Researchers from China’s national police academy have developed an AI framework that can detect illicit cryptocurrency transactions with nearly 90 per cent overall accuracy, according to a recent study. The study, published in the peer-reviewed Chinese publication Journal of Intelligence, was conducted by researchers from the People’s Public Security University of China, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Public Security. Corresponding author Dr Sun Jingchao, a researcher specialising in criminal investigation and cybersecurity, wrote that the study “provides a precise, generalisable and interpretable solution for detecting illicit cryptocurrency transactions” and “provides an innovative technological pathway for regulatory authorities to combat illicit cryptocurrency transactions and economic crimes.” The May study comes as authorities continue to focus on cryptocurrency-linked financial crime. In March, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate reported that prosecutors indicted 3,259 people in 2025 for money laundering involving virtual currencies and underground banks.