Stablecoins Surge as Bitcoin's Dark Web Dominance Wanes
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 10 2026- Market Trend Shift: The use of stablecoins like USDT and USDC has significantly increased in dark web transactions, replacing Bitcoin as the primary medium, reflecting broader trends in crypto usage and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
- Regulatory Pressure Intensifies: Reports from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Europol indicate a rising involvement of stablecoins in illicit transactions, prompting regulators to consider stricter oversight on stablecoin issuers to combat misuse.
- Financial Compliance Impact: The popularity of stablecoins is altering law enforcement and financial compliance strategies, increasing demand for liquidity and reliability, which is affecting broader market dynamics, particularly in the illicit transaction sector.
- Ethical and Regulatory Challenges: As stablecoins play a critical role in illicit transactions, the industry faces significant challenges regarding ethical use and regulatory oversight, potentially leading to increased adoption of surveillance tools and protocols to mitigate illicit activities.
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.
