The use of cross-chain swaps for illegal money laundering has surged dramatically, according to a recent report by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. They highlight a concerning trend: a 200% increase in illicit activity involving these swaps over the past two years. Approximately $21.8 billion has been laundered through cross-chain protocols this year alone. Elliptic notes the evolution of cross-chain swaps from a niche tool for experienced DeFi users to a mainstream method for criminals seeking to obscure the origin of funds. Hackers, such as those involved in the Bybit hack, are leveraging cross-chain swaps to evade on-chain tracking. This technique is also becoming increasingly prevalent in smaller-scale money laundering schemes associated with illegal gambling and fraud. While the rise in illicit usage is alarming, the security industry is actively developing countermeasures, including advanced cross-chain analysis and tracking tools, to combat this growing threat and enhance crypto security. ```