UK Lawmakers Pass Bill to Help Seize Illicit Crypto

U.K. lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill that will help law enforcement agencies seize and freeze crypto used for crime.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill covers a range of criminal activities from drug trafficking to cybercrime and is expected to get the King’s approval on Thursday that will put into force. Provisions in the bill give broader powers to local cops, and would let them seize crypto with criminal links without a conviction – something experts say would come in handy, particularly in time-sensitive cases.

The bill was introduced last September, and since then, amendments have been added to ensure the measures extended to cover terrorism. Separate provisions to help authorities seize other assets that can help identify crypto linked to crime were also added.

Although the U.K. has expressed a desire to become a global hub for crypto and has passed some legislation to legitimize crypto in the country, it has also been clamping down on crypto crime and scams. Law enforcement agencies have already seized hundreds of millions of pounds worth of crypto tied to criminal activity and have placed crypto tactical advisers in police departments nationwide to assist in investigations.