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Australia orders Cryptolink Bitcoin ATMs offline over ‘basic reporting’ failures
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Australia's anti-money laundering regulator has suspended Cryptolink's Bitcoin ATM operations for three months, citing serious compliance failures. The suspension, effective Sunday, blocks the operator's 96 machines nationwide from functioning. AUSTRAC announced Monday that Cryptolink's Virtual Asset Service Provider registration is suspended.
The regulator said the company failed to meet basic reporting requirements, especially threshold transaction reports, and ignored requests for information. This action follows an October 2025 enforceable undertaking, after a taskforce found late transaction reporting and weak risk assessments. AUSTRAC also issued a $56,340 infringement notice, which Cryptolink paid.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas expressed ongoing concerns about the company's ability to manage high-risk transactions through its crypto ATMs. He noted the regulator's continued focus on digital currency as a money laundering risk. Cryptolink operates 96 Bitcoin ATMs across Australia, mostly in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Australia has the highest number of crypto ATMs in the Asia-Pacific region, making it a key battleground for enforcement. Since late 2024, Australian authorities have intensified scrutiny of crypto ATM providers, targeting criminal misuse. The suspension sends a strong signal to the industry about compliance obligations.
Cointelegraph reached out to Cryptolink for comment, but no response was reported. The company will be unable to operate its ATMs for three months, potentially affecting customers and its revenue. The regulator's action underscores the growing global pressure on crypto ATM operators to adhere to anti-money laundering standards.
Future compliance will be critical for Cryptolink's return to operation after the suspension ends. With regulators watching closely, the company must address the identified deficiencies to regain trust. This case highlights the increasing importance of robust reporting mechanisms in the digital asset sector.
