Bitcoin Is The Top Choice For Criminal Activity, Europol Report Shows

As a seasoned researcher with extensive experience in the field of cybercrime and cryptocurrencies, I find Europol’s Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment to be both intriguing and concerning. The report’s findings on the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in illegal activities are in line with my own observations and research.


According to Europol‘s most recent Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment, the employment of Bitcoin by criminals is evolving. The study highlights the increasing usage of cryptocurrencies like Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin in illicit activities, as well as the growing preference for Monero in confidential transactions, among other significant insights.

Bitcoin: The Cybercrime Kingpin?

According to Europol’s research, the role of Bitcoin in cybercrime is unlikely to shift dramatically in the near future. Its extensive usage and the abundance of exchanges and related services ensure that it remains a preferred choice among criminals.

Authorities have taken a proactive approach in combating crypto-related crimes by implementing blacklisting mechanisms in stablecoins. As a result, they can effectively freeze suspicious funds when needed.

Bitcoin Is The Top Choice For Criminal Activity, Europol Report Shows

Monero: New Darling Of The Dark Web?

While Bitcoin remains the go-to cryptocurrency for many, Monero’s popularity among hackers is noteworthy. For those seeking to conceal their financial transactions, Monero offers a distinct advantage with its focus on anonymity and privacy. In contrast to Bitcoin’s transparent ledger, Monero employs advanced encryption techniques to obscure transaction data, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace illicit activities.

Monero’s distinctive features, as highlighted by IOCTA, make it the most suitable currency for concealing illicit transactions. Its use of stealth addresses and hidden transactions enables criminals to operate undetected. Europol reports that Monero is commonly employed in the purchase of illegal goods on the dark web, thereby solidifying its reputation as a criminal’s tool.

Bitcoin Is The Top Choice For Criminal Activity, Europol Report Shows

Monero, known for its legal emphasis on confidential transactions, is valued in various legitimate contexts. However, it has also gained notoriety for being used illicitly in criminal activities. This complex usage presents a challenge in the regulatory sphere, forcing law enforcement agencies to find a balance between upholding financial privacy and combating crime.

Bitcoin Is The Top Choice For Criminal Activity, Europol Report Shows

Other Major Discoveries

According to Europol’s recent discoveries, an alarming number of daily cyberattacks affect millions of EU citizens and small to medium-sized businesses. The criminals behind these attacks profit through various means such as phishing scams, investment fraud, and exploiting internet vulnerabilities. With the emergence of bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), there is a heightened risk of unsuspecting new investors falling prey to these deceitful practices.

As a crypto investor, I’ve read the report with great interest, and one finding that caught my attention was the increasing sophistication of hackers. They’re not just using traditional methods anymore; now they’re leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline their operations. This AI technology is powering deepfakes and automated bribery systems, making it incredibly challenging for authorities to trace and apprehend these criminals.

Europol advocates for stronger partnerships between law enforcement agencies and private entities, such as blockchain technology companies, to tackle Bitcoin-related crimes effectively. By investing more resources into training law enforcement personnel on the intricacies of blockchain technology and forging closer alliances with analytics firms, Europol believes that law enforcement will be better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of digital currency transactions and ultimately prevent and solve related criminal activities.

Read More

2024-07-24 14:41