Currency (Layering)

This chapter discusses the second phase of MLFT, namely layering. Layering is the process of concealing the origins of the funds before integrating them into the legal economy. As stated in the introduction it is not possible to draw clear lines between the phases. Layering is conducted through a combination of anonymous wallets and unregulated currencies. The previous chapter has focused on virtual wallets, this chapter will therefore focus on the currencies themselves. Currencies used in the Metaverse form an alternative to the regulated banking industry. There is therefore the risk that these currencies are not or underregulated. This chapter therefore starts in Sect. 6.2 by discussing cryptocurrencies. This section also includes a discussion on mixing services and decentralized cryptoexchanges (DEX). Section 6.3 continues by discussing the centralized currencies without the status of legal tender. These currencies include gaming currencies and currencies provided by platforms. Section 6.4 then continues by analyzing the currencies with the status of legal tender. These include the central bank digital currencies and cryptocurrencies that are recognized as legal tender such as Bitcoin. The chapter finishes in Sect. 6.5 with the conclusions and recommendations.