SYSTEM OF COUNTERACTION TO LEGALIZATION (LAUNDERING) OF PROPERTY OBTAINED BY CRIMINAL MEANS THROUGH VIRTUAL ASSETS: CHALLENGES AND MECHANISMS OF IMPROVEMENT

The article considers the problems of legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime through the use of virtual assets and, in particular, suggests ways to improve.The topic is because virtual assets can be used in the process of legalizing (laundering) property obtained by criminal means.The main challenges caused by globalization and the development of blockchain technologies, which ensure the anonymity of financial transactions and complicate state supervision, are analyzed.Particular attention is paid to the current state of legal regulation in Ukraine, particularly the Law "On Virtual Assets" and its problematic aspects.The key elements of the system of combating the laundering (legalization) of property obtained by criminal means with the help of virtual assets are defined, among which: 1) regulatory and legal support (legislation regulating the circulation of virtual assets and preventing their use in criminal schemes; 2) financial monitoring system -detection of suspicious transactions and analysis of sources of funds; 3) institutional mechanism -the activities of public authorities to prevent money laundering; 4) interdepartmental and international cooperation -coordination of actions and exchange of information between financial monitoring bodies, state institutions and international organizations.The opinion was expressed on the need to adopt and regulate the market of virtual assets, constant improvement of the state policy to counter the legalization of property obtained by criminal means, regular training and training of employees, interdepartmental and international cooperation, as well as the use of innovative technologies and digital tools.The implementation of these measures will be an important step in strengthening the national financial monitoring system, which will significantly increase the effectiveness of the fight against financial crimes, in particular, money laundering and other criminal schemes related to the use of virtual assets.This will also significantly improve the process of detecting suspicious transactions in the early stages.