President Donald Trump has signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum aimed at transnational criminal organizations behind cyber-enabled attacks, with the White House highlighting that crypto theft now accounts for roughly one-third of reported cybercrime losses in the United States.
The directive, signed on August 12, expands the ability of federal law enforcement to use cyber tools against foreign-based criminal networks and creates a voluntary framework for vetted private-sector companies to support government-led operations. Under the new structure, the Homeland Security Task Force’s National Coordination Center will manage the program, with executive directors from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security leading coordination.
According to White House official Patrick Witt, Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cybercrime in 2025, a 26% increase from the previous year. Crypto-related complaints exceeded $11 billion, making digital asset theft and fraud a major component of the broader cybercrime trend. The memorandum covers ransomware, phishing campaigns, financial fraud, sextortion schemes, and impersonation scams, which officials say are frequently run by sophisticated organizations operating outside U.S. jurisdiction.
The administration also emphasized the human cost, noting that seniors, children, and low-income families are disproportionately targeted. The fact sheet said 73% of U.S. adults have experienced some form of online scam or attack, and 98% consider scams a threat. The initiative follows earlier cybersecurity actions, including a June 2025 executive order on foreign cyber threats, the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed in May 2025, a March 2026 executive order on cybercrime and predatory schemes, and a June 2026 memorandum on modernizing National Security Systems.
For the crypto industry, the move could reinforce the distinction between illicit activity and legitimate digital-asset use. Public blockchains offer traceable transaction trails, and the FBI has already used blockchain intelligence in enforcement efforts such as Operation Level Up. By targeting theft and fraud without treating digital assets themselves as the problem, the new framework may support confidence among users, institutions, and investors.
Participating private companies must meet oversight requirements, including a $1 million bond or escrow, according to Reuters.
