Log in

News

AUSTRAC issues two guides for helping businesses spot illicit crypto use

Updated: Jul 25, 2024
Published: Apr 21, 2022
0
Share:

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the government financial intelligence agency responsible for monitoring financial transactions to identify criminal activity in Australia, has published two new guidelines intending to help entities spot potential illicit activities.

Post Feature Image

AUSTRAC targets ransomware activities

The new guidelines by AUSTRAC aim to help entities identify when their customers are using crypto for criminal activities or when they are being pressured to pay for ransomware.

As per the announcement by the organization, the growing blockchain technology and crypto acceptance and adoption are running parallel with the increased cybercrime. It highlighted the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) data, which reveals that around "500 ransomware attacks were reported in the 2020-21, an increase of nearly 15% from the previous year."

The ransomware and "criminal abuse of digital currencies" recommendations are intended not just to help in the identification of bad actors but also to make it easier for businesses to report suspicious behavior to AUSTRAC, which they must do after reporting the incident to the police. The guide further reads:

"Where possible, encourage your customers to report ransomware incidents to the ACSC's ReportCyber service and law enforcement."
AUSTRAC identified many indicators in its ransomware guidance that a consumer may be attempting to pay a ransom in a hurry. Impatience with transaction speed, significant transactions from freshly onboarded companies, and transfers of one's entire holdings followed by a lack of account activity were all on the list. 

A serious concern

Due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, ransomware emerging through the sector has been becoming a serious concern among regulatory bodies worldwide. Last year, United States senator Elizabeth Ann Warren introduced a bill to determine crypto's role in such activities. In December last year, the FBI seized nearly $2 million in Bitcoin from a ransomware group, as we reported.

Australia has also taken strict measures against the same. In October last year, the Australian legislation confirmed its plans to take serious actions against ransomware by increasing the penalties for wrongdoers. Authorities now have the right to freeze financial crypto transactions linked to crimes through new structures and amendments, regardless of the crime's origin nation.

100% Success Money Back Guarantee

If our approach doesn’t outperform the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Terms & Conditions apply

Star

Trusted by 300,000+ traders

Take your next step towards crypto success

Save 50%

$799/year

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.

What’s included in Pro:

  • Success Guarantee, if we don’t outperform the market, you get 100% back, no questions asked

  • 24/7 access to experts with 50+ years’ experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • Our latest memecoins pick with 50X potential

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily insights on Macro, Mechanics, and On-chain

  • Curated list of top upcoming airdrops (free money)

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

If our approach to the market doesn’t beat the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership fee. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Recommended from Cryptonary
Time Sensitive: The 4x Market-Neutral Trade Everyone’s Missing
PRO
Research Report
Time Sensitive: The 4x Market-Neutr...Opportunities like this are rare in crypto. Most launches are driven by hype or speculation with no ...
11 min read
Oct 27, 2025
BTC, ETH and More: Breakouts Loom on Pennants, Key Levels Ahead
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Breakouts Loom o...The market is coiling in pennants after the inflation beat. All eyes on major resistance and breakdo...
6 min read
Oct 24, 2025
Update: The Latest on Our Top Meme Pick
PRO
Research Report
Update: The Latest on Our Top Meme ...This coin started as a meme but now it’s a movement. The diamond-hand community continues to grow, c...
12 min read
Oct 24, 2025