Last week, at the Crypto Evolved Conference in New York, it was reported that the FBI has 130 active cases/investigations that are related to crypto currencies. It is a small number when compared to all of the cases that the FBI is currently dealing with, however, it is a significant uptick in terms of dealing with crypto currencies. The FBI currently has a neutral stance on Bitcoin, but they are concerned with illegal activities that are paid via Bitcoin such as human trafficking, extortion, and drug smuggling.
The FBI is also looking to expand it cyber unit in order to expand its resources in crypto investigations. They want an increased allowed budget and the ability to hire new employees to monitor crypto currencies. If the FBI plans to be successful at this, then they are going to need to work with other countries, since Bitcoin has no boundaries and no nation has sovereign rule over its creation. Crypto currency is truly global.
It should be noted that Blockchain technology can actually be used to fight crime. "Its ability to improve logistics and communication can be a revolutionary tool for law enforcement. Although it is true that criminals can take advantage of the technology to conceal their assets, it is equally true that organizations such as the FBI can use it to track them, gather evidence, and ultimately bring them to justice." Distributed ledgers have great potential and we have only scratched the surface. The FBI’s increased interest in cryptocurrency related issues is a natural extension of blockchain’s inevitable march toward mainstream use. Law enforcement is now creating jobs thanks to Blockchain technology. Click on the link below to read the full article and thanks for stopping by.