Crypto’s Rising Role in Crime: The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), a financial intelligence organization, has documented an increase in the illicit usage of cryptocurrency and crypto exchanges in its 2024 Money Laundering National Risk Assessment. Listed as a “high” risk factor, crypto was the subject of the report. A “medium” risk factor was assigned to digital currency exchanges at the same time. Traditional conduits, such as money, real estate, and luxury goods, facilitated most illegal activity. The rank of “very high” risk was assigned to these, with cash being the most prominent.
While appearing on a Yahoo Finance Future Focus episode, Jim Lee, the former head of the US Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, recently expressed similar views. Because blockchain is “transparent,” “cash is still king”—in Lee’s words. The study encouraged cryptocurrency exchanges to register with AUSTRAC under the AML/CTF Act, even though the agency classified cryptocurrencies as less dangerous. In the “next three years,” AUSTRAC anticipates a significant threat from the unlawful use of digital currency.
Digital Currency Expands for Legitimate Use
The research warned that there would be more chances for illicit use of digital currency “as its use for legitimate use expands.” To successfully address these concerns, the agency also requested strict restrictions and international cooperation. In the first six months of 2024 alone, Australia’s AUSTRAC Warns was the victim of several crypto crimes.
In June, a Crypto’s Rising Role in Crime fraud starring a deep-fake Elon Musk was promoted on the 7News YouTube channel after hackers accessed the account. Cybertrace, a security company, had previously warned about a cryptocurrency scam involving Andrew “Twiggy,” an entrepreneur and mining tycoon from Australia. The AUSTRAC evaluation comes after the country outlawed the use of cryptocurrency for online gaming payments.
The Australian tax administration has been going for crypto innovators, stealing their details from cryptocurrency exchanges and using them to further its control over the crypto industry. Also, cryptocurrency firms that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) thinks have marketed unregistered securities have been recently targeted.
Public Awareness and Education
Integral to AUSTRAC’s plan is informing the public about the dangers of cryptocurrency. The organization has been doing its part to inform companies and individuals how to handle digital currency securely. To lessen the possibility of people being victims of Crypto’s Rising Role in Crime, AUSTRAC is working to increase awareness of the risks and promote compliance with regulatory obligations.
Future Outlook
Cryptocurrency and criminal activity are dynamic fields, and AUSTRAC is always ready to adjust its tactics to meet the ever-changing threats. Keeping Australia’s AUSTRAC Warns financial system safe and ahead of criminal trends are two of the agency’s top priorities. Research into new technologies, such as privacy coins and decentralized finance (DeFi), is continuing and could introduce further dangers.
Conclusion
The emergence of cryptocurrency has presented possibilities and threats. However, they provide novel approaches to monetary transactions. They also present substantial dangers related to criminal activity and the circumvention of regulations. Tackling these difficulties requires strong regulatory frameworks, global collaboration, and technology innovation, as highlighted by AUSTRAC’s warnings. AUSTRAC aims to protect Australia’s financial integrity and combat the increasing threat of crypto-related crimes. Which is why they stay updated and take preventive measures.
Read More: Crypto Assets Bearish Outlook: Is a Reversal Imminent?
