Legislation Would Commission Study of Cryptocurrency in Sex Trafficking

Legislation Would Commission Study of Cryptocurrency in Sex Trafficking

WASHINGTON — A new piece of legislation introduced yesterday — the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect (FIND) Trafficking Act of 2018 (H.R. 6069) — could become problematic for adult entertainment cryptocurrencies, if passed.

The proposed FIND Trafficking Act would launch investigations into cryptocurrencies and their role in potentially enabling the efforts of sex traffickers, as well as illegal drug sales.

Cryptocurrencies are playing an increasingly larger role as an alternative method of payment in adult entertainment. Numerous startup cryptocurrencies seeking to snag a piece of the payments market have sprung up.

The bipartisan bill — authored by Rep. Juan Vargas of California and Rep. Keith Rothfus of Pennsylvania, both members of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services — would require the U.S. Comptroller General to study “how virtual currencies and online marketplaces are used to facilitate sex or drug trafficking and propose regulatory and legislative actions to put an end to these illicit activities.”

Vargas, in a statement, said he hopes that this bill will make the scope of the cryptocurrency more transparent.

Through the Comptroller General’s findings and proposals, Congress would craft legislative solutions to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies within one year.

Industry attorney Lawrence Walters of Walters Law Group told XBIZ that cryptocurrency has been a payment option of last resort for many adult entertainment providers that have lost access to traditional banking and processing services due to the nature of their work.

“This bill, if passed, would contribute to the narrative suggesting that cryptocurrency equates to illegal activity,” Walter said. “It is not surprising that established financial institutions feel threatened by use of crypto, which does not require any gatekeeper approval or oversight.

“Banks and processors have been stepping up their risk mitigation policies which has resulted in account closures and loss of services for adult companies and performers. This legislative investigation of crypto, and the suggestion that it is inherently associated with trafficking, drugs, or money laundering, may be the beginning of the end to the only viable payment option for those who have been prevented from accessing typical financial services. The bill would only start the process, but it is headed in a dangerous direction.

“Like cash, or the internet itself, crypto can be used for good or ill. Blaming crypto for the misdeeds of some users is short-sighted and harmful to blockchain innovation.”

The FIND Trafficking Act proposal is not the first bill introduced under the Trump presidency that targets illegal sex trafficking online. The proposal comes after President Trump signed the bill package known as SESTA/FOSTA, which effectively banned websites from posting ads for sex workers.

Another bill that continues to have legs is the proposed End Banking for Human Traffickers Act (H.R. 2219), which passed the House of Representatives and will be headed to the U.S. Senate.

Under H.R. 2219, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council would be directed to review and improve anti-money laundering programs related to human trafficking, as well as policies for referring suspected cases to law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Department of State additionally would be directed to report on efforts to eliminate money laundering related to human trafficking and to report to Congress on the number of investigations, indictments and convictions.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Kitana Montana Makes Directorial Debut With New DVD Release

Kitana Montana has made her directorial debut with her new DVD release, “Goddess Cuckold.”

Jason Luv on Balancing Stardom, Strength and Self-Mastery

For Jason Luv, it all started with being in the right place at the right time. “Vixen Media Group was looking for new male talent,” he recalls. “They found me from a previous modeling shoot and reached out. That’s where my career began.”

Nata Gold, Zazie Skymm Star in Latest From MixedX

Nata Gold and Zazie Skymm star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “Love Me or Hate Me.”

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

Zariah Aura, Emma Rosie Front Latest From TransAngels

Zariah Aura and Emma Rosie star in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Trick or Treating Ourselves.”

Krystal Sparks Stars in Latest Release From TeamSkeet

Krystal Sparks stars with Joshua Lewis in the latest scene from TeamSkeet’s “Freeuse” series, titled “Suck My Cock, Stepmom! Captain’s Orders!”

Frenchy Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Frenchy stars with her husband Bruce in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Gia Derza Toplines Bryan Gozzling's 'Hookup Hotshot: Internet Sex Addicts Volume 4'

Gia Derza headlines director Bryan Gozzling’s “Hookup Hotshot: Internet Sex Addicts Volume 4” from Evil Angel.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Octavia Red on Channeling Loss, Love and Liberation Into Her Craft

Octavia Red makes no bones about her life before porn. “I was working a shitty little casino job, getting sexually harassed by toothless drug dealers,” she recalls. “And they don’t even tip!”

Show More