US federal prosecutors announced charges against crypto
exchange KuCoin and two of its founders for allegedly violating anti-money
laundering (AML) laws today (Tuesday). According to the indictment, KuCoin
operated in the US without proper registration and failed to maintain an
adequate AML program.
The indictment, brought forth by the US Department of
Justice (DOJ), accuses KuCoin and its founders, Chun Gan and Ke Tang, of
running a money-transmitting business serving over 30 million customers without
implementing a know-your-customer (KYC) or AML program until 2023. It was noted
that even after the implementation of a KYC program, existing customers were
not subject to its requirements. Despite these allegations, neither Gan nor
Tang has been arrested, the DOJ clarified in a press release.
Furthermore, the indictment claims that KuCoin did not register
with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a money services business,
as required by law. Prosecutors argue that this failure to implement adequate
AML measures allowed KuCoin to be exploited for money laundering activities,
including those related to sanctions violations, darknet markets, and various
fraudulent schemes.
DOJ and CFTC Pursue Penalties
The indictment also alleges KuCoin’s involvement in
receiving cryptocurrency from Tornado Cash, a sanctioned crypto mixer, totaling
over $3.2 million. This connection was highlighted in…
