Algeria Criminalizes Crypto Activities with Up to 1-Year Jails and $7,653 Fines

Algeria has officially criminalized all cryptocurrency-related activities under Law No. 25-10, published in the Official Journal on July 24, 2025 [1]. The new legislation prohibits the use, trading, mining, and promotion of digital assets, including the operation of cryptocurrency platforms and digital wallets [2]. The move aims to protect the national financial system and align with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards [3].

The law defines crypto-assets broadly as “property, income, funds or financial assets,” regardless of their intended use, and explicitly outlaws their possession or promotion [2]. Individuals violating the ban may face prison terms of up to one year, fines ranging from $1,530 to $7,653, or both, with higher penalties for those involved in organized networks or financial crimes like money laundering [4]. The prohibition also extends to the production and distribution of virtual currencies, effectively banning both large-scale and individual mining operations [5].

The law’s implementation has already raised concerns among the country’s small but growing crypto community, particularly in southern regions where miners previously leveraged low electricity costs [5]. Many users accessed platforms like Binance and OKX via virtual private networks, and enforcement now includes increased digital and on-the-ground monitoring by financial and security officials [5]. The government has clarified that even indirect involvement, such as using intermediaries or online services, will be treated as punishable offenses [9].

Legal experts argue that the move reflects a preventive approach to financial stability and aligns with international standards set by bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) [8]. However, the ban contrasts sharply with global trends, where countries like the U.S. are moving toward regulatory frameworks that integrate digital assets into the financial system [6]. In other emerging markets, such as Pakistan, governments have adopted more flexible positions [7].

The long-term success of Algeria’s ban will depend on consistent enforcement and the adaptability of the crypto community. While the government seeks to mitigate risks associated with illicit capital flows and terrorism financing, the law’s rigid approach may limit economic opportunities in the digital asset sector [5]. As the country moves forward, its experience will offer insight into the broader global debate over how to balance security and innovation in the digital age.

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[1] Algeria Enacts Sweeping Crypto Ban, Criminalizing All Digital Asset Activities – [https://www.techi.com/algeria-bans-cryptocurrency-criminalizing-digital-asset-activities/](https://www.techi.com/algeria-bans-cryptocurrency-criminalizing-digital-asset-activities/)

[2] Algeria Enacts Sweeping Ban on All Crypto Activities Under New Law – [https://cryptonews.com/news/algeria-enacts-sweeping-ban-on-all-crypto-activities-under-new-law/](https://cryptonews.com/news/algeria-enacts-sweeping-ban-on-all-crypto-activities-under-new-law/)

[3] Algeria Criminalizes All Crypto Activities, Imposes 1-Year Jails, $7,500 Fines for Money Laundering, Tax Evasion – [https://www.ainvest.com/news/algeria-criminalizes-crypto-activities-imposes-1-year-jails-7500-fines-money-laundering-tax-evasion-2507/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/algeria-criminalizes-crypto-activities-imposes-1-year-jails-7500-fines-money-laundering-tax-evasion-2507/)

[4] Algeria Enforces Complete Crypto Ban with Harsh Penalties – [https://www.unlock-bc.com/146329/algeria-enforces-complete-crypto-ban-with-harsh-penalties-under-law-no-25-10/](https://www.unlock-bc.com/146329/algeria-enforces-complete-crypto-ban-with-harsh-penalties-under-law-no-25-10/)

[6] Algeria Criminalizes All Crypto Activities Under AML/CTF Law – [https://www.ainvest.com/news/algeria-criminalizes-crypto-activities-aml-ctf-law-2507/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/algeria-criminalizes-crypto-activities-aml-ctf-law-2507/)

[8] Algeria Passes a Nationwide Ban on Owning, Trading, and Mining Cryptocurrency – [https://pro-blockchain.com/en/algeria-passes-a-nationwide-ban-on-owning-trading-and-mining-cryptocurrency](https://pro-blockchain.com/en/algeria-passes-a-nationwide-ban-on-owning-trading-and-mining-cryptocurrency)

[9] Algeria Imposes Total Ban on Cryptos, Offenders Risk 1 Year in Prison and $7,700 Fines – [https://technext24.com/2025/07/30/algeria-imposes-total-crypto-ban-jail/](https://technext24.com/2025/07/30/algeria-imposes-total-crypto-ban-jail/)