Vol. 10, Issue 11, Part D (2024)

Abstract
Cryptocurrencies have surfaced as a revolutionary financial innovation that contests conventional financial methodologies. Their inherent decentralization, coupled with heightened anonymity, has precipitated their growing adoption across diverse sectors, including illicit commerce. This study delves into the function of cryptocurrencies in enabling unlawful trade operations, encompassing drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking, while concurrently scrutinizing the ensuing challenges faced by regulatory frameworks. It emphasizes the paradoxical essence of cryptocurrencies—capable of promoting financial inclusion yet simultaneously presenting avenues for criminal exploitation. Ultimately, the research aims to illuminate current regulatory measures, pinpoint deficiencies, and propose holistic strategies for future governance.