Criminal Indictment

Definition ∞ A criminal indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury stating that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal trial against an individual or entity. This legal document formally charges a person with a crime, marking a significant step in the judicial process. In the context of digital assets, indictments often pertain to activities such as fraud, money laundering, or operating unregistered exchanges. It signifies that prosecutors believe a crime has occurred and a defendant should stand trial.
Context ∞ News concerning criminal indictments in the crypto space often relates to regulatory crackdowns on illicit financial activities or scams. The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny from global law enforcement agencies on digital asset platforms and individuals. These legal actions often serve as precedents for future enforcement and shape the regulatory landscape for digital currencies.