Exploring the role of cryptocurrencies in sanctions evasion: a systematic review

Purpose There is a growing debate about the use of cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions. This paper aims to systematically collect and organize the available literature on cryptocurrencies and sanctions evasion. The aim is to map the debate, identify gaps and clarify the implications for global governance and the international order. Design/methodology/approach This research conducted a systematic literature review using a keyword-string search method across relevant databases. Due to limited peer-reviewed literature, additional “grey” literature was included to broaden the evidence base. Findings The mapping reveals a fragmented debate over a strong link between cryptocurrencies and sanctions evasion grounded in cryptocurrencies’ design features. It identifies three main gaps concerning the scale of this form of evasion, the mechanisms through which it operates, and whether it represents a novel challenge or a reconfiguration of established practices under new technical infrastructure. Further research on these issues would contribute to an enhanced understanding of sovereignty, global governance and power. Originality/value While much of the literature on cryptocurrencies and illicit finance has centred on money laundering, their role in sanctions evasion remains underexplored. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper provides the first systematic consolidation of the dispersed academic and policy literature on the topic. It brings together peer-reviewed research and verified grey literature into a consolidated evidence base that can serve as a stepping stone for future debates and research on cryptocurrency-enabled sanctions evasion.