Is crypto dangerous? YES! Cash too! According to the US Treasury.

The U.S. Treasury has recently released reports assessing the main threats in terms of financial crime in the United States. These documents highlight the evolving risks, from the persistence of traditional methods such as the use of cash to the emergence of new practices exploiting cryptocurrencies. 

The Persistent Dominance of Cash 

Despite the rise of cryptocurrencies, the report by the U.S. Treasury on money laundering emphasizes that cash remains the primary tool used by criminals to conceal their illicit activities and launder their funds. Cash ensures complete anonymity, confuses tracking efforts, and allows for conducting transactions without leaving a trace. 

The criminal activities generating the most profits to be laundered in the United States are still fraud, drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking, and corruption. The Treasury points out several persisting high-risk areas! The abuse of shell companies, lack of transparency in the real estate sector, imperfect coverage of the non-banking financial sector, the complicity of certain professionals, and compliance failures in the banking sector.

Although the report notes an increasing threat related to cryptocurrencies, exploited for scams and terrorism financing, cash has not yet been dethroned. Its availability, anonymity, and ease of use still make it the preferred method for criminals to launder massive amounts from drug trafficking, prostitution, illegal gambling, or other illicit profit sources.

The Emergence of Crypto-Related Risks

Nevertheless, the report clearly warns against the growing dangers of cryptocurrencies. The Treasury highlights that malicious actors, from scammers to terrorists, increasingly exploit digital assets to raise funds or transfer money across the globe.

Cryptocurrencies indeed allow for instant cross-border transactions, with minimal fees, and relative anonymity due to the absence of traditional financial intermediaries. The Treasury is particularly concerned about the use of cryptocurrencies for terrorist financing, whether it be for foreign groups like the Islamic State or for American extremists.

The report also highlights the challenges posed by decentralized finance (DeFi) and stablecoins. These services are covered by anti-money laundering regulations but struggle to comply with them, offering criminals loopholes to exploit. The Treasury is also alarmed by the development of online gaming, which presents unique risk vectors.

In conclusion, while cash remains the preferred tool for now, the rapid rise of cryptocurrencies in an environment still lightly regulated is concerning to U.S. authorities. The Treasury calls for awareness and a strengthening of measures to combat money laundering and illicit financing in all its forms.