The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is shutting down its dedicated cryptocurrency enforcement unit, marking the latest move by President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce federal oversight of the digital asset industry. Justice Department Disbands Crypto Enforcement Unit as Trump Administration Eases Oversight of Digital Assets Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Blanche announced the effective disbandment of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). The four-page directive framed the decision as part of Trump’s broader effort to create “regulatory clarity” for crypto markets and roll back aggressive enforcement policies. “The Department of Justice is not a digital asset regulator. However, the previous Administration used the Department of Justice to pursue a reckless strategy of regulation through prosecution,” Blanche wrote. Blanche, who also served as Trump’s defense attorney during his 2024 criminal trial, made it clear that the DOJ’s focus will now shift away from prosecuting crypto platforms and infrastructure providers, including exchanges, wallet services, and privacy mixers like Tornado Cash. Instead, DOJ resources will directly target individuals accused of defrauding or harming crypto investors. NCET Shut Down After Three Years of High Profile Cases Launched under the Biden administration in 2021, NCET has played a key role in several major crypto enforcement actions. The unit has been instrumental in prosecuting: Tornado Cash: A privacy-focused crypto mixing service accused of facilitating money laundering. Avraham Eisenberg: A trader accused of exploiting a decentralized finance protocol for over $100 million. North Korean Cybercriminals: State-sponsored actors accused of laundering stolen crypto assets. The dissolution of NCET represents a significant shift in the federal government's approach to digital asset regulation and enforcement. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Donald Trump Administration Is Lifting Cryptocurrency Clampdowns One By One! Here's The Latest Move
