A Comparative Analysis of Legislative Criminal Policies in Iran and the United Kingdom in Addressing Cryptocurrency-Related Financial Crimes

This article is aimed at conducting a comparative analysis of the legislative criminal policies of Iran and the United Kingdom in the domain of financial crimes associated with cryptocurrencies. The principal objective is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of both legal systems and to offer practical recommendations for improving Iran's laws and legislative policies in confronting crypto-related offenses. The study employs a comparative legal research methodology along with legal analysis. The research is based on library sources, domestic and international laws and regulations, as well as the analysis of legal cases from both countries. Additionally, a descriptive-analytical approach is used to evaluate the impact of current laws on the prevention and control of cryptocurrency crimes. The findings indicate that the United Kingdom, through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and international cooperation, has succeeded in developing a comprehensive framework for cryptocurrency oversight. This framework includes anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, and the application of modern technologies such as blockchain analytics. In contrast, Iran, due to the absence of comprehensive legislation and weaknesses in institutional coordination, has been unable to effectively utilize cryptocurrencies in the prevention of financial crimes. To better manage cryptocurrency-related challenges in Iran, the formulation of clear legislation, enhanced coordination among regulatory bodies, and the integration of advanced technologies are deemed essential. The experience of the United Kingdom demonstrates that striking a balance between innovation and regulation can serve as an effective strategy for combating cryptocurrency-related crimes.