Bitcoin News Today: Algeria Criminalizes All Crypto Activities Imposes 1-Year Jails 7500 Fines

Algeria has enacted a comprehensive legal ban on all cryptocurrency-related activities under Law No. 25-10, which took effect on July 24, 2025. The law criminalizes the use, exchange, mining, possession, and promotion of digital assets, with violations carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and fines reaching 1,000,000 Algerian dinars—approximately $7,700 [1]. The new legislation also outlaws the operation of cryptocurrency platforms, wallets, and intermediary services, effectively halting both industrial-scale mining and individual participation in the crypto ecosystem [2].

The government stated that the move aims to protect Algeria’s financial system from risks such as money laundering and terrorist financing, and to align with international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) standards, particularly those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) [3]. Article 6a of the law explicitly prohibits the issuance, purchase, or promotion of crypto-assets, both online and offline [4]. Legal experts suggest that the law is a proactive measure to shield the economy from the volatility and lack of transparency often linked to cryptocurrencies [5].

The enforcement mechanism is expected to be strict, with enhanced penalties for those involved in organized networks or serious financial crimes. The government is likely to employ existing legal tools to monitor and penalize violations in both online and offline environments [6]. The legislation, published in the Official Journal No. 48, marks a definitive shift in Algeria’s approach to digital assets, moving from regulatory oversight toward complete exclusion from the national financial framework [7].

Critics argue that the ban could hinder innovation and economic modernization in the region, particularly as other countries integrate blockchain technologies into their financial systems [8]. The global crypto community has raised concerns about the potential long-term economic implications of the policy, especially as some governments explore blockchain for financial inclusion and development [9].

Algeria’s stringent stance contrasts sharply with global regulatory trends, where many jurisdictions are adopting more inclusive frameworks to support digital asset growth while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The new law reflects a prioritization of regulatory control over technological advancement [10]. As the law begins to take effect, its impact on the local digital economy and international perceptions of Algeria’s financial environment remains to be seen [11].

Source:

[1] Algeria Enacts Sweeping Ban on All Crypto Activities – Regulation Bitcoin News (https://news.bitcoin.com/algeria-enacts-sweeping-ban-on-crypto-use-exchange-and-mining/)

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

[3] Algeria Enacts Sweeping Ban on All Cryptocurrency Activity – FinanceFeeds (https://financefeeds.com/algeria-enacts-sweeping-ban-on-all-cryptocurrency-activity/)

[4] Algeria Criminalizes All Crypto Activities with Sweeping Ban – CryptoSlate (https://cryptoslate.com/algeria-criminalizes-all-crypto-activities-with-sweeping-ban/)

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

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

[8] Algeria Ban Bitcoin, Users to Face Sanction – BitcoinTalk.org (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5552097.0)

[11] Algeria Criminalizes All Crypto Activities, Imposes 1-Year Jails – AInvest (https://www.ainvest.com/news/algeria-criminalizes-crypto-activities-imposes-1-year-jails-7500-fines-money-laundering-tax-evasion-2507/)