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Efforts to Combat the Use of Cryptocurrency in Child Sexual Abuse Material Transactions
A concerted effort is underway in the United States to crack down on the use of cryptocurrencies in the buying and selling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bill Cassidy are spearheading this initiative.
Senators’ Call to Action
US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bill Cassidy are urging the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to intensify efforts in combating the use of cryptocurrency for payments in the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. They are concerned about the anonymity provided by cryptocurrency transactions, which facilitates the evasion of law enforcement by those involved in CSAM trading.
Data and Concerns
The senators drew on data from various sources, including the US Treasury’s Financial Crime Enforcement Network, Chainalysis, and the Internet Watch Foundation, to highlight the increasing use of cryptocurrency in illicit CSAM transactions. Financial institutions identified 1,800 Bitcoin wallets suspected of engaging in such transactions between 2020 and 2022, although Chainalysis observed a decrease in the scale of the crypto-based CSAM market in 2023.
Methods of Concealment
The letter from the senators also addressed the methods used by individuals involved in CSAM trading to conceal their activities, such as the utilization of crypto mixing services and ATMs to obscure the origin of funds. A Chainalysis study revealed that sellers of such materials are using “mixers” and “privacy coins” like Monero to launder profits and evade law enforcement scrutiny.
Request for Action
To prompt action, the senators requested the DOJ and DHS to disclose their research findings on the extent of cryptocurrency’s role in the CSAM problem, setting a deadline of May 10 for the agencies to respond.
Warren’s Stance on Cryptocurrency Regulation
Senator Warren’s vocal criticisms of cryptocurrency, particularly regarding its potential involvement in illicit activities, have drawn negative responses from some within the crypto community. Despite pushback, Warren has reiterated her belief that stringent regulations are necessary to prevent criminal misuse of cryptocurrencies, including in cases related to CSAM.
DOJ’s Actions
The DOJ’s current technical capabilities in examining crypto transactions have already yielded results, as evidenced by the indictment of cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin and two of its founders. On March 26, the DOJ charged KuCoin and its founders with operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and violating the Bank Secrecy Act.