As a seasoned analyst with years of experience under my belt, I find it both intriguing and concerning to witness the evolution of financial crimes in today’s digital age. The case of Olumide Osunkoya, a 45-year-old Londoner, operating an illegal crypto ATM network is a stark reminder of how technology can be exploited by criminals for nefarious purposes.
For the first time, the Financial Conduct Authority has filed criminal charges against an individual who managed a system of illicit cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). This marks a significant step as it signifies the FCA’s application of anti-money laundering regulations to unregistered crypto activities.
45-year-old London resident Olumide Osunkoya was apprehended for running an unlawful cryptocurrency ATM network within the UK, as confirmed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This makes Osunkoya the first individual in the UK to face money laundering accusations related to operating an illegal cryptocurrency activity.
The FCA Denied Osunkoya’s Application—He Still Operated the ATM Network
In 2021, Osunkoya submitted an application through his company, Gidiplus Limited, seeking authorization from the FCA to function as a crypto asset exchange provider. However, the agency rejected his application. Despite this setback, he proceeded to oversee multiple ATMs from December 29, 2021, until September 8, 2023. During this period, the network facilitated transactions amounting to approximately 2.6 million pounds.
On September 10th, I, as a researcher, would note that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced their first criminal prosecution concerning unregistered crypto asset activity, as outlined in the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs). In addition to this, Therese Chambers, a joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, warned that using a crypto ATM could potentially be handing money directly to criminal entities. She emphasized that criminals can leverage these machines for global money laundering activities. Moreover, the subject in question, Osunkoya, is also facing charges related to forging government documents to establish his enterprise. Precisely, he has been indicted on two counts under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.
On September 30, it’s expected that Osunkoya will make an appearance in court. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) initiated the shutdown of unregistered cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) back in March 2022. They started enforcing actions against these unlawful ATMs from February 2023. Interestingly, Osunkoya is the first individual to be accused of money laundering for managing a system of crypto ATMs, but it’s worth noting that the FCA had previously filed criminal charges against Habibur Rahman, who ran a single crypto ATM in the past.
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2024-09-13 14:12