Suriname -- Enforcement Actions Regulatory Overview

Based on extensive research, there have been no publicly reported significant cryptocurrency enforcement actions in Suriname that meet all the specified criteria (regulator name, entity targeted, violation type, penalty amount, date, outcome, and source URL) within the last three years (approximately late May 2021 to late May 2024).

Here's why this is likely the case and what information is available regarding Suriname's approach to cryptocurrencies:

1. Developing Regulatory Framework: Suriname is still in the early stages of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets and cryptocurrencies. The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) are the primary financial regulators, but their focus has largely been on issuing warnings, conducting risk assessments, and working towards future legislation, rather than active enforcement against specific entities with public penalties.

2. Focus on Warnings and Risk Advisory: The Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS) has, on multiple occasions, issued warnings to the public about the risks associated with investing in or using cryptocurrencies, emphasizing their volatile nature, lack of legal tender status, and potential for fraud and money laundering. These are advisories, not enforcement actions against specific entities.

3. International Recommendations (FATF): Suriname, like many countries, is subject to recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) for virtual assets. While these reports assess a country's progress, they do not detail specific domestic enforcement actions against individual entities.

4. Lack of Publicly Disclosed Cases: Significant enforcement actions, especially those involving penalties and specific outcomes, are typically publicized by financial authorities to deter future violations. The absence of such public disclosures from the CBvS, the FIU, or major news outlets indicates that such actions have not occurred or have not been made public within the specified timeframe.

Key Regulators in Suriname (Relevant to Crypto):

• Centrale Bank van Suriname (CBvS): The central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and supervision of financial institutions. It has issued warnings regarding cryptocurrencies.
• Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Suriname: Responsible for receiving, analyzing, and disseminating suspicious transaction reports related to money laundering and terrorist financing. They would be involved in investigating crypto-related illicit financial activities.

General Context and Sources (Not specific enforcement actions):

While I cannot provide specific enforcement actions with all the requested details and source URLs because they do not appear to exist publicly, here are sources indicating Suriname's general stance and regulatory efforts:

• Centrale Bank van Suriname Official Statements: The CBvS periodically issues press releases and statements regarding financial sector developments, including warnings about unregulated financial products like cryptocurrencies. Searching their official website (www.cbvs.sr) would show general advisories, but not enforcement actions.

  • Example of a general warning (though pre-2021, reflects ongoing stance): CBvS Press Release (Dutch) on Risks of Virtual Currencies - 2018 (While older, it sets the tone for subsequent advisories.)

• FATF Reports: The FATF evaluates countries' AML/CFT frameworks, including for virtual assets. Suriname's evaluations discuss its legal framework development but not individual enforcement actions.

  • FATF Mutual Evaluation Report Suriname (2020) (This report assesses the country's framework but doesn't detail enforcement actions against specific entities for crypto-related violations.) Subsequent follow-up reports would update progress on recommendations.

Conclusion:

It is highly probable that no significant, publicly reported cryptocurrency enforcement actions with details like specific entities, penalty amounts, and outcomes, along with source URLs, have taken place in Suriname in the last three years. The country's regulatory bodies are more focused on developing the necessary legal framework and issuing general warnings to the public about the risks associated with virtual assets.