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ARTICLE · 24 APRIL 2025

DOJ Narrows Crypto Enforcement To Individuals

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On April 7, in a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced via the release of a memorandum that it will no longer pursue criminal enforcement actions that effectively impose regulatory frameworks on digital asset companies.

United StatesTechnology
A.J. Dhaliwal
A.J. Dhaliwal
Mehul Madia
Mehul Madia
Maxwell Earp-Thomas
Maxwell Earp-Thomas
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On April 7, in a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced via the release of a memorandum that it will no longer pursue criminal enforcement actions that effectively impose regulatory frameworks on digital asset companies.

The memorandum criticizes efforts under the previous administration to pursue a "reckless strategy of regulation by prosecution" and formalizes the DOJ's support for President Trump's Executive Order 14178, which directs federal agencies to promote open access to blockchain networks and banking services for lawful crypto users.

The memorandum directs prosecutors to prioritize crypto cases that hold accountable individuals who (i) cause financial harm to digital asset investors and consumers, and/or (ii) use digital assets in furtherance of other criminal conduct, such as funding terrorism.Specifically, the memorandum sets the following prosecutorial priorities:

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