Investing.com -- The U.S. Justice Department is making significant changes to its approach towards cryptocurrency investigations. According to a memo viewed by Reuters reporters, the department is disbanding its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team. The prosecutors are now being ordered to focus their efforts on criminal investigations that involve cartels and terrorist groups.

These groups are known for using digital currency to finance their illicit activities. The shift in focus from the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team to these criminal entities indicates a new direction in the department’s strategy to combat illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies.

The memo did not provide further details on the reasons for the disbandment of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team or the specific strategies that will be employed in the new focus on cartels and terrorist groups.

The Justice Department has not made any public announcements regarding this shift in focus at the time of reporting.

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