- Algeria outlaws crypto use, trading, mining, and promotion nationwide.
- New law enforces jail time and hefty fines for violators.
- Crypto assets now fall under Algeria’s strict financial crime laws.
Algeria has officially outlawed all forms of cryptocurrency activity under a new law passed on July 24. Law No. 25-10 criminalizes the use, ownership, trading, mining, and promotion of digital assets across the country.
According to government sources, this nationwide policy introduces harsh penalties for anyone involved in crypto-related operations. Now, issuers and marketers of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Tether, can be incarcerated and charged exorbitant fines.
In addition to focusing on crypto transactions, the law prohibits the running of crypto exchanges, mining farms, and wallet services. Utilizing a form of cryptocurrency in advertising or marketing is now a criminal offense.
According to the law, crypto assets are regarded as financial property. This classification subjects them to Algeria’s stern financial regulation, particularly measures designed to address money laundering and terrorism financing.
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Law Introduces Strict Penalties for Crypto Users and Promoters
Violators of the law risk facing prison sentences ranging from two months to one year. In addition, monetary penalties between 200,000 and 1 million Algerian dinars (approximately $1,540 to $7,700) can be imposed. Serious offenses may result in both imprisonment and fines being applied.
Algerian financial and security agencies, such as the Bank of Algeria and market regulators, will be involved in the enforcement. These agencies are responsible for tracking and prosecuting people and platforms found to be using any prohibited crypto activity.
Critics have defended the law as one mechanism of boosting the nation’s financial stability. They argue the ban on cryptos supports the fight against illicit money laundering and the transport of illicit financial resources into the country in a bid to align Algeria with or position itself to global compliance protocols, specifically the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
This sweeping prohibition sets Algeria apart from other African nations, where digital assets remain largely unregulated or only partially restricted. The outlawing of all related crypto operations is an indication that the authorities of Algeria are on the aggressive side of decentralized monetary systems.
With the passage of Law No. 25-10, Algeria has taken one of the strongest anti-crypto positions globally. The strict ban, backed by prison terms and heavy fines, reshapes the country’s financial landscape and sends a clear message to crypto users and businesses.
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