Canada Asks Banks, Exchanges to Block Crypto Accounts Tied to Trucker Convoy Protests
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the country's federal and national police service, has reportedly asked several crypto exchanges to halt transactions to over 30 crypto wallet addresses that are considered to be tied to the ongoing trucker protests.
The Globe and Mail, citing "a source who has reviewed" a letter sent to banks, as well as a letter to crypto exchanges the publication says it obtained, revealed that the RCMP and the Ontario Provincial Police are trying to track cryptoasset donations in relation to the ongoing protests.
A letter urges the crypto exchanges to “cease facilitating any transactions” with more than 30 specific crypto wallet addresses. It also asks the exchange operators to report details regarding those wallet addresses.
“Any information about a transaction or proposed transaction in respect of these address(es), is to be disclosed immediately to the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” a letter reportedly reads.
In the other letter, the RCMP has provided the country’s financial institutions with names of less than 20 people who are considered to be involved in illegal acts related to the demonstrations, the local outlet reported.
The news has stirred up a backlash within the crypto community, who frame Canada's actions as "authoritarian."
"We are witnessing a pivotal moment in the history of the development of the modern algorithmic authoritarian state," said Jeff Garzik, a blockchain developer and SpaceChain CTO. "Say the "wrong" thing, donate to the "wrong" cause, and you are added to A List. Those on the List will be debanked without trial, unable to buy food or shelter."
Crypto users argue that Canada's actions have "proved that fiat money cannot be owned by its users, it
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