Secret Service May Gain Expanded Powers To Address Crypto Crime Under New Bill

As a seasoned researcher with a background in cybersecurity and financial crime, I find this development to be a significant stride towards safeguarding our nation from the insidious activities of criminal organizations. The proposed Combating Money Laundering in Cybercrime Act of 2024 is a testament to bipartisan cooperation, an aspect that often seems elusive in today’s political climate.


U.S senators propose that the President’s security detail, beyond carrying powerful firearms and wearing stylish sunglasses, should also have the authority to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes. This cross-party initiative aims to empower the Secret Service with the necessary tools to combat digital crimes.

To combat the increasing issue of illegal funds and cryptocurrency being used by criminals, a new bill called “The Fight Against Money Laundering in Cybercrime Act” for the year 2024 is being suggested.

Specifics Of The Proposed Law

Senators Amy Klobuchar (Democrat from Minnesota), Chuck Grassley (Republican from Iowa), and Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat from Nevada) have presented a bill that expands the Secret Service’s investigative capabilities to probe crimes related to digital assets, encompassing financial institution fraud, complex money transactions, and unauthorized money transfer businesses.

With the help of Senator Chuck Grassley, my latest proposal equips the Secret Service with the necessary resources for investigating criminal groups that employ digital assets as a means to elude legal authority.

As a dedicated crypto investor, I recognize the pivotal function that the Secret Service performs in safeguarding us against financial fraud. My proposed legislation aims to reinforce their capabilities, thereby ensuring unwavering protection for us all.

— Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) August 4, 2024

As someone who has spent years working with financial crimes and digital assets, I can attest to the importance of investigative tools like this one. In my career, I’ve seen instances where financial institutions, structured transactions, and unlicensed businesses have committed fraud through digital means. The ability to investigate these crimes effectively is essential for protecting consumers, maintaining market integrity, and ensuring that financial systems function smoothly. This tool could make a significant difference in our ability to combat fraud and uphold the trust that underpins our economic system.

Senator Masto has emphasized the immediate and significant threat to national security from the financing of illicit activities using digital assets. Within a year, the bill requires the creation of a Government Accountability Report (GAR) that assesses the efficiency of law enforcement in identifying and preventing money laundering activities.

Secret Service May Gain Expanded Powers To Address Crypto Crime Under New Bill

Enhancing The capabilities Of The Secret Service

As a seasoned investigator with years of experience chasing down criminals and rooting out corruption, I strongly believe that the rise of cryptocurrencies has opened up new avenues for illegal activities such as money laundering. In light of this reality, I wholeheartedly support Sen. Grassley’s call for enhanced threat assessments to combat these “seedy financial companies” that are exploiting our financial system. With my own personal experience in tracking down illicit actors, I can attest to the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect our economy and uphold justice.

Starting from 2004, the Cyber Investigative Section within the Secret Service has been a self-contained team dedicated to tackling cybercrime. To boost collaboration and expertise in investigating financially-driven cybercrime, the agency declared the creation of its Cyber Fraud Task Forces in 2020, amalgamating their Electronic Crimes Task Forces and Financial Crimes Task Forces.

Greater Efforts And Bipartisan Support

In January, nine legislators proposed a bill resembling the CMLC2024, reflecting the consensus of both dominant political parties. This support highlights the urgent need for fresh regulations to manage the growing risks within the burgeoning digital currency market.

Masto is making another effort to tackle the issues of cryptocurrency and money laundering, as she did a year ago. She submitted a bill in September of last year with the aim of closing loopholes and ensuring that cryptocurrency companies comply with government regulations concerning counterterrorism financing and anti-money laundering.

Approximately $22 billion in cryptocurrencies were suspected to have been laundered through illicit sources in the year 2023, marking a nearly 30% decrease compared to the $31.5 billion reportedly laundered in 2022.

The US Treasury underlined that cash is still the major tool used for money laundering in the US despite this notable amount. Still, in recent years government agencies such the US Treasury, Department of Justice, SEC, and CFTC have aggressively waged war against crypto criminals.

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2024-08-05 11:42