The use of
cryptocurrencies in various criminal activities has become increasingly
prevalent, according to Europol’s latest Internet Organised Crime Threat
Assessment (IOCTA) report released today (Monday). The European Union’s law
enforcement agency highlights the growing role of digital assets and artificial
intelligence in cybercrime, signaling potential challenges for investigators
and regulators alike.
In its 10th
annual IOCTA report, Europol emphasizes that cryptocurrency adoption among
cybercriminals has expanded beyond traditional use cases, permeating a wider
array of illicit activities. This trend poses significant concerns for law
enforcement agencies struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving criminal
tactics.
Catherine De Bolle, the Executive Director of Europol
“In 2023,
millions of victims across the EU were attacked and exploited online on a daily
basis. Small and medium businesses were increasingly popular targets for
cyber-attacks, while e-merchants experienced the most digital skimming attacks,”
commented Catherine De Bolle, the Executive Director of Europol. “Adults were victimized
through phishing, investment and romance frauds, and more and more minors were
targeted by child sexual exploitation offenders and online sexual extorters
The report
specifically points to the potential abuse of emerging financial products tied
to cryptocurrencies . As it suggests, the…
