DOJ Announces Merger of NCET and CCIPS and Renewed Focus on Cryptocurrency
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri announced a merger of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This consolidation of resources marks a step forward in combating cybercrime by utilizing the combined expertise in digital asset crimes, money laundering, and cyber investigations.
In the expanded CCIPS division, the NCET will persist in its mission to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses involving the abuse of cryptocurrency, focusing on violations such as money laundering through cryptocurrency exchanges, and crimes committed by virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and money laundering infrastructure actors. This investigative work will be performed in partnership with the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS).
NCET's role within CCIPS will also include strengthening its relationships with cryptocurrency-focused Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and prosecutors from other Department litigating components. It will train these prosecutors and law enforcement partners on best practices in investigative and prosecutorial strategies for complex digital asset crimes.
One key benefit of the merger is the increase in Criminal Division attorneys who can work on criminal cryptocurrency matters. The Director of NCET will gain equal authority to approve charging decisions and other steps in investigations and litigation, elevating the importance of cryptocurrency work within the Criminal Division.
Another primary enforcement priority for the merged NCET and CCIPS is the fight against ransomware, deemed a threat to national security. The combined unit will be responsible for investigating ransomware crimes, pursuing opportunities to track criminals through their ransomware payments, and seizing these payments where possible.
The merger aims to enhance the Department’s ability to trace cryptocurrency, charge cases involving the criminal use of cryptocurrency, and to seize forfeitable cryptocurrency to return funds to victims. This step acknowledges the increasing necessity for every modern prosecutor to be able to trace and seize cryptocurrency.
Nicole M. Argentieri also recognized the work of the inaugural Director of NCET, Eun Young Choi, and announced Claudia Quiroz, a long-time Assistant United States Attorney from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of California, as the Acting Director of NCET.
In closing, Argentieri acknowledged the challenges ahead, asserting the Department of Justice's commitment to disrupt cyberattacks and bring cybercriminals to justice. She emphasized the department's recognition of the seriousness of the cybercrime problem and their dedication to execute their responsibilities in this regard.