As a seasoned analyst with years of experience in financial crime and regulatory compliance, I find the situation with Worldcoin intriguing yet concerning. The Deputy Prime Minister’s cautions about potential money laundering activities associated with Worldcoin transactions are not only timely but also reflective of the complexities of the digital economy.


On Tuesday, Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, spoke to Parliament about issues surrounding Worldcoin’s activities within the nation. These issues included potential misuse of Worldcoin accounts and the risk that these accounts could be exploited for money laundering purposes.

Gan Kim Yong clarified that Worldcoin isn’t functioning as a payment service provider according to Singapore’s Payment Services Act (PS Act). However, he noted that using Worldcoin accounts for business transactions, such as buying and selling them, could potentially breach the law. Furthermore, he disclosed that seven individuals have been reported to authorities for engaging in the purchase and sale of Worldcoin accounts and tokens, an activity that is illegal under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Worldcoin Account Transfers May Lead to Money Laundering, Singapore’s Deputy PM Cautions

The Deputy Prime Minister urged individuals not to move or trade their Worldcoin wallets. He emphasized that these activities might lead to criminal misuse, such as money laundering. Moreover, Gan Kim Yong highlighted the importance of shielding personal data and privacy. Notably, Worldcoin or any similar entity must adhere to Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). This legislation requires robust security measures to safeguard personal information.

In essence, Gan Kim Yong’s comments in Parliament suggest that there should be a deeper examination of transactions linked to Worldcoin accounts, as well as the potential risks associated with these activities. He advised caution, urging individuals not to disclose their digital wallets and World IDs to prevent misuse, and to abide by Singapore’s privacy laws.

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2024-09-12 22:15