Australia watchdog suspends two cryptocurrency exchanges for drug offences

Australia’s anti-money laundering watchdog said on Friday it had suspended license of two cryptocurrency exchanges after a police investigation found the businesses were being exploited for drug trafficking.

It was the first such suspension by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, or AUSTRAC since new legislation in April 2018 brought digital currency exchanges under its umbrella to ensure cryptocurrencies were monitored the same way as cash exchanges and transfers.

Various estimates show cryptocurrency crime is on the rise globally, keeping pace with the market’s rapid growth.

A recent study revealed the value of cryptocurrencies stolen from exchanges and scammed from investors surged more than 400 percent in 2018 to about USD 1.7 billion.

In a joint statement with AUSTRAC, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said they arrested a 27-year old man, a “key member” of the suspended cryptocurrency businesses, and charged him with importing, trafficking and possessing about 30 kg of drugs including cocaine.  

The man is suspected of playing a major role in directing the operations of the criminal syndicate which used various darknet sites, bitcoin accounts and legitimate business for the sourcing, payment, and distribution of the illicit drugs, police said.

“While cash is still ‘king’, digital currencies are fast becoming the preferred choice for organized criminal networks involved in money laundering, funding terrorism, and cybercrimes,” Cybercrime Squad commander, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft said in a press release.

“Let this be a warning to digital currency exchange providers: if you fail to comply with your obligations, your actions will not go unnoticed.”