TRON Reigns Supreme in Crypto Crime, Facilitating 45% of Illicit Transactions

TRON blockchain network accounted for 45% of all illicit volume in 2023, dominating illicit activity over Ethereum and Bitcoin. Cybercriminals prefer TRON due to low gas fees and an outdated perception of increased transaction privacy, facilitating illicit activities like drug sales, which increased by $300 million in 2023. Despite an overall 9% decrease in crypto-related illicit activity, scams and frauds remain prevalent, accounting for nearly a third of all crypto crimes.

TRON Dominates Illicit Crypto Activity, Accounting for 45% of Transactions

New York, March 8, 2024 - A comprehensive report released by TRM Labs, a leading blockchain forensics firm, has shed light on the staggering extent of illicit activities involving cryptocurrencies in 2023. The report, entitled "The Illicit Crypto Economy," reveals that the TRON blockchain network has become a haven for criminals, accounting for an alarming 45% of all illicit transactions.

TRON: A Hotspot for Hackers and Launderers

TRON, a blockchain platform founded by Chinese entrepreneur Justin Sun, has emerged as the primary facilitator of illicit activities in the crypto space. Its low gas fees, stable price fluctuations, and perceived anonymity have made it an attractive destination for cybercriminals and terrorist financing entities.

Notably, North Korean hackers have found a particular affinity for TRON. They frequently launder stolen funds through the network, predominantly exchanging them for USDT, a stablecoin issued by Tether Inc. These laundered funds are then converted into fiat currency through high-volume over-the-counter (OTC) brokers.

USDT: The Preferred Currency for Terrorist Financing

USDT has become the preferred currency for terrorist financing, with over $19 billion worth of illicit funds transacted through the stablecoin. In contrast, USD Coin (USDC), another stablecoin, recorded a mere $428.9 million in illicit volume, highlighting USDT's dominance in this nefarious realm.

Drug Sales on Darknet Marketplaces Soar

While other categories of illicit financing in crypto have declined, drug sales on darknet marketplaces have witnessed a surge, reaching $1.6 billion in 2023, up from $1.3 billion in the previous year. TRM Labs reported that the volume of drug sales using TRON more than quadrupled during this period.

Crypto Illicit Activity Sees 9% Decline

Despite TRON's dominance in illicit activities, the overall volume of crypto crime decreased by 9% in 2023. However, criminals still managed to launder nearly $35 billion worth of cryptocurrencies, a staggering sum that highlights the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and regulation in the crypto space.

Scams and frauds accounted for nearly a third of all crypto crimes in 2023. However, the share of illicit funds in the crypto space decreased over the year, though it still remains significantly higher than existing industry estimates.

North Korean Hackers Facing Heightened Pressure

TRM Labs observed declining volumes of hacked and sanctions-exposed funds, attributed to increased pressure from governments and law enforcement agencies globally. The report highlighted that the U.S. alone tripled the number of crypto crime-linked entities and individuals subject to sanctions.

Hackers associated with North Korea obtained 30% less in stolen funds in 2023 compared to the previous year, while hack proceeds decreased by over 50% to $1.8 billion from $3.7 billion. This decline shows the impact of heightened enforcement efforts on illicit activities within the crypto space.

Conclusion

TRON's dominance in illicit crypto activities is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for robust regulation and law enforcement in the cryptocurrency industry. Cybercriminals and terrorist financing entities continue to exploit loopholes and weaknesses in the system, laundering billions of dollars through anonymous transactions.

The decrease in overall crypto illicit activity in 2023 is a positive sign, but much more needs to be done to combat the scourge of crypto crime. Governments, law enforcement agencies, and the crypto industry must work together to strengthen regulations, enhance enforcement, and educate the public about the risks associated with illicit cryptocurrency transactions.