Rising Crypto Crimes in Australia Prompt Call for Tougher Regulations

Cryptocurrency has surged in popularity globally, presenting new opportunities and challenges alike. 

In Australia, the rapid growth of digital assets has been accompanied by an alarming increase in crypto-related crimes. These incidents range from fraudulent schemes to money laundering and even extortion. As a result, there is a growing call among regulators, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders for stricter regulations to curb these illicit activities and protect investors. In its report, a financial intelligence government agency, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) announced the increased use of cryptocurrencies and related services. According to the 2024 AUSTRAC Money Laundering National Risk Assessment, criminals use cryptocurrencies, digital currency exchanges and unregistered remittance services to launder money.

Even with the global shift towards digitalisation, most money launderers continue to favour conventional methods such as cash transactions, real estate dealings, and luxury items purchases for illicitly transferring funds. The report suggested that digital currencies were awarded a lower “high” risk factor. Still, the AUSTRAC foresees a rise in criminal utilisation of cryptocurrencies due to enhanced anonymity and accelerated transaction speeds.

The report noted, “Criminal use of digital currency, digital currency exchanges, unregistered remitters and bullion dealers is increasing.” The report further highlighted its perspective on the crypto ecosystem. The report added, “Using digital currency as a value transfer mechanism will increase money laundering vulnerability over the next three years. As the use of digital currency expands for legitimate use, opportunities for criminal use will also increase.”

The Surge in Crypto Crimes

Cryptocurrencies have created a new frontier for criminal activities in Australia. Scammers exploit the decentralised and pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies to perpetrate various schemes. Ponzi schemes promising high returns, fake initial coin offerings (ICOs), and phishing attacks targeting crypto wallets have become increasingly common. The anonymity of cryptocurrencies also makes tracing and recovering stolen funds challenging for authorities.

Challenges and Concerns

The rise in crypto crimes poses several challenges and concerns for Australian authorities and stakeholders:

1. Regulatory gaps: Current regulations often struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Clear guidelines are needed on how cryptocurrencies should be classified and regulated, particularly regarding investor protection and consumer rights.
2. Law enforcement hurdles: Law enforcement agencies face significant hurdles when investigating and prosecuting crypto-related crimes. The anonymity of transactions and the global nature of blockchain technology complicate efforts to track down perpetrators and recover stolen funds.
3. Investor vulnerability: Many investors are drawn to cryptocurrencies by the promise of high returns and technological innovation. However, they may not fully understand the risks, making them vulnerable to scams and fraudulent schemes. Educating the public about crypto investments and ensuring transparency in the industry is critical to safeguarding investor interests.

The Call for Stricter Regulation

In response to the escalating crypto crimes, there is growing pressure on Australian regulators to implement stricter regulations:

1. Strengthening compliance: Regulators are urged to enhance compliance requirements for crypto exchanges and service providers. This includes Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to verify users’ identities and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures to prevent illicit activities.
2. Enhanced oversight: There is a push for increased oversight of the crypto sector to monitor for suspicious activities and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This could involve regular audits of crypto businesses and exchanges to maintain transparency and accountability.
3. Consumer protection: Protecting consumers from financial harm is a priority. Regulators are exploring ways to improve consumer awareness and provide recourse for victims of crypto scams. This includes establishing avenues for reporting fraudulent activities and accessing support services.

Recently, the Australian government implemented a ban on using crypto and credit cards for online gambling. The new Australian rule suggested that companies failing to comply could face fines of up to approximately 234,750 Australian dollars ($155,00). The CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, Kai Cantwell, an independent organisation for Australian-licensed gambling service providers, believes that the move makes it easier for people to control themselves. Cantwell added, “This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their gambling behaviour.”  

The proliferation of crypto crimes in Australia underscores the need for proactive regulatory measures to mitigate risks and foster a safer investment environment. While cryptocurrencies offer exciting possibilities for innovation and financial inclusion, their unchecked growth has also exposed vulnerabilities that malicious actors exploit. By implementing robust regulations, enhancing enforcement capabilities, and prioritising investor protection, Australia can navigate the complexities of the crypto landscape more effectively. Only through collaborative efforts between regulators, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders can the potential of cryptocurrencies be realised while safeguarding against illicit activities.