China: Central Bank Deems All Cryptocurrency Transactions Illegal
Advertising for bitcoin in Hong Kong, June 1, 2021. AP - Vincent Yu
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It is the latest in a series of decisions aimed at combating this phenomenon.
This Friday, September 24, the Chinese Central Bank ruled illegal all financial transactions involving cryptocurrencies.
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“
Business activities related to virtual currencies are illegal financial activities,
” the Chinese Central Bank (PBOC) said in an online statement.
Offenders will be "
investigated for criminal liability in accordance with the law,
" she added.
The ruling bans all financial activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as trading in virtual currencies, selling tokens, transactions involving virtual currency derivatives, and "
illegal fundraising
."
The values of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, have fluctuated massively over the past year in part due to regulations in China, which seek to prevent speculation and money laundering.
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To read also: In China, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are "not protected by law"
"Money laundering" and crime
In recent years, “
trade and speculation around bitcoin and other virtual currencies has become widespread, disrupting the economic and financial order, giving rise to money laundering, illegal fundraising, fraud, pyramid schemes and other illegal and criminal activities
, ”denounced the Central Bank.
After this announcement, around 10:55 UT, bitcoin lost 5.5% to $ 42,256, according to Bloomberg.
It had fallen sharply in May following a warning from Beijing to investors against speculative cryptocurrency trading.
In June, Chinese officials reported the arrest of more than 1,000 people suspected of using criminal resources to buy cryptocurrency.
Several Chinese provinces have banned the operation of cryptocurrency "mines" since the start of the year.
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See also: Bitcoin mines contradict China's zero carbon goals
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