Cybercrime Now Covered Under Money Laundering Laws
In a significant tightening of digital crime regulations, the government has amended the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) to include a wide range of cyber offenses.
The decision, announced through an official notification, gives the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) sweeping new powers to investigate and prosecute cases that were previously handled under separate laws.
Expanded Powers for NCCIA
Under the changes, the NCCIA can now take direct action against:
- Cyberterrorism and hacking
- Electronic and financial fraud schemes
- Child exploitation, pornography, and online grooming
- Identity theft and misuse of personal data
- Disinformation campaigns on social media
Authorities clarified that even profits earned from spreading false information online—for example, monetized fake news campaigns—will be treated as proceeds of crime under AMLA provisions.
Tackling Broader Digital Exploitation
The amendments also cover cases involving illegal SIM card issuance, human trafficking, smuggling, and abduction where technology plays a role in execution or concealment. Officials say this reflects a growing trend of organized crime leveraging digital tools.
Why It Matters
Interior Ministry representatives said the reforms are designed to strengthen enforcement capabilities and respond quickly to evolving threats in cyberspace. With financial laws now tied to cybercrime, investigators gain access to stronger asset-freezing and evidence-gathering mechanisms—tools typically reserved for major money laundering cases.
Experts believe this move could act as a deterrent for online fraud rings and networks that thrive on the relative anonymity of digital platforms.
