U.S. Lawmakers Question DOJ's Cryptocurrency Enforcement Decisions

U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns over decisions made by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche regarding the dissolution of the Department of Justice's National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) and the overall reduction in cryptocurrency enforcement efforts. According to PANews, the inquiry follows the disclosure of a letter sent to Blanche, questioning his actions while holding significant cryptocurrency assets. The letter highlights potential conflicts of interest, referencing Title 18, Section 208(a) of the United States Code. Blanche reportedly disclosed ownership of cryptocurrencies valued between $158,000 and $470,000, primarily Bitcoin and Ethereum, in January 2025. In April of the same year, he issued a memorandum to reduce DOJ's cryptocurrency enforcement activities, with his assets being disposed of only by late May to early June. Lawmakers have requested an explanation for Blanche's lack of recusal during the decision-making process and a detailed account of the DOJ's previous claims that the matter was "appropriately flagged, handled, and approved." The letter demands that Blanche provide communication records, ethics review documents, and responses to seven specific questions by February 11, 2026. The legislators emphasized the importance of enforcing laws against crimes involving cryptocurrencies, asserting that this inquiry fulfills Congress's oversight responsibilities regarding DOJ personnel and policy decisions.