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WATCH: How crypto companies have empowered a shadow economy

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WATCH: How crypto companies have empowered a shadow economy

As governments grapple with the burgeoning crypto industry, this new investigation from ICIJ reveals how cryptocurrency companies have profited from a new shadow economy that’s awash with crime.

By Carmen Molina Acosta

November 17, 2025

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WATCH: How crypto companies have empowered a shadow economy illustration

[##### FAQS

Frequently asked questions about The Coin Laundry investigation

Nov 17, 2025](https://www.icij.org/investigations/coin-laundry/cryptocurrency-faqs/)

Graphic of a title card that reads Crypto Exchanges Explained

[##### VIDEO

WATCH: Cryptocurrency exchanges, explained

Nov 17, 2025](https://www.icij.org/investigations/coin-laundry/video-cryptocurrency-exchanges-explainer/)

Graphic illustration showing hands using scissors to cut strings that are holding up a large crypto coin, against a background of red, green and yellow squares.

[##### EXPLAINER

From trading bans to total embrace, a global guide to crypto regulation

Nov 17, 2025](https://www.icij.org/investigations/coin-laundry/cryptocurrency-regulations-global-explainer/)

Topics: Corporations , cryptocurrency , The Coin Laundry

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WATCH: How crypto companies have empowered a shadow economy illustration

Carmen Molina Acosta

Digital Producer

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