Hong Kong authorities have taken a strong stance against cryptocurrency fraud following a major scam involving the Dubai-based crypto exchange JPEX. The Hong Kong police force and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have teamed up to establish a joint task force dedicated to monitoring and combating suspicious activities on cryptocurrency exchanges.
Combating Cryptocurrency fraud – The joint task force
This collaborative effort was initiated after a high-level meeting on September 28, where officials recognized the need for enhanced cooperation in addressing illegal activities within the crypto sector.
The newly formed task force brings together members from various divisions of the police force, including Commercial Crime, Cyber Security Financial Intelligence, and Investigations, along with representatives from the SFC’s Enforcement and Intermediaries divisions.
The task force’s core objectives are to facilitate the sharing of critical information related to suspicious and illegal activities on crypto exchanges, develop a risk assessment mechanism for identifying problematic interactions, and coordinate investigative efforts to combat crypto fraud and unlawful practices.
The urgency for this collaboration became evident with the JPEX incident, which defrauded over 2,300 victims of approximately $182.9 million. Notably, JPEX had been operating in Hong Kong without proper licensing, underscoring the need for stricter oversight in the cryptocurrency space.
Enhanced regulatory measures in response to Crypto scam
In response to growing crypto activity concerns, the SFC introduced measures on September 25 to enhance transparency and security. These measures include publishing a comprehensive list of licensed, deemed-licensed, closing down, and application-pending virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs).
Despite its smaller population, Hong Kong has witnessed a significant influx of cryptocurrency investments, challenging mainland China’s strict approach. This difference in policy may influence mainland China to consider a more flexible stance toward cryptocurrencies.
As Hong Kong takes steps to protect investors and maintain the integrity of its cryptocurrency market, the joint task force’s formation signals a crucial development in the fight against crypto-related fraud and illicit activities.
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