Delaware passes bill adding virtual currency to criminal code definitions

The measure cleared the Senate 21-0 and the House 38-1, extending Delaware criminal code treatment to theft, money laundering and seizure provisions.

Summary

Delaware lawmakers passed a bill that adds virtual currency to state criminal code definitions covering property, funds and pecuniary value. The measure passed the Senate 21-0 and the House 38-1, and also applies to provisions tied to theft, money laundering and seizure. The change would align digital assets more directly with existing criminal law frameworks, a step that can affect how authorities charge offenses and handle asset recovery involving crypto.

Terms & Concepts
  • virtual currency: Digital value used for exchange
  • money laundering: Concealing illicit funds’ origins
  • pecuniary value: Monetary or financial worth