Mission Statement
The IMF-AML Department exists to safeguard the integrity of international financial systems by preventing, detecting, and prosecuting cryptocurrency-related money laundering and fraud. We combine technological expertise with global cooperation to stay ahead of evolving threats.
A transparent and secure global financial ecosystem where cryptocurrency innovation thrives without enabling criminal activity.
Integrity
Innovation
Collaboration
Transparency
Excellence
Robert J. Cooper
Director
Dennis Hansen
Deputy Director, Investigations
Maximilian Praga
Chief Technology Officer
Andrew Harrsion Kass
Head of International Cooperation
Cryptocurrency money laundering involves the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds through digital asset transactions. Common methods include:
Investment Scams
Fraudulent schemes promising unrealistic returns on cryptocurrency investments, including Ponzi schemes and fake ICOs.
Ransomware
Malicious software that encrypts victim data, demanding cryptocurrency payments for decryption keys.
Phishing Attacks
Deceptive communications designed to steal private keys and wallet credentials.
Rug Pulls
Developers abandoning projects after collecting investor funds through token sales.
Exchange Fraud
Fake or compromised cryptocurrency exchanges that steal user deposits.
- Promises of guaranteed high returns
- Pressure to invest quickly
- Unsolicited investment opportunities
- Requests for private keys or seed phrases
- Unregistered or unlicensed platforms
- Complex or secretive transaction structures
- Unusual transaction patterns or volumes
- Detection: Identifying suspicious activity through monitoring and reporting
- Analysis: Using blockchain analytics to trace transactions
- Investigation: Gathering evidence and identifying perpetrators
- Coordination: Working with international partners for cross-border cases
- Enforcement: Supporting prosecution and asset recovery
