Europol experts name bitcoin the most popular cryptocurrency among criminals

According to a report by Europol, despite the efforts of international law enforcement agencies and government officials, bitcoin remains the «most popular» crypto asset among criminals.

Experts say that the rise in bitcoin prices and the media’s close attention to the launch of cryptocurrency ETFs have increased the prevalence of investment fraud. At the same time, the flagship cryptocurrency has become the most frequently mentioned product offered in fraudulent investment schemes.

According to experts, people with insufficient investment experience do not fully understand the peculiarities of investing in digital assets. «Companies that issue bitcoin ETFs will have to keep significant reserves in cryptocurrency, making them valuable targets for various f raudsters,» Europol comments.

The report emphasizes the growing use of bitcoin as an initial resource for exchanging cryptocurrencies to further conceal criminal proceeds. For example, Europol specifically emphasized the exchange of bitcoins paired with Monero and other confidential coins that declare the principles of modus operandi.

Europol states that international criminal groups are actively exploiting the opportunities of the digital finance industry, including bitcoin, which creates objective problems for law enforcement agencies' legitimate access to criminal communications.