Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of U.S. Postal Inspection Service policies and procedures for managing cryptocurrency in its law enforcement activities. Cryptocurrency is a decentralized form of digital currency that uses a blockchain, or public ledger, to record transactions. The anonymity of cryptocurrency transactions and the significant fluctuations in the value of cryptocurrency create opportunities for abuse or theft when used during law enforcement activities. We evaluated the Postal Inspection Service’s use and seizure of cryptocurrency in cases closed in fiscal years (FY) 2019 and 2020. The Postal Inspection Service established the Cryptocurrency Fund Program (the Program) in 2017 to establish standards and policies to account for cryptocurrency transactions and reduce operational risk.
Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
U.S. Postal Service OIG
Other Participating OIGs
U.S. Postal Service OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
U.S. Postal Service
Report Number
21-067-R21
Report Description
Report Type
Audit
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
