Definition ∞ Virtual currency mixers are services that pool and scramble cryptocurrency from multiple users to obscure transaction origins. These services operate by combining various users’ digital funds into a large pool and then distributing mixed funds back to designated recipients, making it difficult to trace individual transactions. Their primary function is to enhance privacy by breaking the on-chain link between sender and receiver. However, they are also frequently exploited by illicit actors for money laundering purposes.
Context ∞ Virtual currency mixers are a recurring subject in crypto news, often linked to investigations into cybercrime and sanctions evasion. Regulatory bodies, such as FinCEN, have issued warnings and taken enforcement actions against mixer operators, highlighting the ongoing global effort to combat their use in illicit financial activities while balancing privacy concerns.
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