WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency is now directly integrating Bitcoin into its intelligence strategies, citing digital assets as a growing national security priority, according to CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis.
Speaking with entrepreneur and investor Anthony Pompliano on his podcast, Ellis described Bitcoin as a pivotal element in the agency’s evolving operations. He emphasized that understanding and leveraging cryptocurrency is essential in addressing emerging threats, as global adoption of blockchain-based financial systems accelerates.
Bitcoin Becomes Strategic Asset for U.S. Intelligence
“Bitcoin is now a matter of national security,” Ellis stated, noting that digital currencies are being used not only by innovators and investors, but by nation-state actors and transnational criminal organizations. This dual-use nature of Bitcoin, as both a financial tool and potential vector for illicit finance, has pushed the CIA to build internal capabilities around blockchain analytics and crypto surveillance.
CIA Eyes Crypto as Both Threat and Tool
Rather than merely viewing cryptocurrency as a threat, Ellis said the agency is actively exploring ways to use Bitcoin’s transparent blockchain architecture to trace transactions and uncover hidden financial networks. This reflects a broader trend among global intelligence agencies that are adapting to the realities of decentralized finance.
Blockchain Tracking Efforts Accelerate Inside CIA
The CIA has reportedly scaled its cryptocurrency operations, collaborating with other federal entities to monitor blockchain activity and build defensive cyber strategies. By engaging with Bitcoin and related technologies directly, the agency aims to stay ahead of adversaries and exploit new intelligence-gathering methods.
