In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) and announced a major shift in digital asset enforcement policy. This guide explains what happened, why it matters, and how to make informed decisions in the new regulatory environment.
On April 7, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memorandum titled "Ending Regulation by Prosecution" to all Department of Justice (DOJ) employees[reference:0][reference:1]. The memo announced the immediate disbandment of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET)[reference:2][reference:3].
The NCET was established in February 2022 to coordinate the DOJ's approach to digital assets and set strategic priorities for digital asset enforcement[reference:4][reference:5]. It was responsible for investigating cryptocurrency crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and unlicensed money transmitting[reference:6].
The memo criticized the prior administration's "reckless strategy of regulation by prosecution, which was ill conceived and poorly executed"[reference:7][reference:8]. It declared that "the Department of Justice is not a digital assets regulator"[reference:9][reference:10] and directed DOJ personnel to leave questions about the regulatory framework for digital assets to the appropriate regulators[reference:11].
While the DOJ has stepped back from regulatory enforcement against the crypto industry, it has not abandoned criminal enforcement entirely. The memo outlines a narrower set of priorities focused on investor protection and national security.
The DOJ will now focus on cases involving[reference:19][reference:20]:
The memo explicitly directs prosecutors not to charge "regulatory violations" in cases involving digital assets unless there is evidence that the defendant knew of the licensing or registration requirement and violated it willfully[reference:25][reference:26]. Examples include:
The memo directs DOJ personnel not to target "digital asset exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and offline wallets for the acts of their end users or unwitting violations"[reference:32]. Instead, the focus should be on primary wrongdoers[reference:33].
| Enforcement Aspect | Before NCET Disbandment (Biden-era) | After NCET Disbandment (Trump-era) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Violations | Aggressive prosecution of unlicensed money transmitting, BSA violations, unregistered securities offerings | Not charged unless willful violation proven; defer to regulators[reference:34] |
| Platform Liability | Exchanges, mixers, and wallets could be targeted for user actions | Will not target platforms for acts of end users or unwitting violations[reference:35] |
| Investor Fraud | Investigated and prosecuted | Remains a priority — scams, hacking, embezzlement[reference:36] |
| Illicit Finance | Investigated and prosecuted | Remains a priority — terrorism, trafficking, organized crime[reference:37] |
| Digital Asset Classification | DOJ often took positions on whether assets were securities | DOJ will defer to regulators and not litigate classification[reference:38] |
This table summarizes the key enforcement shifts. The DOJ has narrowed its focus but continues to pursue serious crimes involving digital assets.
The disbandment of the NCET has several practical implications for individuals and businesses operating in the cryptocurrency space.
For exchanges, mixing services, and wallet providers, the risk of prosecution for regulatory violations has decreased significantly[reference:39]. However, this does not mean that all regulatory risk has disappeared — other agencies, including the SEC and CFTC, continue to enforce their own rules.
While regulatory enforcement has decreased, the DOJ has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting fraud, hacking, and scams that harm investors[reference:41]. This means that bad actors who defraud crypto users remain at significant risk of prosecution.
Some observers have expressed concern that the disbandment of the NCET could lead to weakened deterrence and an increase in sophisticated scams[reference:42]. The FBI reported 181,565 crypto-related complaints and more than $11 billion in losses in 2025. Users should remain vigilant.
In response to the NCET disbandment, U.S. Congress has proposed legislation to establish a new Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force within the DOJ. This task force would focus on cryptocurrency theft, hacking, and fraud, with an emphasis on enforcement rather than regulation.
The disbandment of the NCET was met with a mix of celebration from the crypto industry and concern from consumer protection advocates[reference:46][reference:47].
The crypto industry largely welcomed the shift, viewing it as a move away from what they perceived as overregulation[reference:48]. The SEC has also made similar moves, including dropping its enforcement action against Coinbase and announcing that "meme coins" are not considered securities[reference:49].
Critics argue that the disbandment of the NCET weakens the government's ability to combat crypto crime[reference:50]. The FBI's 2025 data — 181,565 complaints and over $11 billion in losses — underscores the scale of crypto-related fraud.
The policy shift has been viewed as broadly positive for the crypto market, contributing to a more favorable regulatory environment in the U.S.[reference:52]. However, the long-term impact on market integrity and investor protection remains to be seen.
Enforcement data and market statistics are time-sensitive. For current information, consult official sources such as:
In the wake of the NCET disbandment, users should reassess their risk profile and adopt appropriate safety measures.
While DOJ enforcement has decreased, other regulators remain active. Exchanges, mixers, and wallet providers should ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including FinCEN registration and state money transmitter licenses.
With reduced deterrence, scams and fraudulent schemes may increase[reference:53]. Users should be especially cautious of investment opportunities that promise high returns, fake development projects, and phishing attempts.
The DOJ continues to prioritize hacking cases[reference:54], but the risk of exchange hacks and smart contract exploits remains. Use hardware wallets for long-term storage and avoid keeping large amounts on exchanges.
Enforcement priorities vary by jurisdiction. Users operating in multiple countries should understand the regulatory environment in each location.
Background: Maria operates a small cryptocurrency exchange that services U.S. customers. She has always been concerned about regulatory compliance and has maintained a conservative approach to onboarding and KYC/AML procedures.
Before NCET Disbandment: Maria's legal team advised her that the DOJ was actively pursuing unlicensed money transmitting cases, and that exchanges could be targeted for the actions of their users. She implemented strict compliance measures, including transaction monitoring and reporting.
After NCET Disbandment: The DOJ memo directs prosecutors not to target exchanges for user actions or unwitting violations[reference:55]. Maria's legal team advises that the risk of DOJ enforcement for regulatory violations has decreased, but that SEC and FinCEN oversight remains.
Decision: Maria decides to maintain her existing compliance measures, as they provide protection against multiple regulatory risks. She also invests in enhanced security to protect against hacking and fraud, recognizing that the DOJ continues to prioritize such cases[reference:56].
Outcome: Maria's exchange continues to operate successfully. The policy shift provides some relief from regulatory enforcement risk, but she remains vigilant about other regulatory and operational risks.
⚠ Important risk disclosure: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is evolving rapidly, and enforcement priorities can change.
The disbandment of the NCET does not eliminate legal or regulatory risk. Other federal agencies (SEC, CFTC, FinCEN) and state regulators continue to enforce their own rules. Users and businesses should consult with qualified legal professionals for guidance specific to their situation.
All data and statistics cited in this article are time-sensitive and may have changed since publication. For current information, refer to official sources, including the DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and FinCEN. The author and publisher assume no liability for any financial losses, legal consequences, or damages resulting from the use of information provided herein.
Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research and seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
The NCET was a team of prosecutors established by the DOJ in February 2022 to coordinate the department's approach to digital assets and set strategic priorities for digital asset enforcement[reference:60][reference:61].
The NCET was disbanded by a DOJ memo issued on April 7, 2025, titled "Ending Regulation by Prosecution." The memo criticized the prior administration's approach as "reckless" and "ill conceived" and directed a shift away from regulatory enforcement[reference:62][reference:63][reference:64].
No. The DOJ is not a regulator; it is an enforcement agency. Other federal agencies — including the SEC, CFTC, and FinCEN — continue to regulate and enforce their own rules. The DOJ has simply shifted its enforcement priorities[reference:65][reference:66].
The DOJ will continue to pursue cases involving financial harm to investors (e.g., scams, hacking, embezzlement) and the use of digital assets in furtherance of criminal conduct such as terrorism, trafficking, and organized crime[reference:67].
The DOJ has stated it will not target exchanges, mixing services, and wallets for the acts of their end users or unwitting violations[reference:68]. However, they could still be pursued if they are involved in priority criminal offenses. Additionally, other regulators may enforce their own rules.
Congress has proposed legislation to establish a new Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force within the DOJ to coordinate investigations and prosecutions of cryptocurrency theft, hacking, and fraud.
Monitor official sources such as the DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and FinCEN websites. Follow reputable legal and industry news sources, and consider subscribing to regulatory updates from law firms specializing in digital assets.
Not necessarily. While regulatory enforcement risk has decreased for some activities, fraud and scam risk may increase[reference:70]. Users should maintain strong security practices, remain vigilant against scams, and stay informed about regulatory developments.