Bitcoin's Dominance on Dark Web Declines as USD Stablecoins Rise
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 11 2026- Market Shift: Bitcoin's dominance in dark web markets is declining, replaced by USD stablecoins and privacy coins, reflecting rising concerns over traceability and the emergence of faster dollar-pegged payment options.
- Rise of Privacy Coins: As worries about Bitcoin's transparency increase, the usage of privacy coins like Monero has surged in illicit activities, indicating a growing demand for privacy-focused transactions in the market.
- Financial Implications: Data from blockchain analytics firms Chainalysis and TRM Labs shows a significant increase in the use of stablecoins and privacy coins in dark web markets, drastically reducing Bitcoin's market share and affecting how law enforcement and regulators track illegal fund flows.
- Long-term Trends: This shift may lead to a persistent preference for privacy and stable value in dark web transactions, altering how blockchain analytics firms allocate resources for tracking, highlighting the role of technology in evolving financial concealment practices.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
