The Currency analytics
By Jean-Luc Maracon
Cartels are teaming up with crypto experts. These independent brokers move dirty money through digital platforms, complicating law enforcement's work significantly.
Federal agencies are struggling with cryptocurrencies. They lack the expertise and budget to track these flows. The U.S.
Encrypted applications allow transactions that are impossible to track. Traffickers bypass traditional banks with these tools.
Congress passed a law in 2025 to strengthen crypto surveillance. But the impact remains unclear for now.
Under Trump, budget priorities reduced the effectiveness of anti-money laundering efforts, according to critics.
Private companies are working on solutions. This follows earlier reporting on Google Engineers Face Federal Charges Over.
Some businesses are developing technologies to detect suspicious transactions. JPMorgan Chase is investing in advanced monitoring tools to more effectively identify illicit…
Meanwhile, cartels constantly adapt their methods. Their ability to evolve quickly makes the threat persistent.
In February 2026, the Justice Department announced the arrest of several individuals linked to a crypto laundering network.
The IRS is strengthening its crypto teams. A spokesperson confirms that the agency will increase its staff dedicated to analyzing crypto transactions by 30% in 2026.
The FBI is collaborating with Europol to dismantle an international crypto laundering network, announced in February 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen ties between U.S.
The agencies involved have not yet commented on the new strategies being considered to address this growing crisis.
Decentralized crypto exchanges (DEX) are the new playground for cartels. Unlike centralized platforms like Coinbase or Binance, these protocols require no identity verification.
The economic impact far exceeds the traditional financial sector. U.S. banks lose about $15 billion annually in transaction fees diverted to illicit cryptos, according to a PwC…