Log in Join
Advertiser Disclosure

The FBI is investigating 130 crypto cases

Avatar
Peter Terlato
Posted: 28 June 2018 1:08 pm
News
FBI bitcoin small
{“theme”:”dark”,”direction”:”horizontal”,”showArrows”:true,”splitTitle”:true,”playerOptions”:{“captions”:true,”popupOnScroll”:true,”subscribe”:{“title”:”Subscribe”,”url”:”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKvc0WUB65GCvOTgPVJ9yRA?sub_confirmation=1″,”visibleOnMain”:true,”visibleOnPopup”:true}},”active”:{“index”:0,”start”:0,”end”:null,”thumb”:”https://dvh1deh6tagwk.cloudfront.net/finder-au/wp-uploads/2018/03/Top5.png”,”thumbAnimation”:”kenburns-top-right”,”heading”:{“small”:”WATCH”,”large”:”Top 5 crypto security tips”}},”yt”:{“method”:”videos”,”params”:{“id”:”O8ECWgzMwsE,iY3AY4eIhCw,NWIQIcqzYO8,JCb9SkPmX_g”}},”banner”:true}

Virtual currency transactions can be difficult to track, due to anonymity and the way they’re structured.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed that it currently has 130 different open cases pertaining to cryptocurrency-related crimes, owing to an escalation in illicit activity financed by digital currencies.

FBI supervisory special agent Kyle C. Armstrong reported the figures during a discussion at the Crypto Evolved conference examining the institutional crypto trading market, held at the The New York Athletic Club this week.

Bloomberg reported that the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States has “threat tagged” cryptocurrency cases which involve offences ranging from illicit drug sales and ransomware attacks to more severe crimes such as kidnapping and human trafficking.

However, these digital currency-related cases only represent a small proportion of all open investigations.

“There are thousands of cases in the bureau, so it is a small sliver at this point,” Armstrong said.

Cryptocurrencies are inextricably linked to drug trafficking, particularly the ongoing opioid epidemic. Armstrong said one in ten (10%) buyers seeking narcotics utilize illegal online marketplace, the “dark web”.

Armstrong added that the bureau has seen a rise in cryptocurrency extortion cases in the southwest of the US.

Virtual currency transactions can be difficult to track, due to the ways in which assets are structured and privacy-enhancing features which allow for anonymity, unlike traditional fiat currency banking systems.

A new survey aimed at better understanding how people around the world feel about cryptocurrency has discovered that a significant proportion of Americans are eager to buy into the new wave of digital currencies.

However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently revealed that US consumers will lose more than $3 billion by the end of the year to cryptocurrency scammers, schemes and deceptive mining machines.

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

Crypto explained

{“theme”:”dark”,”direction”:”vertical”,”showArrows”:true,”playerOptions”:{“captions”:true,”popupOnScroll”:true,”subscribe”:{“title”:”SUBSCRIBE”,”url”:”https://www.youtube.com/c/cryptofinder?sub_confirmation=1″,”visibleOnMain”:true,”visibleOnPopup”:true}},”active”:{“index”:null,”start”:0,”end”:null,”thumb”:””,”thumbAnimation”:”kenburns-top-left”,”heading”:null},”yt”:{“method”:”playlistItems”,”params”:{“playlistId”:”PLUrt4pAH4g28gehvPkL1VDHlNXR7zksYB”}}}

Latest cryptocurrency news

Picture: Shutterstock

Ask an Expert

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

Latest headlines

Go to site