CEO of Turkish Thodex bolts with $2B. 4 arrested from Turkish Cypto Exchange Vebitcoin

CEO of Turkish Thodex bolts with $2B. 4 arrested from Turkish Cypto Exchange Vebitcoin

 18 countries that have implemented restrictions on Bitcoin specifically for drug laundering in 2026. While several jurisdictions have regulations targeting money laundering and terrorist financing through cryptocurrencies

As of 2026, 18 countries have implemented restrictions on Bitcoin, with 9 countries enforcing a complete ban on all cryptocurrency activities, including ownership, trading, mining, and use as payment. 

Countries with Complete Bitcoin Bans:

• Afghanistan

• Algeria

• Bangladesh

• China

• Egypt

• Kuwait

• Nepal

• North Macedonia

• Tunisia

These bans are typically driven by concerns over financial stability, capital flight, money laundering, and terrorism financing  

CEO of Turkish Thodex bolts with $2B. 4 arrested from Turkish Cypto Exchange Vebitcoin  

Countries that have banned Bitcoin

There’s no doubt that we’re in the middle of a cryptocurrency revolution. Many countries around the world are beginning to understand the value that cryptocurrencies offer to their economies and have set laws to regulate it. The mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, has already happened and those who refuse to see it will be left behind. There are still some countries that see cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin as a threat to their economy. Here’s a list of countries that have banned Bitcoin

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has banned the use of all forms of cryptocurrencies as a payment method in the country, including Bitcoin and Altcoin. However, there is no law that prohibits its residents from buying and selling Bitcoin.

Bolivia

Bolivia has once again reaffirmed its reluctance to allow the use of cryptocurrencies in the country due to recent criminal practices carried out by some inhabitants. After having denounced a hidden pyramid scheme under a supposed investment in cryptocurrencies, the Central Bank of Bolivia issued a statement in which they remind the population that the use of virtual coins is prohibited.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the Financial Intelligence Unit has begun to work in conjunction with the Computer Crime Unit of the country’s police to begin investigating people who are involved in buying or selling Bitcoin or any of the other cryptocurrencies.

Iran

The Central Bank of Iran officially banned the use of cryptocurrencies in financial transactions to prevent money laundering and terrorism. The measure is considered part of the actions of Tehran to control the money market after the rial reached its lowest level this month.

Nepal

Recently, the country’s financial regulator, Nepal Rastra Bank, completely banned any operation with the cryptocurrency, since it as a threat to its economy. His decision was confirmed by the arrest of a dozen people, allegedly involved in the management of digital currency exchanges in the territory of Nepal.

Thailand

The Bank of Thailand issued a statement asking financial institutions not to engage in cryptocurrency transactions for fear of possible problems surging from unregulated trade.
The central bank said that cryptocurrencies were not legal tender in Thailand adding that it worried that they could be used in illegal activities such as money laundering or support for terrorism. In recent months there have been some developments announced by the Thai government that it will not ban cryptocurrencies altogether and that they are developing a regulatory framework for them.

India

India warned its citizens about how dangerous cryptocurrency can be and has encouraged the population to not use it.