Crypto, Spies, and Illicit Transactions

Executive Summary 

Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as crypto), while offering near-anonymous transactions, have become tools for money laundering, narcotics trade financing, sanctions evasion, and espionage operations. Russian criminal networks, military groups, and sanctioned entities exploit these assets for funding, weapons procurement, and also disinformation. Notably, traditional systems like Hawala have evolved by integrating cryptocurrency for discreet, global financial transfers. A look at one major Russian-speaking money laundering network reveals connections between Russian elites, organized crime, and sanctions evasion. This underscores the complexities of modern financial crime. Moreover, the Chinese Underground Banking Systems(CUBS) are increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies to bypass regulatory oversight, complicating anti-money laundering efforts globally.

Images Sourced From: Bitcoin.com, Intelligencer, TechCentral

Rest of this post is for paying members only

Already have an account?  Log in

Free Plan
Free
Secret Plan
$14.99
/ month
Recommended
Top Secret Plan
$39.99
/ month
Free Plan
Free
Secret Plan
$14.99
/ month
Recommended
Top Secret Plan
$39.99
/ month
Table of Contents

Related Content

Secret

Counterfeit Currency: State and Future of the Threat

Location:_ Europe, North America
Secret

UK National Crime Agency: Falling Short, Rising Stakes

Location:_ Europe
Secret

Modern Slavery: Crisis in Plain Sight

Secret

Interpol’s Silver Notice: A New Milestone in Transnational Criminal Assets Recovery

Secret

Tunnel Threat Assessment: Terrorism, Crime, Strategic Adversaries

Location:_ MENA, North America
Secret

AI-Driven Cyber Threats: Risks and Challenges in the Digital Age

Location:_ North America

Stay in the loop

Get a free weekly email that makes reading intel articles and reports actually enjoyable.

Log in

Stay in the loop

Get a free weekly email that makes reading Intelligence Reports and Articles actually enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Contact

Contact

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.