Russian-language darknet markets still dominate, driving 97% of Bitcoin and TRON drug sales

While the western markets of Darknet have weakened, the Russian platforms dominated the sales of Bitcoin and Tron drugs, according to TRM Labs analysts.

Darknet markets Given a slight income bump in 2024, reports more than $ 1.7 billion, with Russian-The language platforms still opening the way for sales of cryptographic drugs, say analysts of the Blockchain TRM Labs judicial company.

In their latest Crypto Crime report in 2025, analysts noted that Russian language markets were the main engines for the sale of illicit drugs, representing more than 97% of Bitcoin’s overall income (BTC) and Tron (Trx).

“Despite the many challenges facing the Darknet markets in 2024, these platforms nevertheless experienced a slight increase in income compared to 2023, generating more than $ 1.7 billion.”

TRM laboratories

The relative security of the police in Russia has enabled these markets to flourish, according to analysts, adding that certain platforms continue to use delivery models based on falls and rely on chemical chemicals from China.

“”[…] The concentration of synthetic drugs, and the broad availability and the low price of the chemicals of drugs generally imported from China – allowed Darknet markets in the Russian language to prosper. »»

TRM laboratories

On the other hand, Western Darknet Markets had a difficult year in 2024. With several exit scams and repression of the police, confidence in these platforms took a hit, especially after the exit scam of the incognito market in March.

Meanwhile, the Russian language markets remained stable, with only four platforms that left. Analysts point out that these platforms avoid exit scams, by choosing rather to close voluntarily and let users withdraw their funds.