文档介绍：UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Intelligence Assessment
Federal Bureau of Investigation (U) Bitcoin Virtual Currency:
Intelligence Unique Features Present
Assessment
Distinct Challenges for
Deterring Illicit Activity
24 April 2012
UNCLASSIFIED
Prepared by
FBI
Directorate of
(U) A Bitcoin logo from .
Intelligence
Cyber Intelligence
Section
and
Criminal Intelligence
Section
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
(B) Executive Summary
(U//FOUO) Bitcoin – A decentralized, 1 peer-to-peer (P2P) network-based virtual currency –
provides a venue for individuals to generate, transfer, launder, and steal illicit funds with some
anonymity. Bitcoin offers many of the same challenges associated with other virtual currencies,
such as WebMoney, and adds plexities for investigators because of its decentralized
nature.
(U//FOUO) The FBI assesses with medium confidence 2 that, in the near term, cyber criminals
will treat Bitcoin as another payment option alongside more traditional and established virtual
currencies which they have little reason to abandon. This assessment is based on fluctuations in
the Bitcoin exchange rate in 2011 and limited reporting indicating bitcoins are being accepted as
payment by some cyber criminals.
(U//FOUO) The FBI assesses with low confidence, based on current user and vendor acceptance,
that malicious actors will exploit Bitcoin to launder money. This assessment is based on
observed criminal activities, investigations, and prosecutions of individuals exploiting other
virtual currencies, such as e-Gold and WebMoney. A lack of current reporting specific to
Bitcoin restricts the confidence level.
(U//FOUO) Even though there is no central Bitcoin server promise, the FBI assesses with
high confidence, based on reliable