Cybercrimes in the cryptocurrency domain: identifying types, understanding motives and techniques, and exploring future directions for technology and regulation

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a lucrative yet volatile landscape for cybercriminal activity, presenting novel challenges for law enforcement and policymakers alike. This review seeks to explore the diverse array of cybercrimes occurring within the cryptocurrency domain, examining their types, motives, techniques, and the regulatory responses shaping this complex ecosystem. Utilizing a scoping literature search methodology, this study analyzes 228 pertinent sources drawn from a pool of over 4,000 reviewed publications. The findings elucidate the intricate interplay between cryptocurrencies and illicit activities, revealing the multifaceted nature of cybercrimes within this realm. From the exploitation of the dark web for illicit transactions to the pervasive threat of crypto ransomware targeting entities globally, the review underscores the diverse methods and motivations driving such nefarious endeavors. By shedding light on the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals and exploring future directions for technological and regulatory measures adopted by governments, this paper offers valuable insights to navigate this dynamic landscape effectively.