Why criminals still use Bitcoin?

[lovesmayfamilis]

The popularity of bitcoin is gaining first places not only among large companies and ordinary investors, Bitcoin also remains the most preferred coin among criminals.
Prosecutors Zia Farooqi and Jesse Brooks talk about it in their podcast

As it turns out, even though there are anonymous cryptocurrencies, criminals will still need to buy bitcoins to withdraw them into fiat money.
“You can buy a Tesla with Bitcoin. You can buy Subway with Bitcoin. You can’t buy them with those other coins that no one has heard of, and so as they still chain-hop to obfuscate, at the end of the day, they need to get this into fiat currency,” said Faruqui, adding that this is the “choke point where law enforcement will come in.” 

And since all transactions are very easy to track, there are good opportunities for law enforcement to catch criminals with Chainalysis.

https://decrypt.co/45715/why-cybercriminals-terrorists-keep-using-bitcoin

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[jackg]

I don't think it's as attractive as AUD or GBP.

I doubt anyone would notice those, especially now it's possible to clean them in a washing machine so they might just seem like plastic (dunno if they have identifiers in the notes though)...

I don't think bitcoin is great for laundering and illegal activities although in the UK and a lot of Europe, upu can trade up to €15000/£13000 without any need for kyc. And if you want to go higher you can just use a bank transfer because its unlikely you'll be asked for the source of funds.

[thirdkiller]

Because they think it's an easy way to cover their tracks. But they do not understand that this is not quite true in reality.

[BlackHatCoiner]

Bitcoin means anonymity and a criminals wants that. I don't understand why you put "still" on the title. They still use it and they will always use it. Truth be told, bitcoin is one of the greatest criminal tools and I'm against anyone thinking the opposite. Bitcoin means privacy, we can all agree upon that, but there are people that abuse it.

Because they think it's an easy way to cover their tracks. But they do not understand that this is not quite true in reality.

It is quite true, indeed. Especially if you make your bitcoins clean with a mixer.

[Light onuoha]

 I don't see bitcoin as a tool for criminals, it all depends on the forum where they purchase the token. That's why I recommend KYC system for all exchanges, to avoid criminals from tarnishing bitcoin.

[joniboini]

Truth be told, bitcoin is one of the greatest criminal tools and I'm against anyone thinking the opposite.

Well, some reports/articles suggest otherwise. For example:
- https://www.swift.com/sites/default/files/files/swift_bae_report_Follow-The%20Money.pdf
- https://messari.io/c/research/bitcoin-in-the-grand-scheme-of-things
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/23738871.2019.1680720
If anything, I think Monero is far easier to abuse for a criminal purpose. Anyway, what OP trying to do here is just to share the opinion and not literally asking why "still".

[fiulpro]

There are a lot of reasons but I do believe that some of them might be :

- lack of education about transparency of bitcoins
- easily accessible
- most popular
- misconceptions about bitcoins eg: it makes a person rich overnight and such , thus people wants to get involved
- sale of virgin coins by the miners
- blending services easily accessible

There are many more things that one might add , but most of these hackers and criminals get caught very often.

[J.Amador]

Because bitcoin didn't need a full background if you register to access bitcoin that the reason why criminal still using bitcoin. And reason number 2 bitcoin give a higher amount than other crypto that why they still picking bitcoin.

[mk4]

at the end of the day, they need to get this into fiat currency,” said Faruqui,

Unless, these criminals are also long-term bullish on bitcoin hence why they prefer holding it. 🤔

Kidding aside, bitcoin is traceable and all, until they learn how to coinjoin/mix their coins well(and not mess up their tracks), then that'd be a problem. Also taking note that developers are trying to come up with ways in making bitcoin more private.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but unless you're a mid-high class criminal, I don't think anyone is even going to trace your transactions.

[lovesmayfamilis]

Bitcoin means anonymity and a criminals wants that. I don't understand why you put "still" on the title.

I mean, there are opportunities for criminals today to use anonymous cryptocurrencies. As joniboini correctly pointed out

But since there are some difficulties in acquiring the latter, criminals are forced to buy bitcoin anyway.
Perhaps you will better understand the meaning if you follow the link.

[Artemis3]

Bitcoin is easier to track (especially when you lack skills) so this is definitely not a reason. And remember that while say, 1% of criminals might use bitcoins, the vast majority of criminal activity still occurs in fiat.

One reason though, is the ease of movement. This is definitely an advantage to anyone, including them. You do not need to declare when you cross borders. This might ease some operations like laundering, but that doesn't make it Bitcoin's fault. They could ask you to prove the origin of your money, and with Bitcoin you can even give them a clear trail to follow, much easier than fiat.

Some people even suggest all public servants should exclusively work with Bitcoin, and by forcing them disclose their addresses, people could always follow the money they get and the money they spent.

Privacy is optional, you can actually do the opposite IF you wanted to. Its not private by default, so this makes it very ill suited for criminal activities. If anything, they would be giving authorities even more hints to track and trace.

If you ask me, i personally think criminal adoption is even slower than normal adoption, because of these issues. But, that doesn't mean they can't use it, it will probably increase as the world as a whole increase adoption. If everyone used gold coins, ransom for kidnapping would be asked in gold coins, like the Spanish did to the south American Inca ruler (and after they paid the ransom, they killed him anyway, typical).

So as much as you hate it, criminals are part of the world. No such thing as a "clean" money. The USD is probably the dirtiest money (even literally with the cocaine traces on its banknotes) simply because its the most widely accepted, not that it deserves it. Then logically followed with the most used coins like the EUR and the other fiats.

So rather than focusing in the medium, focus in the act. Its not Bitcoin, its the kidnapping (or whatever crime).

[cabron]

It's still private even if there is a choke point where criminals have to trade it into fiat but this is if they really will trade it into fiat.  As of this time, anyone who tries to buy BTC meant it as an investment and most likely for trading and they can keep those coins in the wallets passing it on and on without having to trade it to fiat that will require them to submit KYC.

[sheenshane]

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but unless you're a mid-high class criminal, I don't think anyone is even going to trace your transactions.

It is possible, most likely those criminals that have been caught recently by the authorities are don't know how Bitcoin will work and don't understand this yet.  But if you're mid-high or let say a techy person that correlates to Bitcoin stuff, you know how to blend your Bitcoin fro dirt to clean and ready to convert in fiat. Ain't know how the Chainalysis do an investigation like this.

The good thing is if there are smart scammers and hackers, government authorities can hire also these kinds of people that master hacking to trace any possible way in crypto fraudulent either money laundering from cybercriminals.  As a matter of fact, I presumed that Bitcoin as prone to cybercriminals will become useless to them since they know that they can track.

Unless, these criminals are also long-term bullish on bitcoin hence why they prefer holding it. 🤔

Exactly, as we noticed of crypto exchanges hacking, the criminals hold their Bitcoin for a while on the wallet and they let years will pass.

[Becky666]

Because they think it's an easy way to cover their tracks. But they do not understand that this is not quite true in reality.

Though not easy to keep secret while use Bitcoin but with average knowledge in Bitcoin mixers platforms users should be be able to know how to mix coins for security purposes. We have heard some criminals moved hug funds through Bitcoin which were not been track till date, what this means is; anyone among these criminal groups with a good knowledge about mixing of coins will definitely find their exit easily but remember, not all criminals can.

[The Cryptovator]

I am not sure but I think bitcoin isn't involved in more than 5% of criminal activities. But haters always have been highlighting those crimes happening via Bitcoin payments. Lots of crime happening via fiat payment, some of them are caught and some of them still anonymous. We have seen lately a few criminals caught where involved bitcoin-like KuCoin hacks. But as we know, the main problem they have been getting clean coins from the mixer. Even bitcoin is traceable, but we are hopeless when they mixed coins. Criminals wouldn't be revealed unless regulate mixer, which is unlikely to happen. Criminals just getting advantage of bitcoin decentralization.

[RapTarX]

Is it increasing in proportion with anonymous cryptocurrency? I have read one article few days ago about anonymous crypto that they are being popular & usage are increasing too; XMR, Zcash etc. I can't get the article source at the moment as I have forgotten where I read that.
It would be good to have a comparison of growth of usage between bitcoin & anonymous crypto among criminals.

[Cling18]

Criminals use bitcoin and other altcoins because of its anonymity which is needed to pursue their illegal activities. It's the safest way for them to transact freely. Bitcoin is also accessible and convenient so it will be easy for them to use it than fiat. However, criminals will always find ways to pursue their crimes so we can't blame crypto for it.

[ShowOff]

-snip-
But as we know, the main problem they have been getting clean coins from the mixer. Even bitcoin is traceable, but we are hopeless when they mixed coins. Criminals wouldn't be revealed unless regulate mixer, which is unlikely to happen. Criminals just getting advantage of bitcoin decentralization.

I would like to know if the mixer service can do the mixing if the amount of bitcoins you want to mix is ​​large ?
As I recall, Mixer service can break treceability if bitcoin are in small amount but it would be difficult to do it if the transaction was larger. I read it in an article.

Indeed, I think the mixer is by far the best way for criminal to protect their privacy from being tracked. But rest assured, something that seems difficult for the moment will probably be easy to do in the future. Bitcoin is constantly being developed and so are the various services. In some cases, IP addresses can still be used as a way to track down online criminal.

[Upgrade00]

Bitcoin is also accessible and convenient so it will be easy for them to use it than fiat.

Fiat actually accounts for majority of illegal activities with Bitcoin being used for only a small percentage. Also cash is more readily accessible and convenient, it is also untraceable. I believe the OP was comparing Bitcoin with more privacy centered cryptocurrencies like monero and why Bitcoin is still preferred to those coins; although the article did not offer much by way of factual evidence, I would agree to it as Bitcoin is more liquid and established than most other currencies. As an enthusiast I would rather hold my assets in BTC, so same could be said for some scammers.

Exactly, as we noticed of crypto exchanges hacking, the criminals hold their Bitcoin for a while on the wallet and they let years will pass.

They would still need to use other methods to obfuscate the flow of transactions, like by using a coin mixer. Converting through an exchange despite the amount of gap time leaves a permanent print on the blockchain which can be discovered at any point in time.

I would like to know if the mixer service can do the mixing if the amount of bitcoins you want to mix is ​​large ?
As I recall, Mixer service can break treceability if bitcoin are in small amount but it would be difficult to do it if the transaction was larger. I read it in an article.

On Chipmixer for example you can buy chips ranging to above 8BTC IIRC, this is a pretty large amount and if split into different chips it is relatively easy to effect a much larger amount than that.

[palle11]

However, criminals will always find ways to pursue their crimes so we can't blame crypto for it.

Criminals will find what to rely on as always. They are experts in technology usage. This is why you see them in every aspect of life. You are right too, they fall on bitcoin and rely on mixer to cover races despite the anonymity.

[Swordsoffreedom]

If you are a smuggler and you think by using Bitcoin for smuggling will keep you out of the administration & public eye, then you are wrong. It's true that Bitcoin is decentralized but bitcoin is traceable, if administration of a country wants then it is possible to trace every transaction. I think money laundering that is done by using Bitcoin, government are able to find out and bring it under the law at any time if they want, unless the smuggler has a good knowledge about the working method of cryptocurrency.

[Chris Barth]

In as much as you value the anonymity brought by bitcoin, scammers do too. They prefer crypto because it'll leave no trail behind. Besides, the swiftness of big transactions and some other features are enough reasons for them to prefer bitcoin. Sadly, I doubt we can do much to help it.

If you are a smuggler and you think by using Bitcoin for smuggling will keep you out of the administration & public eye, then you are wrong. It's true that Bitcoin is decentralized but bitcoin is traceable, if administration of a country wants then it is possible to trace every transaction. I think money laundering that is done by using Bitcoin, government are able to find out and bring it under the law at any time if they want, unless the smuggler has a good knowledge about the working method of cryptocurrency.

No no, bitcoin may be traceable but only to a certain point. Can you identify the user of a wallet from his exchange site wallet address? Well, maybe the exchange site admins may be able. IDK

[carlfebz2]

However, criminals will always find ways to pursue their crimes so we can't blame crypto for it.

Criminals will find what to rely on as always. They are experts in technology usage. This is why you see them in every aspect of life. You are right too, they fall on bitcoin and rely on mixer to cover races despite the anonymity.

Not a brainer thing that these hackers is already aware on what should be done first before on making such attempt of hacking something.Of course they would always mind off or their first priority
to erase up their tracks.Its impossible for them not to think that bitcoin transactions arent traceable and this is where Mixers do serve one of its purpose.

We have seen several cases where Chainalysis did really successfully trace up some transactions back in the past where it did really result for knowing someone on said transaction.

Yeah, there are some full anonymous coins out there but there's no doubt that they will always end up on Bitcoin in the end of the day when making out conversions to fiat.
This isnt something new.

[stompix]

Bitcoin, contrary to popular belief, is a very transparent cryptocurrency and transactions are relatively straightforward to track on the blockchain—making criminal activity easy to follow.

Good, so, can he shed some light on where the coins stolen from MtGox are? 650 000 of them, 3% of the entire supply, if it's that easy to track why aren;t they coming up with name and addresses and more importantly coins and money?

If you are a smuggler and you think by using Bitcoin for smuggling will keep you out of the administration & public eye, then you are wrong. It's true that Bitcoin is decentralized but bitcoin is traceable, if administration of a country wants then it is possible to trace every transaction.

No, they can't. If they could they would have done it a long time ago and you would see far more people getting arrested and convicted.
Tracing can start only if you know the starting point so if I go and buy bitcoins from an ATM and send those bitcoins to a friend how will the police know I'm smuggling or not, and how will they even mane to link that address to me? Besides, even if they trace it, it matters almost zero as it's one thing to see where those coins are going and a totally different thing to do something about it.

[dothebeats]

Most of them use bitcoin and cryptocurrencies to lay dormant for a while and buy time, and not because of the anonymity feature that bitcoin offers. We all know that all transactions are publicly viewed in the blockchain, are immutable and will stay there forever. It only takes one dedicated law enforcement organization to fill in the blanks and get to the criminals as long as the balance stays on where it is, or as long as the crypto isn't converted to fiat yet. By converting your loots from a hack that you just did to cryptocurrency, you are buying loads of precious time thinking of the next move to take. It provides more avenues on which path to take next in order to remain undetected until you get all the moolah, and doing it again because your plan worked well.

[Oneandpure]

Almost all cases of online criminals use bitcoin as their ransom tool, almost every time malware or viruses that attack hacker computer software ask for payment using bitcoin, still remember nearly a year ago when the whole world was shocked by malware cases on computers, tablets and devices other communication hackers ask for ransom using bitcoin. To be precise a few months ago when all social media sites of political figures, social media sites belonging to the market were also hacked with the lure of investment. Why are many hackers using bitcoin because it is very difficult to trace the owner of the bitcoin wallet or the altcoin itself.

[Sebas.tian]

However, criminals will always find ways to pursue their crimes so we can't blame crypto for it.

Criminals will find what to rely on as always. They are experts in technology usage. This is why you see them in every aspect of life. You are right too, they fall on bitcoin and rely on mixer to cover races despite the anonymity.

Definitely, even the fiats are been used for crimes, so, this particular case isn't peculiar with Bitcoin only but even with the fiats. As for today, criminals with good knowledge in Bitcoin are difficult to be track down by law enforcement agencies, this has given them more moral to always check into Bitcoin when they commit crime due to Bitcoin anonymity with mixers platform involvement.

[Twentyonepaylots]

What should we expect from a better currency than fiat? bitcoin hide one's identity which is working best in doin some criminal shit in the internet. And this isn't a very big deal  for me, everything can be used in crime there is just the demand for bitcoin because it is on top of the chain at the moment. And speaking of tool in crimes, how much and many times did fiat used in crimes since the very beginning after its creation. Bitcoin is fiat in digital.

[adzino]

-snip-

And since all transactions are very easy to track, there are good opportunities for law enforcement to catch criminals with Chainalysis.

-snip-

But, they think that they can't be caught. They think that bitcoin is anonymous, but little do they know that it is pseudonymous and can always be tracked to them. Things become more easier to track if they make a very small mistake. I remember reading somewhere in the forum where a group were trying to finance terrorists through using bitcoin voucher and they all were caught. They thought bitcoin was not regulated in their country.
I would say it is easier for criminals to work with fiat cash money. Harder to trace than bitcoin.

[famososMuertos]

I think it all depends on "the type of criminal" there is something in the world of drug finance called "caletas" (Spanish term) widely used by drug czars to hide the physical money they leave after washing it , not all money is laundered ... a millennial criminal knows that bitcoin is not a good place for the financial destination of his misdeeds, but a bridge to reach certain projects.

In any case, there is so much money circulating in Fiat as a result of misdeeds, that in reality you have to be very stupid to buy bitcoin with Fiat, when there are so many types of traditional investments that launder money.

Undoubtedly there are more common people committing tax crimes, bypassing government legal barriers with bitcoin compared to criminals wanting to launder money using bitcoin. At least in my personal opinion I see it that way, maybe I can't show exact numbers to verify what I say, but who shows me verifiable "real" numbers that show that "x" amount is laundered in bitcoin.

G.B.

[Shasha80]

Many criminals think that Bitcoin is anonymous and easy to remove traces, but in fact Bitcoin is very easy to trace.
Criminals lack education about Bitcoin, they must learn to use service mixers to cover their tracks. Another thing
that makes criminals interested in using Bitcoin is because Bitcoin is popular and has easy access, it's very easy for
criminals to use Bitcoin to send wherever they want.

[batang_bitcoin]

I don't see bitcoin as a tool for criminals, it all depends on the forum where they purchase the token. That's why I recommend KYC system for all exchanges, to avoid criminals from tarnishing bitcoin.

In dark markets, bitcoin is one of the most common payment for most transactions. KYC is what most investors and supporters of bitcoin don't like. As much as we can avoid it, we will choose to avoid it. The purpose of bitcoin as a decentralized crypto will be stopped if mostly will rely on KYC. The exchanges have conditions to be met by their customer for them to ask for KYC. It's not mandatory yet they have certain conditions that they will make you follow them even if you don't want to.

[CarnagexD]

The popularity of bitcoin is gaining first places not only among large companies and ordinary investors, Bitcoin also remains the most preferred coin among criminals.
Prosecutors Zia Farooqi and Jesse Brooks talk about it in their podcast

As it turns out, even though there are anonymous cryptocurrencies, criminals will still need to buy bitcoins to withdraw them into fiat money.
“You can buy a Tesla with Bitcoin. You can buy Subway with Bitcoin. You can’t buy them with those other coins that no one has heard of, and so as they still chain-hop to obfuscate, at the end of the day, they need to get this into fiat currency,” said Faruqui, adding that this is the “choke point where law enforcement will come in.” 

And since all transactions are very easy to track, there are good opportunities for law enforcement to catch criminals with Chainalysis.

https://decrypt.co/45715/why-cybercriminals-terrorists-keep-using-bitcoin

the fact that it's decentralized makes tracking these transactions hard, if not impossible. That's the biggest reason why criminals use bitcoin for in and out interactions. Another would be the fact that it also offers profitability which is a bit unimportant I guess for them but they still do it nonetheless.

[Gibreil]

Criminals always use Bitcoin to hide their money. It is a safehaven to them since bitcoin gives you anonymity. They always think that it is hard for them to track their identities whenever they turn their fiat into bitcoin. Well, it is good point for them since the government does not yet regulated the bitcoin. They have still chances to evade the possible track made by authorities. The decentralization of bitcoin gives criminals idea that it is a good coin to store their money for future use.

[BAGOBO]

indeed Bitcoin needs to be withdrawn and requires a username or personal data to use it. because bitcoin wallets cannot be created anonymously/without data.

I draw a conclusion, there are many crimes that occur at ATM machines, many users are missed when taking their money, either data is stolen/monitored by other people.

well, here maybe the gap for crypto money thieves so as not to be caught by the police. Bitcoin thieves use other people's customer data they get to withdraw all the Bitcoin and turn it into fiat money.

i think about theft and crime schemes.

[Anna265]

The popularity of bitcoin is gaining first places not only among large companies and ordinary investors, Bitcoin also remains the most preferred coin among criminals.
Prosecutors Zia Farooqi and Jesse Brooks talk about it in their podcast

As it turns out, even though there are anonymous cryptocurrencies, criminals will still need to buy bitcoins to withdraw them into fiat money.
“You can buy a Tesla with Bitcoin. You can buy Subway with Bitcoin. You can’t buy them with those other coins that no one has heard of, and so as they still chain-hop to obfuscate, at the end of the day, they need to get this into fiat currency,” said Faruqui, adding that this is the “choke point where law enforcement will come in.” 

And since all transactions are very easy to track, there are good opportunities for law enforcement to catch criminals with Chainalysis.

https://decrypt.co/45715/why-cybercriminals-terrorists-keep-using-bitcoin

So why bitcoins are safe for criminals to store money but they are still be found out?
What will happen with their bitcoins? Go to the government's "bag"?

[Tipstar]

Bitcoin has become more easily traceable than using real money. The benefit of using bitcoin is it's easy to carry them around the world. You don't need a boat or a plane. And you can go to somewhere that would protect you and redeem you coins.
The problem here is crime and criminal not the mode of payment they use.

[Peanutswar]

The reason why possibly most of the people are using the bitcoin because they know the advantages every time we used it. Let's take a talk about the old-time use of the bitcoin they are using Bitcoin to make dark or bad transactions like commonly used for criminal activities because you cannot make all of the transactions or activity visible to the public. Ps. I'm talking about the user right here but still the transaction can trace because the block chain is a database too. I don't think bitcoin is the top used to make illegal activities because still, I think they are using is still the fiat currency because they don't want to make the transactions complicated.

Also now there are spreading news today which is the adaptation of the bitcoin recently we have news which is the Paypal activation of the bitcoin transaction. So we are now seeking the more innovative with the use of the bitcoin.

[carlisle1]

indeed Bitcoin needs to be withdrawn and requires a username or personal data to use it. because bitcoin wallets cannot be created anonymously/without data.

Thats why Bitcoin holding cannot be really anonymous so government can interfere at any cases they wanted.

I draw a conclusion, there are many crimes that occur at ATM machines, many users are missed when taking their money, either data is stolen/monitored by other people.

actually hacking is constantly happening in ATM users so basically it is not that safe to use.

well, here maybe the gap for crypto money thieves so as not to be caught by the police. Bitcoin thieves use other people's customer data they get to withdraw all the Bitcoin and turn it into fiat money.

i think about theft and crime schemes.

That is same reason that we must not let others to hacked or buy our KYC though in black market this is happening and this criminal are the beneficiary of those actions.

[Nanda Dewi277]

Because they think it's an easy way to cover their tracks. But they do not understand that this is not quite true in reality.

Maybe also because Bitcoin has popularity like fiat money and Bitcoin is a valuable item, therefore they are eyeing Bitcoin. Even though they have to have special skills like hacking but they still do it. And of course, what they hacked or stolen was not only 1, 2 Bitcoin, it's hundreds or even thousands of Bitcoin.

[blckhawk]

No no, bitcoin may be traceable but only to a certain point. Can you identify the user of a wallet from his exchange site wallet address? Well, maybe the exchange site admins may be able. IDK

I can partly agree with your statement however, authorities can definitely track down someones' wallet but this will be rigorous. Like for example, the email or number that they used to sign up on the exchanges and there's a chance they could find where it located. One more thing, I doubt they will just leave it on the exchange site so there's a chance that they will put on their wallets, by then there will be a higher chance for you to track them down.

[amishmanish]

Reading this article makes me think that this is clearly a new form of Bitcoin advocacy. Now that institutions want to get into bitcoin, the whole narrative of "criminals use bitcoin" is being converted to "LOL, Look at those criminals using bitcoin thinking they can't be traced". The article is also littered with other nuggets like "Bitcoin is solid", "Criminals don't want to stay in volatile cryptos", "Bitcoin can buy Tesla that the other obscure currencies cannot".

Whether criminals use it or not should not even be an issue anymore. Criminal groups that need to pay their lowest level operators will not transfer "Bitcoin" to the wallets of their poor little foot soldier. Ultimately, they all do it in cash. Its just a convenient excuse to talk about bitcoin. The "law enforcement" and the "government" needs to get its own corruption in control. Its this their corruption that enables criminal enterprises, not bitcoin.

[AicecreaME]

Criminals comes with different meanings, others think criminals are those who kill people, who stole people's stuff, etc. but people who dive in deep web buying illegal things could be consider as criminals, as long as they are using bitcoin in illegal deeds then they are criminals.

Terrorist and criminals still use Bitcoin because they can easily fake their identity online rather than using fiat and submitting their identity physically in somewhere they want to rub or process a transaction. Using bitcoin is less hassle and much safer especially in this time of pandemic. What's funny is that terrorist also evolves, they also have the same security and teams like the police so they always outwitted them in some points.

[Lorence.xD]

They believe that they can slip through the cracks when they are using bitcoin as a means of transfer for their illicit activities. What they do not know that bitcoin offers pseudo anonynimity, even if they know about they will still go for it because bitcoin can sort of cover their tracks. Plus if they deal the old fashioned way of cash then the chances of getting busted is high so they take the chance to just transfer the illicit funds through bitcoin.

[MCobian]

It is possible that criminals are influenced by government statements and many politicians who say Bitcoin is widely used
for illegal activities. So criminals think using Bitcoin for crime is a trend nowadays, even though what is widely used for illegal
activities is fiat. Therefore, many criminals want to use Bitcoin.

[Gotumoot]

They still use Bitcoin because it is convenient to them since it easy so easy to use and to send to everyone who have Bitcoin wallet it wouldn't matter where you are they could easily send it and they wouldn't care about the tax or any other things.
They could also clean it through crypto mixer so they think that it wouldn't be traced easily.

[larus]

Lets be honest. Criminals are not using BTC in general. They prefer cash, carded bank cards, monero, etc but not bitcoin. Its nothing more than media fake

[buwaytress]

They still use Bitcoin because it is convenient to them since it easy so easy to use and to send to everyone who have Bitcoin wallet it wouldn't matter where you are they could easily send it and they wouldn't care about the tax or any other things.
They could also clean it through crypto mixer so they think that it wouldn't be traced easily.

Um yes, so convenient. I can go and ask all of my contact list in my phone (yes, my real life contacts, not bitcointalk guys) and all of them will have a Bitcoin wallet, right?

And if I ask them for a tenner in Bitcoin, so easy and convenient for them too, right?

Have you ever used a crypto mixer?

[lepbagong]

Lets be honest. Criminals are not using BTC in general. They prefer cash, carded bank cards, monero, etc but not bitcoin. Its nothing more than media fake

Now it is not easy to use cash to make transactions that lead to criminals (drug dealers, corruption, etc.) because they are easy to spot and can be marked, especially if you use banking, it will be easier to trace them.
bitcoin is one that can reduce and make it easier for them to obscure the proceeds of this crime.

[Zilon]

It is more convenient for criminals to loot using bitcoin than other fiat because its a bit complex to start tracing the exact owner of a particular bitcoin address and this is making cyber crime more easier for looters. Criminals no longer scam using banks anymore. Most investment platforms uses bitcoin which makes their work (scamming others of theor hard earned fortune) easier and safer. Could there be a way out to prevent this from becoming a norm in our society. Most wallet have been hacked lately by this hoodlums thereby causing many to go backrupt and many fake wallets owned by this criminals. What could be done then.

I think on my own part that those with tender and just minds should go in and learn cryptography and bit coin mining to help come up with a solution that will help reduce this criminality in our society

[BTCappu]

Criminals might be making use of Bitcoin, but the ones I have heard of and read of on the news were all caught, which means that Bitcoin is still not safe means for them to be covering up the things they do, they can still be caught when they are making use of Bitcoin. Although there have been coin mixers here and there to help them increase privacy of the coins they are holding.

There is one hack that took place on an exchange and after the hackers got some bitcoins they sent it to mixers so that it will difficult to trace. They haven’t been caught yet, which means that the mixing helped them I guess.

[Kong Hey Pakboy]

From my point of view, Criminals will still use bitcoin as part of their illegal activities such as money laundering, illicit trades, scams or frauds, etc. Until there is always a way or a solution to allow them to transfer their funds privately or anonymously, criminals cannot be tracked or traced by the authorities if they used Bitcoin Mixer to get away with their crimes.

[Crptomagma]

Bitcoin as a Cryptocurrency doesn’t have limits or restricted for anyone to use. Bitcoin is anonymous and decentralized so why should anyone be surprised about its being used for criminal activities? It’s private and secured system makes it tool for criminals to carry out their operations. Bitcoin is one of the most appropriated Cryptocurrency in the world today, and these value attract lots of criminal to want bitcoin.

Bitcoin just like every other currency in the world would be obviously used by criminals to enrich themselves and extort funds from their victims. Bitcoin isn’t restricted and anyone can use bitcoin and how do we know the criminals from the genuine users. The only way is to educate ourselves more about bitcoin and keep our security key private in secure location to avoid intruders. With these precautions we can be free from criminals and don’t fall victim to their evil devices.

[dansus021]

In addition to the good function of anonymous bitcoin when transacting and making our privacy safe from people who want to know our funds, but in other places it is very profitable for criminals because it can eliminate their tracks when making transactions such as buying drugs or weapons which are strictly prohibited by the government country. Maybe that's the negative side of bitcoin that criminals can take advantage of.

Yes Sure, remember back in the days dark marketplace like silk road using crypto as primary payment and a lot of things happen after that like big exchange got hacked and some hacker still free and + with bitcoin mixer so more hardly to tracked the bitcoin transaction

[Xinarae*]

The reason Bitcoin is used by illegal criminals in many countries is that they can use it for illegal purposes as they wish. With the use of Bitcoin fraudsters and criminals often steal credit cards and withdraw money or make online purchases. Since this virtual currency is digital there is no imprint that allows for the manipulation of an individual’s funds. The sender can only send the amount of bitcoin he or she wants and manages the payment strategy on his behalf to the recipient this is why criminals use bitcoin.

[dificanovi]

I think they use bitcoin because bitcoin is a crypto currency in the form of digital numbers, besides that the criminals only use computers or laptops and the internet network, with that they can hack other people's bitcoin wallets.
But in the end they can be tracked by law enforcement when they exchange fiat currency, law enforcement will track the bitcoin address used to receive funds.
I hope the security of the crypto currency system is more secure so that criminals can be tracked down and given harsh penalties, so that there will be no more crimes in the crypto world.

[plvbob0070]

The more bitcoin gets recognition, the more criminals will also use bitcoin for transactions in their illegal activities. Aside from the convenience, and that some criminals think they can hide and can't be traced with bitcoin, we just can't stop them from using it. It's the same with fiat, bitcoin has values so it will likely be used for illegal activities no matter what we do. But comparing it to the percentage of criminals using fiat in illegal activities, bitcoin is not that big.

[Axelseseclevz]

Criminals still use bitcoin simply because they can hide it from the authorities and they can make transaction easily using bitcoin, hassle free. They can send transaction from their illegal activities to their business partners easily with out the knowing of the authority.

[proTECH77]

The reason why criminals still use bitcoin is because of the power bitcoin get in the market. Any time bitcoin is going up in the market other cryptocurrencies will be going down.
Bitcoin is decentralized currency which everybody have access to make use of in a legal way like the way we make use of fiat money in a different countries of the world. Bitcoin is more popular than other cryptocurrencies that is why some people are trying to use it illegal way which is not working properly for them with the negative attitude.

As BTC is pumping now I came to discover other cryptocurrencies are reducing gradually in the market. And bitcoin is gaining more population of investors and criminals investors in the community. Many scammers are using bitcoin to scam those new investors who don't really have idea of bitcoin investment.

[Alert31]

Bitcoin is so valuable and it is decentralize digital currency which criminals most like. They can hide their evil and illegal works from the authority and they can send transaction so fast. They don't need to carry a lot of fiat money anywhere for their transaction. Also bitcoin users are now increasing which maybe they also target those people inside the crypto space for their illegal activities.

[oprahwindfury]

The simple reason is Bitcoin transactions can't be traced and tracked by any other people and this is the thing criminals are here with this process.One more thing is money laundering and stuffs.But my opinion is this kinds of conversations shouldn’t not be discuss here because overall it's a negative topic and negativity shouud not be spread by us.

[Alucard1]

Criminals will always use bitcoin to do criminal activities because of thinking that they cannot be traced when using a bitcoin, this is a common mistake for every people they though they when they have transactions with a cryptocurrency they think that they are now safe and the government won't see it but it is a wrong mind concept.

Cryptocurrency are also used int such dark web and they ar eusing cryptocurrency as a means of payment for dealing such criminal activities, money laundering, illegal drugs, buying dangerous weapon, etc.

[Janation]

I don't see bitcoin as a tool for criminals, it all depends on the forum where they purchase the token. That's why I recommend KYC system for all exchanges, to avoid criminals from tarnishing bitcoin.

KYC won't solve that problem.

You should always remember that most of us are using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies because of the anonimity it offers. That is the reason why a lot of people here in this community doens't like KYC but there are some that doesn't have a choice but to do it. They are not tarnishing Bitcoin, they are just using Bitcoin because of its feature.

[ChiBitCTy]

This is in large part due to ignorance and ease of use.  First of all many people who still use bitcoin to purchase online drugs and illegal goods simply don't realize that bitcoin isn't anonymous.  Second, one issue with Monero is that it's too difficult to use.  This is a big reason why people aren't using it more than bitcoin.  However coins are easy to swap so I don't think that fact that those other coins can't buy as much stuff straight up, plays that large of a factor in this.

[charlesmichel1]

There are two reasons. Firstly, it's easy to buy and cash out Bitcoin. Secondly, some of them have a misconception that Bitcoin is 100% private.

[Hasan905]

And since all transactions are very easy to track, there are good opportunities for law enforcement to catch criminals with Chainalysis.

well, the government will track the transaction history, they will find out easily where to start and where to end and this is the benefit of blockchain. But the question is how will they identify the identities of criminals? Also, how can you say that they won't use mixer to cleanup their tracking record?

[ghost424]

I don't see bitcoin as a tool for criminals, it all depends on the forum where they purchase the token. That's why I recommend KYC system for all exchanges, to avoid criminals from tarnishing bitcoin.

KYC won't solve that problem.

You should always remember that most of us are using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies because of the anonimity it offers. That is the reason why a lot of people here in this community doens't like KYC but there are some that doesn't have a choice but to do it. They are not tarnishing Bitcoin, they are just using Bitcoin because of its feature.

That is quite true. KYC does not even solve the problem. It might only have a slight effect since some criminals are able to acquire the identity of other people to use at exchanges. KYC for all exchanges is not the solution. They are using Bitcoin since it can be untraceable and money that is untraceable is a good way to send dirty money.

[Blackrain13]

Criminals still use bitcoin because they can hide it easily when doing transaction on their illegal business and they can send money using bitcoin easily. Bitcoin is very useful for the criminals in many ways but I think authorities and the government can also track their transaction and found them later because we have a high technology to be use this time.

[gagux123]

Well, there are some reasons that criminals use bitcoin.
With bitcoin you have privacy, you can send your cryptocurrencies out of the country quickly, you will hardly be able to be tracked and other benefits that cryptocurrencies can provide

[Yatsan]

Criminals, hackers, and as well as scammers are all sharing the same thoughts of seeking seamless and faster way of acquiring money and having anonymity all at the same time having the easiest way possible of doing such illegal activities they are executing taking advantage of the good features that bitcoin do have and offer that is originally intended for the good usage. But since those kind of people are seeking for those advantages, they are making the other way around of using Bitcoin for illegal activities which makes them choose Bitcoin. But compared to fiat and Bitcoin or any crypto, still fiat leads the number of most illegal activities being executed due to familiarization and no more need to further study unlike doing it on crypto wherein you must be knowledgeable enough not to get tracked and get caught.

[tanjiran]

Criminals, hackers, and as well as scammers are all sharing the same thoughts of seeking seamless and faster way of acquiring money and having anonymity all at the same time having the easiest way possible of doing such illegal activities they are executing taking advantage of the good features that bitcoin do have and offer that is originally intended for the good usage.
snip--

Hard to trace, that's the main reason scammers cover their tracks. In fact, when compared, fraud or crime with fiat is much greater. Unfortunately, when there are cases of crypto-related crimes it will definitely be uproar news, apart from the fantastic value of the fraud, many people think bitcoin tends to the criminal world. if we learn more deeply, the benefits of bitcoin are numerous and are useful to cover the shortcomings of conventional transactions today.

[erikoy]

bitcoin is anonymous and that is an advantage to the part of the criminals doing kidnap for ransom, money laundering, fundng terrorist and other means of illegal activities.

This is why government are eyeing bitcoin to destory it or ban it. In fact other countries had already ban bitcoin. It may be not good because we are enjoying bitcoin but this is the reality. Bitcoin has been use illegally and that also bitcoin does not really contribute good for the economy. Imagine you earn in bitcoin but in the procedd others are losing in their bitcoin so what is the point in your earnings?

[DrG]

bitcoin is anonymous and that is an advantage to the part of the criminals doing kidnap for ransom, money laundering, fundng terrorist and other means of illegal activities.

This is why government are eyeing bitcoin to destory it or ban it. In fact other countries had already ban bitcoin. It may be not good because we are enjoying bitcoin but this is the reality. Bitcoin has been use illegally and that also bitcoin does not really contribute good for the economy. Imagine you earn in bitcoin but in the procedd others are losing in their bitcoin so what is the point in your earnings?

You're fooling yourself and others if you believe that the reason governments banned BTC (and other cryptos) is because of their use for illegal activities. A local man was murdered yesterday using a crowbar - by similar logic governments would start monitoring sales of crowbars and restrict their usage.

The reason for the ban was because crypto was being used to circumvent the established tradition of having banks move your money to another bank - all under the purview of the government. They need to know what you're doing with your money at all times apparently, even if it's perfectly legal or illegal (such as money laundering). The only reason they make the laws with titles saying it's to combat terrorism is so that no rational person would be opposed to combating terrorism. Yet their fiscal policies of separating people and their money is a veiled form of terrorism in and of itself. There is no reason why banks should be closed 2 days a week when plenty of people around the world have to work all 7 days and on holidays.

As long as ignorant people allow such crooked politicians to control the system the ignorant people will be treated as children. Children should haven't direct access to their money - only a wise government can help them spend it properly /s

[DrG]

It's simple, Bitcoin is a safe heaven for Criminals and Money laundering. This is why many govt not allowing bitcoin public legally in their country. You can easily move money without any trace of it. For example you can use annonmouse way to trade Monero, nobody will able to find out. This is why Monero called privacy coin. It is not good for Govt.

This is their stated reason, but it doesn't explain why coins that are fully traceable are still banned b governments. The unbanked world is coming to the realization that it doesn't need a bank to work as a middle-man siphoning off fees every time money is moved. A decentralized can do the same thing more efficiently and for less fees. Therein lies the rub. The banks bankroll plenty of politicians. Everything from mildly unethical things like giving 0% interest loans on a governor's mansion all the way to highly illegal like holding gold obtain during wartime confiscation like all that Nazi gold sitting in Swiss accounts or all the money England looted from India.

If the banks don't make money, the politicians lose a big source of financial support, and that's just not acceptable 

[Swopon]

Bitcoin is mainly used to hide your identity with the help of virtual money. Criminals want to hide their identity and it's a nature of them so that they can not catch behind. Bitcoin is anonymity and that is the very charm of its nature. No need to go outside or to meet to paying. All things can be done at home by paying Bitcoin through online wallets.

[claire_lovely]

Most of crime is still done via fiat money, and governments are the widest perpetrators of crimes against humanity with constant taxation for war. Bitcoin is what allows people to be free from having their money be used to harm others.

[Serious475]

Most of crime is still done via fiat money, and governments are the widest perpetrators of crimes against humanity with constant taxation for war. Bitcoin is what allows people to be free from having their money be used to harm others.

Criminals is using bitcoin if they have enough knowledge about it and they cannot use it in crimes if they don't know how to operate it. Unlike fiat currency, bitcoin is not easy to access and not known by all the people and you will be having a hard time to retrieve your bitcoin when a crime happens if your country is allowing you to use bitcoin but if your country allows you to use bitcoin, you can use it but always be careful because you cannot retrieve your money all the time because sometimes no one can do a solution for a problem that is not experienced by the others.

[Trinx01]

Criminals are using cryptocurrency since then, you should also not include the word "still" on the title because criminals are using cryptocurrency for criminal activities as always because of thinking that they cannot be traced when they do the transactions using crypto which is not true because there are still accessible for the government for every transaction using cryptocurrency that is why most of the hackers and scammers who have done big crimes are being caught by the authorities

[k@suy]

Criminals are using cryptocurrency since then, you should also not include the word "still" on the title because criminals are using cryptocurrency for criminal activities as always because of thinking that they cannot be traced when they do the transactions using crypto which is not true because there are still accessible for the government for every transaction using cryptocurrency that is why most of the hackers and scammers who have done big crimes are being caught by the authorities

I agree. The statement was wrong and it should be in the form of present continues tense of verb because yep you are right, since then the criminals are still using the bitcoin until now for their dirty jobs and illegal activities. We all know that through the use of bitcoin we can hide our identity in each and every transactions we have because of its anonymity that's why the criminals can use it freely because the authorities cannot find them easily.

[gurjasmeetsingh]

My opinion is that clear about bitcoin, it's already king of crypto currency yet.but lot of  people, like hackers can't doing against bitcoin. Whenever bitcoin is a sharp tool for face to hackers activities. I can't believe bitcoin give the chance to hacking. I think so.

[mich]

Simple answer if cause its believed to be untracebale and no banks involved.

Im not a criminal so I can not relate to your question but here is how I see it-

They think since its not a physical money that they wont be caught down the road which isnt true at all.

Because the blockchain doesnt lie and the proof remains in it, these criminals will eventually get caught.

[Buttermellow]

It is actually possible to track down criminals OP but what about the use of bitcoin mixers and other privacy bitcoin wallets? I think that would be more difficult for the authority to trace the criminals and that is why bitcoin is one favorite mode of payment to use by the criminals.

So why they still use bitcoin if they can be track with chainalysis?

Because the analysis is only an analysis and but proving it would be a differe story. Criminals could use different person in the transaction and it does not mean whoever receive the bitcoin and encashes it will be the one who is the criminal responsible to the act.

[Oneandpure]

Why are there currently so many crimes using bitcoin and altcoin as a means of ransom? one of the most compelling reasons is because by using bitcoin or altcoin wallets it is very difficult for law enforcers to check the ownership of their bitcoin or altcoin wallets, almost all cases of piracy that currently occur always use bitcoin as a means of ransom for them. Maybe because there are many cases like this that can cause bitcoin's reputation to get a negative assessment in the eyes of the world, even though the people who make things like that are not the fault of the transaction tool. Many people misjudge bitcoin when something happens like this.

[imstillthebest]

It is actually possible to track down criminals OP but what about the use of bitcoin mixers and other privacy bitcoin wallets? I think that would be more difficult for the authority to trace the criminals and that is why bitcoin is one favorite mode of payment to use by the criminals.

the crime didnt happen online but it was offline .

criminals think of cashing in the fiat money in the form of btc and then spend it offline so that they wont need to go outside however they can still do what your saying if they are conscious enough on thier security or if they are still paranoid thinking that they can be questioned when they buy or transfer using huge amounts of btc  .

 no problem of criminals using bitcoin because that are still adoption and crimes werent new  . people wont bother about it  .

[witcher_sense]

What if transacting in bitcoin itself is considered a criminal activity. What should we do in such, unfortunate for all bitcoin users, the case? Just imagine, you are now a criminal only because of the fact you chose the wrong currency. Will you continue to use bitcoin knowing you are a potential criminal? Perhaps you will. Because you know that bitcoin is not of good or evil, it is just money that allows you to transfer a value, make savings, and protect yourself from inflation and QEs.

In our case, criminals (as any other people) are using bitcoin because it has proven its utility for transferring value.

[raidarksword]

Being anonymous in the web will always attract criminals to use bitcoin because they cannot be identified and cannot be trace directly by the law enforcers that's why bitcoin will always be a victim here no matter what. As easy as to send and receive bitcoin transactions i am betting the criminals are enjoying without facing problems from the authorities. Despite all that there are still good citizens using bitcoin in a good and legal way it supposed to be.

[Taskford]

If they see a earning opportunity as well they can enjoy the benefits of being anonymous then why not? For sure many criminals would prefer to use this over fiat and expect more crimes to happen since crypto is now in peak and the current price pumping makes the criminals move again since many new users will be for sure seeking for platforms to invest and criminals will take advantage on that.

[TIDOVEE]

Bitcoin is a sure coin, no one want to go dulling dealing with some shit coin. What is source for the goose is source for the gander, we all want to be affiliated will success,so also those criminals,we already know that if criminals are trying to pollute bitcoin use, we cannot by that call bitcoin bad. They are the ones that should be controlled where possible.

[Awraawra]

Because we know that every holder of bitcoin are unanimous no can tell who send that bitcoin. Maybe they can track it but only a transaction in Blockchain they don't know who that person. So that criminals still using it because its safe to them and no one can tell who they are.

[pankowri]

Conceivably BTC still has some lacking in its management. The administration should assume strides to avoid these criminal activities. They have to enhance their security procedure as possible as they can. But presently criminals are not comforted to use BTC. We desire that BTC will be more conserved than the other cryptos further.

[Tingtong]

Bitcoin is a secure way for criminals. Easily don't track bitcoin user. Who're people transfer her bitcoin doesn't have any proof. So criminals still use bitcoin.

[Dsdaq]

Criminals use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for various purposes: laundering dirty money, scamming victims out of funds, defrauding investors, monetizing ransomware, or buying illicit goods.
This is mainly because many people think Bitcoin is anonymous.

[BTCappu]

They think since its not a physical money that they wont be caught down the road which isnt true at all.

Many people are yet to know that Bitcoin is not traceable. Even the Monero and Zcash that are called privacy coins, I am starting to think there is really nothing private about them, because I once saw someone talking about how people can be traced when they are making use of these so-called privacy coins. Bitcoin is anonymous, the thing is that it makes transactions easier; you wouldn’t have to go through the banks and your transactions are going direct to the receiver.

I have noticed that some people who make use of Bitcoin say that they are using it because of privacy. Privacy wasn’t the reason I started making use of Bitcoin, I started using it because of its convenience, and because everything about it is cool.

[Harrison chinoye]

i think Criminals use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for various purposes: laundering dirty money, scamming victims out of funds, defrauding investors, monetizing ransomware, or buying illicit goods.

[BuNga_cute]

Actually, criminals use Bitcoin because they misunderstand Bitcoin, they think that using Bitcoin is untraceable and anonymous.
Even though they forget to do cashout, usually if they want to make a withdrawal to become fiat they have to do the KYC procedure.
Because it is difficult to spend Bitcoin, they need a cashout to spend Bitcoin. Most criminals using Bitcoin are caught by the police,
because they end up using centralized exchanges, which requires KYC.

[fauzan123]

Being anonymous in the web will always attract criminals to use bitcoin because they cannot be identified and cannot be trace directly by the law enforcers that's why bitcoin will always be a victim here no matter what. As easy as to send and receive bitcoin transactions i am betting the criminals are enjoying without facing problems from the authorities. Despite all that there are still good citizens using bitcoin in a good and legal way it supposed to be.

One of the main obstacles regarding crime in transactions is with anonymous users, but I don't think we can avoid this, because every transaction, whether using printed or digital finance, will certainly be possible for a crime.

It all comes back to how we use it, because every system will certainly have positive and negative sides in running it.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Because they like Bitcoin for being easy-to-use from anywhere. They make their transactions faster and anonymously. But it is true that they will need to convert their crypto to fiat for a thing that can't be done with a crypto anyway. Besides, I assume that fiat is more commonly used by criminals compared to cryptocurrencies.

[Oyarebu]

However, criminals will always find ways to pursue their crimes so we can't blame crypto for it.

Criminals will find what to rely on as always. They are experts in technology usage. This is why you see them in every aspect of life. You are right too, they fall on bitcoin and rely on mixer to cover races despite the anonymity.

Definitely, even the fiats are been used for crimes, so, this particular case isn't peculiar with Bitcoin only but even with the fiats. As for today, criminals with good knowledge in Bitcoin are difficult to be track down by law enforcement agencies, this has given them more moral to always check into Bitcoin when they commit crime due to Bitcoin anonymity with mixers platform involvement.

Professionals in cryptography can't be trace, especially those with concrete knowledge in the anonymity of Bitcoin. Personally, i do carried out transactions with Bitcoin mostly whenever i want to make an online purchase. I could bet that my online purchase are 99% made with Bitcoin and Monero for privacy.

[fishbonez11]

People can use Bitcoin to take advantage of people since anyone can be anonymous, also no one has the full control over what you do. Government has the limited ways to regulate the activities being done.

Actually, criminals use Bitcoin because they misunderstand Bitcoin, they think that using Bitcoin is untraceable and anonymous.
Even though they forget to do cashout, usually if they want to make a withdrawal to become fiat they have to do the KYC procedure.
Because it is difficult to spend Bitcoin, they need a cashout to spend Bitcoin. Most criminals using Bitcoin are caught by the police,
because they end up using centralized exchanges, which requires KYC.

I agree, though Bitcoin allows you to be anonymous. A third party exchange to convert your coins to fiat will reveal an identity. But for sure since they are criminals, they can make a way to keep their self Anonymous. They have all the skills to take advantage of people and that ia undeniable.

[shield132]

That's a really good question. It isn't 2014 when it was hard or almost impossible to catch criminals that were using bitcoin, governments already learnt how to analyze blockchain and hot to track/trace those who do illegal activities. A lot of dark webs were closed, even some mixers decided to shut down because they weren't sure in the security of this whole system. I think the reason they may use it is that bitcoin is still popular in that area or they don't do deeper research and aren't professionals in handling of transactions. If you succeed in doing criminal activities, it sounds paradox for me, why don't you take care of your transactions more seriously.

[ololajulo]

Bitcoin also remains the most preferred coin among criminals.


And since all transactions are very easy to track, there are good opportunities for law enforcement to catch criminals with Chainalysis.

this 2 statements seem to have contrast to avoid the use of bitcoin by criminals. Bitcoin does not have the anonymity that protect criminal use like we used to believe so other coin had been adopted and I feel the anonymity is a reason why it could not be traced to criminals and why they cant be rated as the top coin used by criminals. Monero for example is put under bounty for anyone that can gain access to the coin's anonymity

[Casdinyard]

Because they like Bitcoin for being easy-to-use from anywhere. They make their transactions faster and anonymously. But it is true that they will need to convert their crypto to fiat for a thing that can't be done with a crypto anyway. Besides, I assume that fiat is more commonly used by criminals compared to cryptocurrencies.

Last sentence contradicts the first one. Both fiat and cryptocurrencies are being used in illegal activities but more likely, fiat are are more link with the illegal activities due to its support across different governments. Also, what most of the crimininals are eyeing for is money and not investments, unless they are in this industry which makes them aware of things in order to generate bigger profit. Eitherway, fiat and cryptos will be used by criminals for their intentions, as long as there are violators of the law, and because it is simply a currency, which purpose is to be in the middle of every transaction.