DOJ’s National Cryptocurrency Team Disbandment Questioned by Senators

Key Points:

  • Senators express concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
  • Purge of DOJ’s cryptocurrency team could escalate illegal crypto activities.
  • Shift in enforcement approach raises questions about regulatory effectiveness.

Six U.S. Senators, including Elizabeth Warren, have challenged Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s April 2025 dissolution of the Department of Justice’s cryptocurrency enforcement unit..

The senators argue this decision could escalate illegal cryptocurrency activities, highlighting potential conflicts of interest related to Blanche’s personal digital asset holdings.

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The political response has been significant, with some calling the disbandment a “serious mistake”. In the broader market, there have been no official statements from key industry figures, but the concern remains that removing the oversight body could enable further criminal exploitation of digital assets. The response from regulatory bodies like the SEC or CFTC has been minimal, with no major new directives issued.

Shift in DOJ Strategy and Concerns About Increased Crypto Crimes

Did you know?
The disbandment of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team has aligned with policies from previous administrations. Such moves often coincide with increases in illegal activities in the digital space, underlining the ongoing debate over cryptocurrency regulation.

The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team was originally established in 2021 under the Biden administration. Designed to tackle misuse of digital assets, it targeted areas such as money laundering and crypto-enabled crime. Similar initiatives were part of broader moves to regulate the growing crypto market, aiming to reduce financial crimes significantly.

Analysts suggest that disbanding the NCET reflects a shift in the DOJ’s approach, prioritizing individual bad actors over platforms. This decision aligns with broader trends where regulatory frameworks are being scrutinized for effectiveness and potential conflicts of interest. As Richard Durbin, U.S. Senator, remarked, “Dismantling the NCET sends a troubling message at a time when scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector is more critical than ever.”

Source: https://coincu.com/news/senators-question-doj-crypto-decision/