DOJ Shifts Crypto Focus to Criminal Activity

The US Department of Justice, under new directives, is altering its enforcement strategy on cryptocurrency, prioritizing the prosecution of direct criminal activities involving digital assets.

DOJ’s New Enforcement Strategy

The US Department of Justice, led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, unveiled a pivotal memo that shifts focus towards prosecuting individual criminal acts linked to cryptocurrency, rather than targeting intermediaries. This causes notable concern for privacy-centric projects.

Impact on Privacy Coins

The shift underscores a broader US policy realignment , with Peter Van Valkenburgh of Coin Center highlighting increasing partisan division surrounding digital assets. The DOJ memo marks a transformation in how regulatory bodies approach the crypto sector in the US. Immediate market reactions reflected uncertainty, with assets like Monero and Zcash experiencing increased scrutiny from exchanges and regulators. This reflects ongoing tensions as privacy remains a contested aspect within cryptocurrency markets.

Challenges for Privacy Technologies

While the DOJ hopes to avoid broad actions against the digital sector, privacy technologies face enforcement risks given their potential link to illicit activities. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for clear policies protecting decentralized privacy features. Peter Van Valkenburgh, Executive Director of Coin Center, noted, “Crypto is at a crossroads, and urges policymakers to protect privacy and defend decentralized networks from overreach.”

Historical trends show that privacy-centric technologies often encounter enforcement actions, notably after the 2023 Tornado Cash charges. Such precedents influence how stakeholders perceive regulatory risks related to privacy technologies, even under new DOJ leadership.