- US government pursuing criminal charges against cryptocurrency wallet developers for unlicensed money transmission.
- Concerns raised about potential regulation through criminal enforcement and its implications.
- Advocacy for clear and balanced regulations to safeguard privacy, due process, and innovation in the cryptocurrency community.
The U.S. government has long maintained a clear policy regarding cryptocurrency wallet developers and their users, categorizing them as non-money transmitters. However, recent developments have taken the industry by surprise. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is now pursuing criminal charges against wallet developers for unlicensed money transmission, even when they have no control over the assets stored in their software. This shift in approach raises concerns about the potential regulation by criminal enforcement, creating a worrisome precedent.
Federal Prosecutors’ Unprecedented Interpretation
In two recent cases, the DOJ has presented an unprecedented interpretation of money transmission law. The indictment against Samourai Wallet, unsealed on April 26th, and the DOJ’s opposition to Roman Storm’s motions in the Tornado Cash case both shed light on this evolving landscape. Simultaneously, the FBI issued a warning to crypto wallet users, cautioning them about potential fund losses due to criminal seizures and investigations if they don’t transition to regulated entities. This sudden change in policy begs the question of whether it represents a deliberate attempt to reshape established norms through criminal enforcement or a disconnect between the DOJ and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Regardless, this development poses significant threats to the rule of law, due process rights, freedom of speech, and privacy.
Policy Since 2013: Understanding Money Transmission
To comprehend the implications of these recent events, it is crucial to review the existing money transmission policy. The Bank Secrecy Act and its amendments serve as the federal laws governing money transmitters. These laws define “Financial Institutions” as regulated businesses and grant the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to redefine this category as necessary. Consequently, the implementing regulations of the Bank Secrecy Act establish the actual criteria for registration as a money transmitter or other financial institution, encompassing the practice of Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines, filing reports, and implementing anti-money laundering (AML) controls.
The regulations define a money transmitter as follows: (1) any person offering money transmission services, which entails accepting currency, funds, or value substituting for currency from one person and transmitting it to another person or location through any means, and (2) any other person engaged in the transfer of funds.
In the context of cryptocurrencies, this definition introduces ambiguities regarding whether cryptocurrency qualifies as currency, funds, or value substituting for currency. If cryptocurrency is deemed “funds,” then anyone involved in its transfer becomes a money transmitter. Alternatively, if cryptocurrency is considered “currency” or “value substituting for currency,” then individuals accepting and transmitting cryptocurrency as a business for others are classified as money transmitters. A straightforward interpretation of the regulations implies that cryptocurrency serves as a substitute for traditional currency. Consequently, anyone with control over another person’s cryptocurrency, utilizing that control to move it to another person or location, would fall under the definition of a money transmitter. This interpretation has governed the industry since before the existence of cryptocurrencies and has not been amended or overruled by Congress, the courts, or regulatory bodies. FinCEN resolved the minor ambiguity surrounding cryptocurrency’s classification through its 2013 guidance on virtual currency.
FinCEN’s 2013 Virtual Currency Guidance
In 2013, FinCEN released its initial guidance on “virtual currency.” The guidance confirmed that cryptocurrency—referred to as virtual currency—qualifies as “value substituting for currency” rather than “funds” or “currency” themselves. FinCEN justified this distinction to avoid triggering prepaid access regulations that were deemed inapplicable to cryptocurrency activities. The guidance explicitly stated that if FinCEN intended to cover funds denominated in virtual currency or any other currency substitute, it would have employed language similar to the definition of money transmission, which explicitly includes the acceptance and transmission of “other value substituting for currency.”
Implications and the Path Forward
The recent actions by federal prosecutors and the warnings issued by the FBI introduce uncertainty and concern within the cryptocurrency community. The potential reclassification of wallet developers as money transmitters can have far-reaching consequences, impacting user privacy, due process rights, and stifling innovation. It is vital for industry stakeholders, advocates, and legal experts to closely monitor these developments, engage in constructive dialogue, and explore avenues to challenge this shift in policy.
To safeguard the rule of law, due process rights, and our fundamental freedoms, it is essential to advocate for clear, consistent, and balanced regulations that account for the unique qualities of cryptocurrencies. The collaboration between regulatory bodies, such as the DOJ and FinCEN, should prioritize open communication and ensure that policies are developed in a manner that promotes innovation while addressing legitimate concerns related to money laundering and illicit activities.
The Definition of Money Transmitter
To understand the classification of non-custodial cryptocurrency developers, it is important to define the term “money transmitter.” According to the Bank Secrecy Act, a money transmitter is an individual or business that accepts and transmits currency or funds on behalf of others. This definition has been the cornerstone of regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency space.
Guidance from FinCEN
In 2013, FinCEN issued a clear statement clarifying that mere users of virtual currencies are not considered money transmitters. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the production and distribution of software, even if designed to facilitate the sale of virtual currency, does not constitute acceptance and transmission of value. This statement provided crucial clarification for non-custodial cryptocurrency developers and underscored the distinction between their role and that of custodial cryptocurrency businesses.
Additional Clarity on Partial Control
Recognizing the need for further clarity, FinCEN published additional guidance in 2019. The 2019 Virtual Currency Guidance highlighted that partial control over virtual currency is insufficient to classify wallet developers as money transmitters. The guidance emphasized that the person participating in the transaction to provide additional validation does not possess total independent control over the value. This distinction reinforced the understanding that non-custodial cryptocurrency developers, who do not exercise total control over user funds, should not be classified as money transmitters.
Recent Legal Cases and Prosecutions
Despite the existing guidance from FinCEN, recent legal cases have raised questions about the classification of non-custodial cryptocurrency developers. For instance, in the case of the developers of Samourai Wallet, they were accused of unlicensed money transmission. However, it is important to note that the developers did not have total independent control over the user funds, as required by the regulations. Thus, under a plain reading of the regulations and considering the FinCEN guidance, the developers of Samourai Wallet should not be considered money transmitters.
Similarly, in the Tornado Cash criminal case against developer Roman Storm, the prosecution argues that the Tornado Cash software facilitated the transfer of cryptocurrency on the Ethereum blockchain, thereby classifying the developers as money transmitters. However, this argument takes an overly broad interpretation of the law, encompassing all cryptocurrency wallets and smart contracts. Such an interpretation disregards the established guidance from FinCEN and fails to recognize the absence of actual control by the developers over user funds.
Implications of Recent Prosecutions and FBI Warning
The recent prosecutions and the FBI’s warning bulletin on crypto wallets have raised concerns within the cryptocurrency community. The warning cautions against using unregistered money transmitting services and emphasizes the importance of collecting “know your customer” (KYC) information. While the intention to combat illicit activity is commendable, these developments have led to confusion and potential overreach in interpreting the definition of money transmission. The expansive interpretation may inadvertently classify all cryptocurrency wallets as money transmitters, creating unintended consequences for individuals who prefer non-custodial solutions.
Advocacy for Clarity and Engagement with Regulators
In light of these developments, there is a pressing need for continued efforts to advocate for clarity and reasonable interpretations of the regulations. Civil lawsuits and amicus briefs can play a pivotal role in presenting the technology and its implications to the courts. Additionally, engaging with members of Congress to ensure their awareness of these issues is crucial. By promoting dialogue and understanding, it is possible to defend the wrongly accused developers and reinforce the sound policies previously outlined by regulators.
Conclusion
The recent actions by the DOJ, interpreted as an aggressive shift in policy, pose serious concerns for the cryptocurrency industry. The reclassification of wallet developers as money transmitters without substantial control over assets disrupts the established regulatory framework, jeopardizing the rule of law and fundamental freedoms like privacy and free speech. These developments demand a concerted response from stakeholders to advocate for clear, balanced regulations that preserve innovation while addressing security concerns, emphasizing the necessity for consistent enforcement and regulatory guidance to support the future stability and growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
