In a sweeping operation across Germany, authorities have confiscated nearly €25 million ($28 million) in cash from cryptocurrency ATMs that were operating without proper permits, according to a statement issued by the country’s financial regulator, BaFin, on Tuesday.

The operation targeted cryptocurrency ATMs located in 35 different sites across the country. These machines were facilitating the trade of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but lacked the necessary licensing, which raised concerns about their potential use in money laundering activities.

BaFin collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies and the German Bundesbank to carry out this extensive operation. The seizure of these ATMs marks a significant step in Germany’s ongoing efforts to regulate the fast-growing cryptocurrency market, particularly in the wake of a global surge in Bitcoin ATM installations in 2024.

The crackdown also underscores Germany's commitment to stringent regulatory enforcement within the crypto space. ATM operators found to be in violation of licensing requirements face severe legal consequences, including penalties of up to five years in prison, according to AML Intelligence.

This recent action is part of a broader regulatory push by German authorities to manage the risks associated with cryptocurrencies. The German government has been under scrutiny for its approach to handling seized digital assets, particularly after it liquidated the last of its seized Bitcoins in July 2024. That sale included 3,846 Bitcoins, each valued at approximately $62,604, most of which had been confiscated in previous operations.

As Germany continues to tighten its grip on the cryptocurrency sector, this operation serves as a stark reminder to operators that compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional.

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Author: Mark Pippen
London Newsroom
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