The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has refused to renew the registration of crypto ATM operator Harro’s Empires and imposed new operating conditions on other Australian crypto ATM providers after a taskforce identified trends consistent with scam, fraud and other illicit activity. The conditions include an AUD 5,000 limit on cash deposits and withdrawals, enhanced customer due diligence obligations, mandatory scam warnings, and requirements for more robust transaction monitoring. Taskforce data from nine crypto ATM providers showed most users are over 50 and account for almost 72% of transactions by value, with 60–70 year olds alone representing 29% by value; AUSTRAC also said it expects digital currency exchange providers to consider similar limits where they accept cash for crypto transactions. Separately, the Australian Federal Police-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre has developed educational materials to be placed near crypto ATMs. AUSTRAC is working with law enforcement partners and crypto ATM providers on strategies to address suspicious activity, and said it will keep the effectiveness of the conditions under review and adjust them if needed.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) 2025-06-03
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre imposes AUD 5,000 cash limits and enhanced controls on crypto ATMs and refuses to renew Harro’s Empires registration
AUSTRAC denied Harro’s Empires' crypto ATM registration renewal and imposed new conditions on Australian crypto ATM providers due to scam trends. Conditions include a 5,000 AUD cash limit, enhanced due diligence, and mandatory scam warnings. Users over 50 account for 72% of transaction value. AUSTRAC expects digital currency exchanges to adopt similar limits and is collaborating with law enforcement to address suspicious activities, with ongoing reviews of the conditions' effectiveness.