30.07.2025 08:09
Algeria has implemented a sweeping ban on all cryptocurrency-related activities, marking one of the strictest crackdowns globally on digital assets. The ban, enacted through Law No. 25-10 on July 24th, leaves no room for ambiguity, criminalizing every aspect of the crypto ecosystem within the country.
This comprehensive prohibition covers the issuance, purchase, sale, possession, and promotion of all cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Furthermore, the law explicitly outlaws crypto mining operations and the use of digital wallets or exchanges. The sudden implementation, without prior warning or grace period, has caught investors and traders off guard.
The Algerian government justifies this harsh measure by linking cryptocurrency activities to illicit capital flows, thereby strengthening its anti-money laundering regulations. Authorities view the ban as crucial for safeguarding the national banking system's integrity and stability. This perspective frames cryptocurrencies not merely as a technological innovation, but as a significant threat to financial security.
Penalties for violating Law No. 25-10 are severe. Individuals found guilty face imprisonment ranging from two months to a year, coupled with substantial fines ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 dinars. The government has indicated that even harsher sentences will be imposed in cases involving organized crime or cross-border money laundering schemes related to cryptocurrency transactions. The classification of crypto assets as financial property subject to criminal prosecution underscores the gravity of the situation.
While the ban's immediate impact is a complete shutdown of the Algerian crypto market, it's likely to drive some activity underground. However, the significant penalties and increased enforcement efforts suggest that the long-term consequences for those attempting to operate outside the law will be considerable. This decisive action from the Algerian government serves as a stark warning to other nations considering similar regulatory measures, highlighting the potential for severe and immediate consequences.
