"Beacon Network Unites Crypto Giants in Real-Time War on Illicit Funds"

TRM Labs has launched Beacon Network, a groundbreaking real-time crypto crime response network designed to prevent illicit funds from being laundered or withdrawn from the blockchain. The initiative, supported by a coalition of major players in the cryptocurrency and financial sectors, aims to enhance the security and integrity of the crypto ecosystem by enabling rapid identification, tracking, and interdiction of criminal activity. Founding members of the network include Coinbase, Binance, PayPal, Robinhood, Stripe, Kraken, Ripple, Crypto.com, Zodia Custody, Blockchain.com, and Anchorage Digital, among others. These entities are working in collaboration with global law enforcement agencies and security researchers to establish a robust framework for combating financial crime in the digital asset space [1].

Beacon Network functions by leveraging real-time intelligence to flag wallets associated with fraud, scams, and hacking incidents. When a flagged address is identified, the network automatically propagates the risk label to related addresses and triggers an alert if the funds reach a participating exchange or stablecoin issuer. This enables platforms to review and, if necessary, freeze deposits before they are cashed out. This proactive approach represents a significant shift from traditional reactive measures that often allow illicit transactions to occur before any response is initiated. According to TRM Labs, the system operates as an end-to-end “kill chain” for illicit crypto assets, enabling action to be taken in minutes rather than days [1].

The initiative has emerged in response to a surge in crypto-related crime. TRM Labs reported that over USD 47 billion has been sent to fraud-related addresses since 2023, while more than USD 2.3 billion has been stolen from the crypto ecosystem in 2025 alone. The rapid pace of these crimes, including sophisticated hacking and money laundering activities, has made it increasingly difficult for individual teams to manage the threat. Beacon Network’s real-time monitoring and automated tracing capabilities are expected to provide a more effective response by allowing multiple stakeholders to act in unison [1].

Ripple has joined the initiative as a founding member, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the crypto ecosystem. Andrew Rosenberg, Head of Financial Crimes Compliance at Ripple, stated that the company views safety and security as foundational pillars of the crypto industry and that it is a collective responsibility to promote integrity. Ripple’s involvement underscores the growing emphasis on cross-industry collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by illicit activities in the blockchain space [1].

Law enforcement and security researchers are playing a crucial role in the network’s operations. Verified law enforcement agencies in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others are contributing to the network by flagging suspicious addresses. Security researchers, including organizations like ZachXBT, Security Alliance (SEAL), and Hypernative, are also providing continuous monitoring and threat intelligence. These contributions enhance the network’s ability to detect and respond to emerging threats in real time [1].

Beacon Network is currently expanding its reach, with new members joining the effort. The network is accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, stablecoin issuers, DeFi platforms, and security researchers. The initiative is free for verified exchanges and law enforcement partners, further encouraging participation and collaboration. By bringing together an unprecedented number of industry leaders, Beacon Network aims to establish a new standard for how crypto platforms and law enforcement work together to combat financial crime [1].

Source:

[1] TRM Labs Launches Beacon Network, the First Real-time (https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/20/3136350/0/en/TRM-Labs-Launches-Beacon-Network-the-First-Real-time-Crypto-Crime-Response-Network.html)