CIA plans to use bitcoin as a tool for payment transactions

CIA Deputy Director Michael J. Jayellis said that bitcoin BTC $96,992.93 Bitcoin 3.19% Market capitalization $1.93 trillion VOL. 24 hours $1.94 billion and other cryptocurrencies are considered by the agency as one of the tools for making payments. He emphasized that digital assets are «another tool in the toolbox» that can be used by intelligence in special operations and to expand the agency’s financial capabilities.

According to Jayellis, the CIA is actively working with law enforcement agencies to track illicit crypto transfers linked to drug cartels, terrorist groups, and hostile regimes. Contrary to popular belief, he emphasized that bitcoin is not anonymous, but pseudonymous, which allows for the identification of transaction participants under certain conditions.

Jayellis also noted that cryptocurrencies are part of the technological rivalry between the United States and other countries, primarily China. He emphasized the need for a strategic US presence in this area, stressing that the US should maintain leadership in the fields of crypto infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

The CIA deputy director emphasized that the agency’s priority is to provide President Donald Trump with superior intelligence to make strategic decisions. Among such priorities is the fight against drug cartels, which he called «a government-wide task» and the main goal of the current administration.

In addition, Jayellis characterized China as an «existential threat» to the United States in technological and economic terms. He stated that the CIA is working to collect and transmit the most accurate information about China, as well as other key international players, to ensure that the United States has an advantage in the global geopolitical confrontation.