DOJ hearing probes closure of crypto unit
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- A US Senate hearing examined the Justice Department's decision to close its crypto enforcement unit.
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the move.
- Lawmakers also questioned the department over President Donald Trump's crypto-related pardons.
US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the Justice Department's decision to shut down its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team during a Senate hearing.
Lawmakers questioned Blanche about why the department dismantled the specialist crypto unit and whether the move could weaken enforcement against digital asset crime.
“There is no reduction in the Department's commitment to prosecuting criminal conduct involving digital assets,” Blanche said.
Blanche said prosecutors would continue pursuing fraud, money laundering and other crimes involving cryptocurrencies through existing Justice Department teams.
Senators also questioned Blanche about President Donald Trump's pardons of individuals linked to cryptocurrency cases and whether they affected the department's enforcement priorities.
The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team was created in 2021 to investigate major digital asset crimes, including ransomware, money laundering and sanctions evasion.
The hearing highlighted ongoing debate over how the United States should regulate and enforce laws covering the rapidly growing digital asset industry.