On 17 November, Dr. Gioia Arnone presented research findings on the relationship between cryptocurrencies and criminal activities during a scientific workshop hosted at the University of Padua. The event brought together scholars and experts to discuss emerging challenges at the intersection of financial innovation, criminal organizations, and regulatory frameworks.
The workshop, titled “Follow the Money: Cryptocurrencies and Criminal Organizations,” took place in the remarkable setting of the Archivio Antico - Palazzo Bo, one of the most historic and prestigious spaces of the university. The event was dedicated to presenting the results of ongoing research on the evolving role of cryptocurrencies in illicit financial activities, conducted collaboratively by the University of Padua and the University of Palermo.
During the workshop, Dr. Arnone discussed the paper “The (mis)use of cryptocurrencies by criminal organizations: a systematic literature review,” co-authored with Giovanni Scirè and Enzo Bivona. The study provides a systematic review of the international academic literature addressing how cryptocurrencies may be exploited by criminal organizations and examines the broader implications of these practices for financial systems, regulatory frameworks, and governance mechanisms.
The research highlights how the rapid development of decentralized financial technologies is reshaping the interface between financial innovation, criminal organizations, and legitimate business activities. This evolving landscape poses significant challenges for corporate governance, internal control systems, and the prevention and detection of illicit behavior, requiring interdisciplinary approaches that combine insights from economics, law, criminology, and management studies.
The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for scholarly exchange, fostering dialogue among researchers working on the complex dynamics linking technological innovation and financial crime. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening academic collaboration to better understand the risks and opportunities associated with digital financial ecosystems.