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Cryptocurrencies are a form of digital or virtual currency that have become increasingly popular since Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009.

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Cryptocurrencies have a number of features which make them an attractive target for criminal activity. In the first five months of 2020, crypto thefts, hacks, and frauds totalled $1.36 billion. This briefing sets out the findings of a ‘problem scenario’ identification and ranking exercise of crimes that could be facilitated by cryptocurrencies. Seven cryptocurrency-based crimes which could be achieved now or in the future are identified and ranked in relation to the level of harm they can or could cause.

Lead researchers:ÌýEray Arda Akartuna, Florian Hetzel and Dr Bennett Kleinberg (¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Security and Crime Science).

Funder & Key Contributors:ÌýThis work was carried out by the Dawes Centre for Future Crime at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº. This briefing was produced in partnership with Florence Greatrix at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº STEaPP’s Policy Impact Unit. The research was funded by the Dawes Centre for Future Crime at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº.

Output type:
Policy briefing

More details of the research and links to research publications areÌýavailable here.