A UK government Home Office policy paper says “weaknesses remain” in the authorities’ efforts to tackle fraud in new payments, including digital assets.
The UK government has published a policy document on combating fraud against individuals and businesses from 2026 to 2029, and specifically noted that its strategy will address digital assets.
In a document published on Monday, the UK Home Office identified cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange “where victims are tricked into scamming on social media and messaging platforms.” Officials said “shortcomings remain” in efforts to combat fraud in emerging payments such as crypto, and the technology posed an “increasing risk” to consumers.
“(The National Crime Agency) has launched a nationwide campaign to help consumers detect fraud in 2025, and the Government is also supporting law enforcement agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), to enhance their cryptocurrency investigation capabilities,” the UK government said.
Measures already taken by the government include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) against cryptocurrency companies selling tokens to UK consumers starting in 2023, and HM Treasury introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets that will come into force in October 2027. The document states that crypto companies will be assisted with FCA authorization and licensing. fight fraud.
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“It’s not just about reducing crime, it’s about rebuilding trust,” said Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmoud and Minister of State for Home Affairs Lord Hanson from Flint. “Every pound stolen through fraud is a pound not reinvested in our economy. Every victim is a reminder of why we must act. By delivering this Strategy, we will make Britain a safer place to live, work and do business and send a clear message to criminals: there is nowhere for you to hide.”
Audit of crypto contributions to UK politicians
While the policy document focused on fraud, it did not explicitly mention the ongoing debate in the UK over whether political parties and candidates should be allowed to accept contributions in digital assets, given the potential conflict of interest. The UK government has reportedly considered banning such shares as part of electoral law.
Last year at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, British reform leader Nigel Farage said that the party would start accepting donations in crypto. Early crypto investor Christopher Harbourn has sent a combined $16 million to Reform in 2025.
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