DOJ Warns of Possible 'Oncoming Storm' in Report Detailing Dangers of Terrorist Use of Crypto

The framework provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging threats and enforcement challenges associated with the increasing prevalence and use of cryptocurrency, Barr said.

An 83-page document accompanying the release included three sections - threat overview, law and future strategies - to guide DOJ's handling of the space.

The document's release comes two years after former Attorney General Jeff Sessions convened a "Cyber-Digital Task Force" to study the ramifications of technological advances.

"Despite its relatively brief existence, this technology already plays a role in many of the most significant criminal and national security threats our nation faces," said Associate Deputy Attorney General Sujit Raman, chair of the Cyber-Digital Task Force, which wrote the report.

There are a number of instances where the DOJ will exert its authority over foreign actors, the report said, namely when "Virtual asset transactions touch financial, data storage or other computer systems" with the U.S., if they use crypto to import illegal goods into the country and if they provide illegal services" to defraud or steal from U.S. residents.