In a surprising shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the dissolution of its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), marking a major policy turn in the federal approach to digital asset oversight.
Originally formed in 2021 to investigate ransomware attacks, money laundering, and illicit crypto-financed activities, the NCET played a central role in early high-profile enforcement actions. Its closure reflects a changing landscape in crypto governance under the Trump administration.
Why Now?
- Regulatory Realignment: The move aligns with the broader deregulatory trend under President Trump, aimed at supporting blockchain innovation and U.S.-based crypto businesses.
- Focus Shift: DOJ officials indicated that enforcement will now be integrated into broader national security and cybercrime units.
- Policy Softening: The administration seeks to differentiate between criminal abuse of crypto and legitimate blockchain development.
Industry Reaction
Crypto industry leaders welcomed the news, calling it a signal of regulatory maturity. “This shows the government finally understands that not all crypto is crime,” said one blockchain policy analyst.
Privacy advocates, however, warned that without specialized oversight, bad actors may slip through the cracks.
What This Means
- Less Fear, More Funding: Startups and exchanges may now operate with less fear of aggressive DOJ action.
- Enforcement Isn’t Over: While NCET is gone, crypto-related crimes will still be prosecuted—just through traditional channels.
- Strategic Signal: This may be the clearest indication yet that the U.S. intends to lead in Web3 development rather than police it.
Final Thoughts
The end of the crypto-specific enforcement unit doesn’t mean crypto is unregulated. It means regulation is evolving.
As blockchain grows up, so too must the rules—and the regulators.
