80% of illicit crypto entering Brazilian exchanges flows through five addresses

Chainalysis says cartel money laundering, Chinese-language networks and Russian sanctions evasion are the three main sources behind the concentration.

Summary

Illicit crypto activity tied to Brazilian exchanges is highly concentrated, with 80% of those inflows passing through just five addresses, according to Chainalysis. The blockchain analytics firm said the main sources are cartel money laundering, Chinese-language networks and Russian sanctions evasion. The finding points to a small number of key transaction hubs shaping a large share of suspicious flows into the country’s exchange ecosystem, a pattern that could sharpen compliance monitoring and enforcement efforts.

Terms & Concepts
  • illicit crypto: Crypto linked to suspected illegal activity
  • money laundering: Concealing criminal proceeds through financial transactions
  • sanctions evasion: Avoiding restrictions imposed by governments