UK Crime Agency Tracks Evolving Crypto Laundering Routes

The UK's National Crime Agency has observed a shift in how organised crime groups launder money through cryptocurrency. Instead of handling transactions themselves, they increasingly hire specialist laundering services.

This trend is part of a larger pattern of 'networked, outsourced, and technically flexible' criminal finance, according to the NCA's 2026 assessment.

The report highlights modern routes used for crypto laundering, including corporate institutions, offshore brokers, mixers, cross-chain transactions, stablecoins, and street cash.