DOJ Unleashes Full Force: Merges Crypto Crime Team To Combat Threats

Key Points:

• DOJ strengthens cryptocurrency crime combat with NCET-CCIPS merger.
• Increased resources to tackle cybercrime, money laundering, and ransomware.
• Claudia Quiroz to lead NCET, ensuring robust prosecution efforts.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes by consolidating its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) into the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). The move is aimed at enhancing the DOJ’s capabilities in tackling cybercrime and money laundering involving cryptocurrencies.

NCET, which was launched in October 2021, has been successful in investigating and prosecuting criminal misuses of cryptocurrencies, including those committed by virtual currency exchanges and money laundering infrastructure actors. By merging NCET into CCIPS, the number of criminal division attorneys working on crypto matters will more than double, and the team will have greater resources and authority to handle complex cases.

The merger recognizes the crucial role of cryptocurrency work within the Criminal Division, putting it on equal footing with computer crime and intellectual property work. NCET’s mission will continue within CCIPS, investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses involving cryptocurrency abuse, money laundering, and digital asset seizures.

With ransomware being a significant concern for national security, the new CCIPS, together with NCET, will focus on investigating ransomware crimes and tracing cryptocurrency payments associated with such attacks. By collaborating with other government agencies and the Justice Department’s National Security Division, they aim to disrupt ransomware operations and prevent illicit funds from reaching ransomware hotspots.

The arrest of Avraham Eisenberg for his involvement in the exploitation of the decentralized exchange Mango Markets last year is a notable example of the DOJ’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

As part of the recent merger between the NCET and the CCIPS, Claudia Quiroz, a seasoned assistant U.S. attorney with extensive experience in digital currency matters, has been appointed as the acting director of NCET. Her expertise in prosecuting complex cases involving cryptocurrencies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s future endeavors.

Meanwhile, Eun Young Choi, who has led the NCET team since February 2022, will continue to serve at the DOJ, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in addressing cryptocurrency-related criminal activities.

The DOJ’s efforts to expand its capabilities in handling cybercrime and cryptocurrency-related offenses, coupled with the dedication of experienced prosecutors like Quiroz and Choi, underscore the department’s determination to safeguard the integrity of the digital financial landscape and protect the interests of the public and the nation as a whole.

The DOJ’s dedication to combating cybercrime and cryptocurrency-related offenses remains steadfast, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by blended threats, where nation-states and criminal groups join forces to perpetrate cyberattacks.

The consolidation into CCIPS and the continued partnership with the National Security Division show the DOJ’s commitment to disrupting cyber threats and bringing cybercriminals to justice. As cybercrime continues to be a serious problem, the DOJ is determined to execute its responsibility to protect public safety, national security, and economic prosperity through rigorous investigations and prosecutions.

The announcement of the merger marks a significant step forward in the DOJ’s fight against cryptocurrency-related crimes, aligning resources and expertise to better address the evolving challenges posed by the digital landscape. The department remains vigilant in its pursuit of justice and safeguarding the interests of the public and the nation in the face of cyber threats.

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