United States Regulators Begin Crack Down on Crypto and Bitcoin Crime

Tony "The Bull" Severino

1 year ago

3 mins read

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Following the announcement of Facebook Libra – a crypto project aimed to replace the US dollar and other fiat currencies, the United States has been up in arms regarding Libra, Bitcoin, and the rest of the cryptocurrency landscape.

The US is finally ready to begin regulating this portion of the financial sector and has begun a widespread crypto crackdown that’s only increased in recent weeks.

Crypto Criminals Fall Like Dominoes Following US Regulatory Push

Suspicions began to arise that heavy-handed regulation from the United States might be on the way the moment crypto exchange Binance announced it would be barring US-based crypto investors from using its flagship website in favor of ushering them to a US-based platform sans many of the altcoins that makes Binance attractive, in partnership with a yet-t0-be-named partner.

US investors make up the largest chunk of crypto investors, and fears that the asset they could be holding may soon be outlawed has caused bearish sell pressure across the space.

And while Bitcoin price is falling, so too are criminals who use Bitcoin and crypto assets in their illicit transactions, one-by-one like dominoes, now that the United States has begun what appears to be a major crackdown on the asset class.

I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019

Following some scathing tweets by United States President Donald Trump about crypto and Bitcoin being used for criminal activities like cybercrime, drug dealing, human trafficking, and money laundering, and negative comments by Trump-appointed Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin, a number of Bitcoin-using criminals have become targets.

It started last week when a Silk Road drug dealer was arrested for allegedly using Bitcoin to launder the money he earned from drug deals over the dark web marketplace. After that, another drug dealer has been arrested for his connection to a crime related to Bitcoin, opiates, and unexplainable Zimbabwean currency stockpiles.

Next, the United States Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against “Mr. Bitcoin” Alexander Vinnick, founder and CEO of Russian crypto exchange BTC-e, which has been called a “hotbed” for money laundering and other crime. Even BitMEX, a leader in the space, is being investigated by the CFTC for unlawfully serving US citizens knowingly.

But Bitcoin Holders Fear Being Treated Like Criminals

While these instances are criminals having their crimes catch up with them now that government agencies have caught up with the times and technology associated with crypto. However, the real fear is that the US government begins to start turning their crypto crackdown towards regular US citizens just for holding Bitcoin and altcoins.

An outright ban is possible but unlikely, but at the very least the Internal Revenue Service aims to make crypto investors life that much more difficult, and have issued a threatening letter to 10,000 holders of cryptocurrencies. The letter reminds taxpayers to report crypto-related taxes which in the past the agency has admitted to lacking clarity.

It’s the lack of clarity around both taxes, and the upcoming regulation in the United States that is causing fear, uncertainty, and doubt across the market and has turned the bullish sentiment bearish in a matter of weeks. The days ahead are important for Bitcoin and the rest of the market, especially for US investors and traders.

Tony "The Bull" Severino

Tony "The Bull" Severino, CMT, is a distinguished figure in the cryptocurrency analysis sector, renowned for his in-depth technical expertise and innovative approach to market trends. As the Head of Research at NewsBTC, Tony leads a team dedicated to providing cutting-edge insights and forecasts, helping both novice and experienced traders navigate the complexities of the crypto market.
A seasoned Chartered Market Technician, Tony's prowess in identifying and capitalizing on market patterns is unmatched. His academic and professional journey in market analysis has firmly established him as a leading authority in technical trading strategies. Tony’s approach is heavily influenced by the principles of Elliott Wave Theory, a method known for its rigorous assessment of investor psychology and price movements.

Beyond his role at NewsBTC, Tony is the visionary founder of CoinChartist.io, an educational platform aimed at demystifying the nuances of cryptocurrency trading. CoinChartist.io serves as a valuable resource for traders seeking to enhance their technical analysis skills. The platform offers a range of learning tools and resources designed to empower traders with the knowledge to make informed trading decisions.

In addition to his educational initiatives, Tony is a prolific author and a dominant voice in the crypto community. He writes the CoinChartist VIP newsletter, a weekly dispatch that has become a staple among crypto enthusiasts, revered for its insightful analysis and actionable trading advice. This newsletter has consistently ranked as a best-seller on SubStack, boasting thousands of subscribers who rely on Tony’s expertise to guide their trading strategies.

Tony is also celebrated for his literary contributions to the field. He is the author of the highest-rated Crypto Trading Journal on Amazon.com, a testament to his ability to communicate complex trading concepts in an accessible manner. This journal is widely regarded as an essential tool for traders aiming to track their progress and refine their strategies.

Before his ascent in the financial analysis world, Tony honed his skills in journalism. His background in this field has endowed him with a unique ability to present intricate market dynamics in a clear and compelling manner, making his insights highly sought after by a broad audience that ranges from casual readers to professional traders.
His professional affiliations underscore his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. As a partner of Elliott Wave International and TradingView, Tony collaborates with other leading experts to enhance his knowledge and skills. His active membership in the CMT Association further aligns him with the highest standards of industry practices and ethics.

Tony’s nickname, "The Bull," aptly reflects his aggressive and optimistic outlook on the cryptocurrency markets. His forecasts often anticipate significant upturns, earning him a reputation for bullish predictions that have frequently led to lucrative outcomes for those who follow his advice.

In summary, Tony "The Bull" Severino, CMT, is more than just a technical analyst; he is a mentor, educator, and innovator whose influence in the cryptocurrency space continues to grow. His dedication to advancing the understanding of market forces and his commitment to providing high-quality, reliable analysis make him a pivotal figure in the world of cryptocurrency trading.