Elliptic, a blockchain analysis company, has recently released a study linking cryptocurrencies to the spread of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid and the leading cause of death among 18-45 year-olds in the US. The study found that most fentanyl smuggled into the US is produced from chemical ingredients imported from China, and 90% of these suppliers accept payments in cryptocurrency. Elliptic’s research team received offers to supply large amounts of a specific chemical ingredient that is not used to manufacture other products and is a controlled substance in most countries, as well as a menu of chemicals that included ingredients for methamphetamine and amphetamine. According to Elliptic, the cryptocurrency wallets used by these firms have received a total of more than $27m, enough to buy ingredients for fentanyl pills with a street value of around $54bn. Cryptocurrencies have faced criticism for their potential involvement in illegal activities, and this new study adds further weight to these concerns.
Referenz: Financial Times
