DOJ Crypto Regulation Head Takes Aim at Mixers & Exchanges

The U.S. DOJ head of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team said the agency would crack down on crypto mixers and tumblers, as well as exchanges flouting money laundering rules.

The United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) head of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, Eun Young Choi, is ordering new measures against cryptocurrency mixers and crypto exchanges.

Choi, who took on the role of director last year, will focus on preventing crypto within the industry, which the DOJ believes is still rampant.

Crypto Mixers and Tumblers Targeted

On top of enforcing the law on exchanges, the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team will also target crypto mixers and tumblers, which have been a pain point for authorities. Criminals have used these services to prevent the tracing of the funds, aiding money laundering, and the DOJ has taken related action in the past.

Speaking of the actions of criminals, Choi said,

“But on top of that, they’re allowing for all the other criminal actors to easily profit from their crimes and cash out in ways that are obviously problematic to us. And so we hope that by focusing on those types of platforms, we’re going to have a multiplier effect.”

It’s far from the first step that the DOJ or other authorities have taken against entities in the crypto industry. The agency, in particular, seems to be ramping up its actions against companies.

DOJ Launched a Probe Against Binance

Among the actions that the DOJ has taken is launching a probe against Binance for a possible violation of sanctions against Russia. The DOJ is investigating whether Russians managed to access the exchange.

The DOJ has also seized funds on various occasions, most recently in April, when it took control of $112 million in crypto and other assets during a pig butchering scam crackdown. Crypto lender Silvergate Bank is also under investigation by the DOJ.

Lawmakers and Regulators Working on Regulation

The United States, which has long been criticized for a lack of crypto regulation, is gearing up to launch more substantive regulation. Congress recently hosted a hearing on crypto regulation, which offered a broad view of how crypto might be regulated.

Several other actions have also taken place, including Biden’s much-discussed DAME tax on cryptocurrency mining. The tax serves to combat the effect of mining on the environment. This action, along with the increased scrutiny of the industry, follows Biden’s announcement of a plan to allow for the safe and responsible development of crypto.