Crypto, dark web, drones continue to pose global challenges, Amit Shah reveals

  cryptopolitan.com 18 h

India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah has revealed the threat posed by crypto, drones, and the dark web to countries globally. Chairing a regional conference on drug trafficking and national security, Shah noted in strong words that the country will not condone drugs being smuggled across its borders. In his statement, the Union Home Minister also noted that the global challenges posed by crypto, the dark web, and drones will need to be checked by strict measures.

Shah mentioned that while the government has been taking decisive measures to combat these issues, problems remain. He noted that the Indian government has been able to dismantle many drug rings, noting that the act of terrorism that has festered as a result of that has also been curbed. However, Shah highlighted several challenges the country still faces in this regard.

Shah discusses solutions to the threats

In his statement, Shah highlighted that the only way to solve this issue is to involve every country. He mentioned that solutions can be drummed up by technocrats, with joint efforts from states and the central governments toward security and development.

He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has renewed its fight against hard drugs. Shah noted that the increased seizure of drugs shows that the government is serious about destroying syndicates. “In the last 10 years, there has been a seven-fold increase in the seizure of drugs which is a major achievement. The Modi government has given a strong message of destroying the entire ecosystem of drugs through strict action,” he said.

Shah regarded 2024 as a successful year in that aspect, with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the police jointly seizing drugs worth Rs. 16,914 crore.

He bemoaned the increase in drug addiction, urging the public to join hands and fight the menace. “No country can move forward on the path of development with a young generation suffering from drug addiction. It is our responsibility that we all fight this challenge together and make all efforts to win this battle,” Shah said.

The role of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities

The conference, organized by the NCB, seeks to tackle the growing concern of drug trafficking and its effect on national security. Usually, these drug trafficking rings are linked with terrorism, with the criminals using proceeds from the drugs to further their mission.

Shah also recently launched a Bharatpol portal, created by the Criminal Bureau of Investigations (CBI). The portal, similar to Interpol’s system, will help the country apprehend fleeing criminals.

Cryptocurrency, without a doubt, is one of the few avenues where untraceable transactions can occur. Although most tokens leave a digital footprint, they can be easily hidden. This makes crypto one of the few assets that can be used in the drug trafficking industry.

Aside from drug trafficking, there have been other instances of the assets being used to carry out other illegal activities, including terrorism financing.

Recently, a South African resident, was apprehended by the police on allegations of terrorism financing. According to reports, he sent funds into his Luno account to purchase Bitcoin, which he used to purchase weapons. While regulators are now waking up to the use of crypto in illegal activities, bad actors are also working overtime to evade authorities.

Most of the activities usually occur on the dark web, where not too many people are privy. The platform houses several individuals willing to do the most illegal jobs to earn money, which usually is in digital assets.

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