Digital security firm Irdeto has announced a new partnership with U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase to disrupt the use of digital currencies in piracy, trademark violations, and related cybercrimes.
The agreement, made public Thursday, is part of a broader initiative by Irdeto to curb the illicit use of crypto for monetizing illegal services, particularly within the video entertainment and gaming sectors. The company said it will provide Coinbase with detailed investigative data to help identify and remove platform users involved in copyright and intellectual property infringements.
Crypto Usage in Illicit Services on the Rise
Irdeto’s internal research shows that the use of cryptocurrency by illegal content distributors and cheat developers has risen in recent years, with 19% of such entities accepting digital assets for payment in 2024, up from 13% in 2022.
The collaboration focuses on disrupting the payment infrastructure that enables these services, aiming to limit how cybercriminals collect revenue through crypto-based transactions. By sharing intelligence with Coinbase, Irdeto hopes to support early intervention against accounts that facilitate piracy and counterfeiting operations.
Broader Push Against Crypto-Enabled Crime
Coinbase confirmed its role in the partnership, citing its goal of ensuring compliance with global regulations and enhancing platform security. “Partnering with Irdeto allows us to act quickly on actionable intelligence,” said John Kothanek, Vice President of Global Intelligence at Coinbase.
The cooperation includes Irdeto’s support in identifying crypto wallet owners suspected of criminal activity and working with law enforcement agencies on investigations and asset recovery. According to both companies, this includes cases where illicit profits are laundered through digital assets or where cryptocurrencies are used as direct payment for illegal goods and services.
The move reflects a wider trend of increased collaboration between cybersecurity firms and financial technology platforms in combating online crime. Irdeto said it is pursuing similar partnerships to increase its capacity for tracking illicit cryptocurrency activity across digital ecosystems.
