Brazil Proposes Selling Seized Bitcoin to Undercut Organized Crime Networks

The Brazilian government has proposed a law to allow the sale of seized cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, as part of an effort to disrupt organized crime's financial operations. This initiative, linked to the ``anti-faction bill'', aims to treat cryptocurrencies akin to foreign currencies and financial securities, including provisions for financial institutions to liquidate these assets before trial outcomes. The measure is intended to target criminal organizations like Comando Vermelho by attacking their finances directly. This proposal follows a significant police raid in Rio de Janeiro that left 121 people dead, mainly alleged gang members, highlighting the urgency of addressing organized crime. The bill must be voted on by December 18 and is part of broader regulations mandating crypto companies to be licensed and maintain capital reserves. These new rules, effective February, also classify various crypto activities under Brazil's foreign exchange and capital markets laws, requiring companies to report international transactions and set limits on foreign exchange transactions.

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