Blockchain and criminal law; the fundamentals

The broad adoption of blockchain and DLTs emphasizes the potential of a paradigm shift not only in the financial markets, but also in the modus operandi of the perpetrators. Thus, it is of utmost importance for law practitioners to understand the relevant terminology and the technical aspects regarding blockchain, virtual currencies, digital wallets, public addresses, seed phrases, etc. Likewise, it is necessary to clarify which offences are applicable when virtual currencies and other crypto-assets are either the object of the crime, or the proceeds of it. This paper tries to explain the fundamentals for a better understanding of the relationship between blockchain, virtual currencies or other crypto-assets and criminal law. © 2023, @ ERA.