"FBI Launches Virtual Assets Unit"
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the creation of a Virtual Assets Unit (VAU) to provide analysis, support, and training to America's law enforcement and intelligence communities. The FBI stated that the unit is staffed by virtual currency experts and "cross-divisional resources" who work in a task force set to integrate intelligence and operations across the FBI. The VAU's mission is to assist the FBI in tracking the movement of illicit funds, attributing cybercrimes to criminal actors, and disrupting illegal activity. The VAU became operational on February 7, 2022, and is led by Criminal Investigative Division's Financial Crimes Section. Ryan Spanier, vice president of innovation at Kudelski Security, described the VAU's parturition as "a great sign." Ryan noted that the creation of the VAU, along with President Biden's executive order on digital assets, is further evidence that the US government understands that digital currency is now a significant part of the global financial system.