2026 Luxembourg Crypto Crime Conference

Elisabeth Margue launched Luxembourg's first conference dedicated to crypto-asset crime

On the initiative of the Asset Management Office (Bureau de gestion des avoirs, “BGA”), the first Luxembourg Crypto Crime Conference (LCCC) was held at the Abtei Neimënster from 10 to 12 March 2026. The event, a first in Luxembourg, brought together all stakeholders involved in the fight against crypto-asset crime: the Financial Intelligence Unit (Cellule de Renseignement Financier, “CRF”), investigative authorities, judicial authorities, strategic decision-makers and experts from the private sector.

Organised by the BGA in collaboration with the Cyber Intelligence Unit of the Grand Ducal Police and with the support of private service provider Asset Reality, the conference aimed to strengthen capabilities in the detection, investigation, prosecution, seizure, management and confiscation of crypto-assets of criminal origin.

The organisation of this conference is part of the BGA's remit, which includes raising awareness, providing training and disseminating best practices in the field of seizures and confiscations.[1]

[1] Article 3, 6° of the amended law of 22 June 2022 on the management and recovery of seized or confiscated assets

A major challenge for Luxembourg

The rapid growth of the crypto-asset sector is accompanied by increased risks of money laundering, terrorist financing and other forms of economic crime.

As the first European country to regulate a crypto-asset platform, Luxembourg has early experience in this area, thanks in particular to the CRF, one of the first financial intelligence units to receive suspicious transactions reports involving crypto-assets.

The Grand Ducal Police, through its New Technologies section, has also developed its operational capabilities in this area.

The BGA's 2024 activity report lists six cases of crypto-asset seizures, including three national cases and three international letters rogatory. The national cases are related to money laundering. In the same year, the BGA sold crypto-assets for a total value of EUR 401 000.

A growing need for institutional preparedness

Crypto-assets, due to their volatility and decentralised operation, are profoundly transforming investigation methods, seizure procedures and asset management. Insufficient preparation would expose the authorities to the risk of asset dissipation and procedural errors.

Faced with the rise in crime involving crypto-assets, police, judicial and asset recovery and management authorities need to evolve their practices.

A strategic forum to prepare for the future

The aim of the LCCC was to bring together practitioners and strategic decision-makers to develop a common vision, share best practices and identify operational priorities to increase the effectiveness of crypto-asset seizures and confiscations.

This conference comes at a key moment:

• Luxembourg has become a European hub for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs).
• The 2025 national risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing identifies virtual asset service providers as posing a high risk.
• At the European level, the volume of virtual asset transactions is growing faster than the ability of states to seize and confiscate illicit funds.

The conference brought together national and international experts who shared their experiences and assessments of emerging threats, regulatory developments, operational challenges and innovations in digital assets.

A strong signal: Luxembourg to host the 10th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptoassets

Building on this momentum, the BGA will host the 10th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptoassets in Luxembourg in September 2026.

This major international event will bring together authorities, researchers, international organisations and private sector players from around the world to discuss issues related to financial crime and crypto-assets.

This announcement highlights Luxembourg's growing role as a leading European player in the fight against crime involving cryptoassets.

To stay informed about developments in the field of cryptoassets and future events organised by the BGA, please visit the BGA website (www.saisiepenale.public.lu) and the BGA LinkedIn page (www.linkedin.com/company/bureau-de-gestion-des-avoirs-bga).