Bitcoin Isn’t Money, Florida Judge Rules in Laundering Case

Bitcoin Isn’t Money, Florida Judge Rules in Laundering Case

A landmark criminal case believed to be the first involving a money-laundering charge involving bitcoin has seen its verdict. The criminal charges thrown out, with bitcoin not deemed to qualify as money, according to the ruling judge. Defendant Michell Espinoza was arrested in 201andmd charged with “illegally selling and laundering” $1,500 in bitcoin to an undercover law enforcement officer. Prosecutors alleged that Espinoza had violated Florida’s anti-money laundering law by operating as an unlicensed money transmitting business. However, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Teresa Mary Pooler has....


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