US Senators Challenge DOJ Plan to Disband Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team

US Senators Challenge DOJ Plan to Disband Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team

Lawmakers demand records by February 11, 2026, over potential conflict of interest from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s significant crypto holdings amid planned enforcement unit cuts.

BTC
ETH

Fact Check
The evidence strongly supports the truthfulness of the statement. The most authoritative and relevant source is a primary source press release from Senator Hirono's official website. This document explicitly quotes a letter from Senators Hirono, Warren, and Durbin to the Department of Justice, in which they state they are warning the DOJ against 'disbanding the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.' This is direct evidence of senators challenging a perceived plan. A second source, a news report from a financial data site, directly corroborates this information, stating the senators' concerns over the decision to 'disband the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team.' The remaining sources are of low relevance; they provide general context about the DOJ or are unrelated, and they do not contradict the primary evidence. As there is direct, consistent evidence from high-authority sources and no conflicting information, the statement is assessed as likely true with high confidence.
    Reference123
Summary

On January 29, 2025, several U.S. lawmakers questioned Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding the planned reduction of the Department of Justice’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. Their letter, citing 18 U.S. Code §208(a), pointed to a potential conflict of interest due to Blanche’s cryptocurrency holdings valued between $158,000 and $470,000 in Bitcoin and Ethereum. Lawmakers demanded related records by February 11, 2026, warning that weakening the unit could hinder efforts to address illicit crypto activity.

Terms & Concepts
  • National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET): A specialized DOJ unit focused on investigating and prosecuting crimes involving digital assets and blockchain technology.
  • Conflict of Interest: A situation where a personal financial interest could compromise professional judgment or official duties.
  • 18 U.S. Code §208(a): A federal statute prohibiting government employees from participating in matters where they have a financial interest.