NCA Operasyonu: Kriminal Para Aklını Kriptoya Dönüştüren Ağın Çökertilmesi

United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken action against a massive money laundering network. This global network, which converts criminal cash into cryptocurrency to bypass sanctions and support Russia’s war in Ukraine, was uncovered through operations involving those apprehended and assets seized under Operation Destabilise. NCA, along with partners in the US, France, and Spain, has so far detained 128 individuals.

The operation, named Operation Destabilise, seized 25 million pounds (approximately 33 million dollars) in cash and cryptocurrency in the UK. Sal Melki, Deputy Director of NCA Economic Crime, noted that the networks operate at every level of international money laundering: from street-level cash to the acquisition of banks and global sanctions breaches.

“From Cash to Crypto” Transformations in Focus

Criminal networks continue to convert “dirty” money from drug trafficking into cryptocurrency, thereby obtaining “clean” crypto. These cryptocurrencies have begun to play a crucial role in bypassing sanctions and organized crime. Sal Melki stated that the networks operate in at least 28 cities across the UK and collect illicit proceeds to convert into crypto.

In December last year, NCA and the US Treasury announced the dismantling of two circles, TGR and Smart, within the scope of Operation Destabilise. It is alleged that these networks facilitate illegal sanctions bypasses by using “cash-for-crypto” swaps to serve Russian clients. Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized that these coordinated criminal structures will be held accountable before the justice system.

Global Oversight Challenges in Cryptocurrency Crime

Last week, the US Attorney’s Office in Colombia announced that action must be taken against Chinese organized crime and crypto investment fraud. Additionally, reports emerged about a global crypto scam network worth approximately 19 billion dollars, with many links to former Cambodian officials. An university professor who traced 4,000 crypto addresses between December 2023 and February 2024 stated that over 75 billion dollars of victim funds have been stolen through these addresses.

The United Nations (UN) warned about the growing risk in this area in April. A report by UNODC shows that crime groups are no longer content with merely using existing crypto platforms but are now establishing their own. Warnings about the global rise of crypto crimes are increasingly focusing on stablecoins, malicious mining, and money laundering in insecure markets.