In an era where digital finance is both a tool for innovation and a battleground for financial and organized crime, this book delves into the exploitation of cryptocurrency for illicit purposes—and how it can be effectively regulated.

The author presents a pioneering analysis of the evolving relationship between money laundering, anti-money laundering efforts, and crypto-assets. By focusing on Ireland’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), this book examines 2,719 suspicious transaction reports (STRs), expert insights, and legislative developments to introduce a new socio-technical framework for detecting and understanding crypto-laundering.

With global relevance for financial intelligence units, regulators, compliance professionals, and law enforcement, this book offers practical strategies and theoretical depth for navigating the intersection of digital finance and financial crime.

Dr. Steven Meighan has extensive national and international experience in investigating money laundering and organised crime. He was part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluation team for Indonesia, assessing its financial crime framework. His career includes work with Europol, Interpol, and the European Commission, as well as service as a United Nations peacekeeper in Cyprus. A member of An Garda Síochána (the Irish National Police), he was called to the Irish Bar in 2015 and holds a PhD in Anti-Money Laundering