The integration of machine learning (ML) algorithms in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices has garnered significant attention due to its potential to enhance the detection and prevention of illicit activities in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This systematic literature review analysed the effectiveness of integrating ML algorithms in detecting and preventing crypto laundering activities, identify the most frequently used ML algorithms, examine trends in publication and research methodologies, and discuss key challenges and constraints associated with integrating ML technologies into AML frameworks. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies, resulting in the inclusion of 52 articles published between 2019 and 2023. The findings reveal a growing interest in the field, with a notable increase in publications in recent years. Traditional ML models such as Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) remain prevalent, while deep learning models like Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are gaining popularity. Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) have emerged as a significant area of exploration, particularly in the context of graph data analysis in cryptocurrencies. Despite advancements in ML, cryptocurrencies continue to pose a high risk of money laundering due to the practical challenge of implementation ownership of the various ML models. Future research should focus on how these challenges will be addressed to ensure the effective and sustainable use of ML technologies in real-world AML practices.
