutional buyers accumulate BTC, searches for “Will Bitcoin go to zero?” are increasing, but macro support is strong.
Critical Support and Resistance Levels for BTC
- Supports: S1 $65,071 (Strong, -3.34%), S2 $67,010 (Strong, -0.46%)
- Resistances: R1 $68,070 (Strong, +1.12%), R2 $70,541 (Strong, +4.79%)
Bitcoin miner Hive increased hash rate despite $91 million loss. Watch BTC futures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illicit Stablecoin Use
Q: Why did the illicit stablecoin volume increase?
A: Sanctions evasion (86%) and operational advantages are the main factors.
Q: When is BTC preferred over stablecoins?
A: BTC dominates in ransomware, hacks, and fraud.
Q: What is the illicit ratio of total stablecoin volume?
A: Approximately 1% (141B/12T $).
Source: https://en.coinotag.com/2025-stablecoin-illicit-flows-141-billion-dollars
