The post Global Investigation Exposes $4 Billion Crypto Crime Network appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has unveiled a massive investigation revealing how cryptocurrency exchanges facilitate billions of dollars in criminal activity. The 10-month probe, called “The Coin Laundry,” exposes a shadow financial system that profits from crime while leaving victims with little recourse. The investigation involved 113 journalists from 37 media partners in 35 countries who analyzed tens of thousands of cryptocurrency transactions. Their findings show how major exchanges moved money for drug cartels, human traffickers, and North Korean hackers despite previous guilty pleas for money laundering violations. Criminal Networks Span the Globe The investigation uncovered criminal enterprises operating worldwide. North Korean hackers, Chinese and Russian gangs involved in people trafficking, and Mexico’s violent Sinaloa drug cartel all used cryptocurrency to move their profits. Cambodia’s Huione Group emerged as a central figure in the investigation. U.S. authorities flagged the company as a “primary money laundering concern” in May 2025. Despite this warning, Huione continued sending approximately $1 million worth of cryptocurrency daily to major exchange accounts. The scope of Huione’s operations is staggering. Between August 2021 and January 2025, the group laundered at least $4 billion in criminal proceeds. This included $37 million from North Korean cyber attacks and $36 million from investment scams known as “pig butchering.” Major Exchanges Under Scrutiny The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges played central roles in moving dirty money. Binance, despite being under court supervision after a 2023 guilty plea, received over $408 million from Huione between July 2024 and July 2025. OKX, another major exchange, continued processing suspicious funds even after pleading guilty to operating an illegal money transmitter in February 2025. The investigation found that $226 million flowed from Huione into OKX customer accounts during the five months following their guilty plea. The investigation also revealed specific criminal connections. A Binance…

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Filed under: News - @ November 18, 2025 12:20 pm