Tether Dominates Illegal Crypto Activity, TRM Report Finds

Tether (USDT), a widely used stablecoin, accounted for the majority of illicit cryptocurrency transactions in 2023, according to TRM Labs. The report highlights a decline in the overall volume of illicit activity in the crypto sector, attributed to increased sanctions against digital assets. TRM's analysis indicates that USDT was linked to $19.3 billion in illicit transactions, a decrease from $24.7 billion in 2022.

Tether Dominates Illicit Crypto Flows, TRM Report Finds

New York, March 27, 2024 (Bloomberg) - Tether (USDT), the most widely used stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market, accounted for the lion's share of illicit crypto flows in 2023, according to a report by blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs.

The report highlights that approximately 1.6% of USDT's total volume was linked to illicit activities last year, which represents a decline from the 2.2% observed in 2022. This decrease is attributed to increased enforcement measures and sanctions imposed on digital asset entities engaged in criminal activities.

TRM Labs estimates that USDT was utilized in illicit transactions worth approximately $19.3 billion in 2023, down from $24.7 billion in 2022. This decline mirrors the broader trend of decreased illicit crypto activity in general, which saw a 15% reduction in the overall volume of illegal transactions.

"The drop in illicit activity is a testament to the effectiveness of sanctions and other enforcement measures, which have made it more difficult for criminals to use cryptocurrencies for illicit purposes," said Ari Redbord, Head of Legal and Government Affairs at TRM Labs.

The report also reveals that Tether's dominance in illicit crypto flows is primarily due to its widespread adoption and liquidity, which makes it attractive to criminals seeking to launder money or finance illegal activities. However, TRM Labs acknowledges that Tether has taken steps to address this issue, including implementing compliance measures and working with law enforcement agencies.

In a statement, Tether emphasized its commitment to combating illicit activities on its platform. "We have invested heavily in compliance and anti-money laundering measures, and we are continuously working to improve our systems," the company said.

The report further highlights the increasing role of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms in illicit crypto flows. While DeFi offers greater anonymity and flexibility, it also presents potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminals. TRM Labs advises crypto exchanges and other industry participants to remain vigilant in monitoring and mitigating illicit activities by implementing robust compliance procedures and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.