Crypto playing ‘growing role’ in crime across Western Balkans: NGO

According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, crypto plays a significant role in criminal activities in the Western Balkans, with transaction volumes between 25 billion USD and 30 billion USD. The region’s authorities are facing challenges in regulation, leaving it vulnerable to illegal activities.

Only three Western Balkan countries have introduced laws on digital assets, with the region’s inclusion in EU regulations proving challenging. Sasa Djordjevic from GI-TOC highlighted the need for strengthened enforcement to combat illicit crypto use and proposed investment in blockchain technology and law enforcement training.