Unlaundered Assets

Definition ∞ Unlaundered assets are digital currencies that have been obtained through illicit means and have not yet undergone a money laundering process. These cryptocurrencies originate from criminal activities such as hacks, scams, or illegal sales, and retain their direct link to their illicit source on the blockchain. They represent funds that criminals seek to obscure or legitimize through various laundering techniques to avoid detection. Identifying unlaundered assets is a key focus of blockchain forensics.
Context ∞ The detection and tracking of unlaundered assets are central to anti-money laundering (AML) efforts and regulatory enforcement in the cryptocurrency sector. News frequently covers law enforcement actions against individuals or groups involved in moving such funds. The ongoing development of tracing tools and regulatory frameworks aims to reduce the utility of cryptocurrencies for illicit finance.