Exploration of potential money laundering crimes with virtual currency facilities in Indonesia

Purpose The purpose of this study is to exploration potential money laundering crimes with virtual currency facilities in Indonesia. Money laundering using crypto is the process of disguising the origin of money obtained illegally. Then, the perpetrator transfers it to a legitimate business. Virtual money then started to become a phenomenon in society since the emergence of cryptocurrencies as a form of technology development of e-commerce activities. Design/methodology/approach This research method is normative law which is prescriptive. The data collection technique used is document study or literature study by collecting primary and secondary legal materials. Findings The results of this study show that the bitcoin virtual currency has the potential to act as a means of money laundering. There are technologies and online platforms that are moving with more sophisticated methods. Through bitcoin exchanges, it has the greatest potential for money laundering. The usage of virtual currency (cryptocurrency) by those who commit money laundering offenses is responsible for the actions’ severe negative effects on the State of Indonesia. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Indonesia that explores potential money-laundering crimes using virtual currency facilities.