Iraq Crypto Ban: What’s Really Happening and How It Compares to Other Countries

When the Iraq crypto ban, a 2023 directive from the Central Bank of Iraq prohibiting all cryptocurrency transactions and promotions. Also known as Iraq’s crypto prohibition, it was issued under emergency financial powers to stop capital flight and protect the national currency. But unlike outright bans in places like Egypt, enforcement here is uneven—banks block crypto payments, but peer-to-peer trading still quietly thrives.

What makes the Iraq crypto ban, a 2023 directive from the Central Bank of Iraq prohibiting all cryptocurrency transactions and promotions. Also known as Iraq’s crypto prohibition, it was issued under emergency financial powers to stop capital flight and protect the national currency. But unlike outright bans in places like Egypt, enforcement here is uneven—banks block crypto payments, but peer-to-peer trading still quietly thrives. different from other countries? It’s not just about fear of decentralization. Iraq’s ban is tied to its fragile banking system and heavy reliance on U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Egypt crypto ban, a legal prohibition under Law No. 194/2020 that blocks crypto trading and promotion, backed by religious rulings and bank-level enforcement. Also known as Egypt’s crypto prohibition, it’s stricter and more consistent, with banks actively monitoring accounts and cutting off crypto-linked transactions. Egypt’s ban is backed by religious fatwas and clear legal penalties, while Iraq’s is more of a reactive policy with little public guidance. In both countries, blockchain tech itself isn’t banned—Egypt uses it for land records and customs, and Iraq’s government has quietly explored blockchain for public payments and aid distribution.

What’s missing in Iraq’s ban? Clear rules for citizens. There’s no official list of banned platforms, no public enforcement actions, and no education campaign. People still buy Bitcoin through Telegram groups, use USDT to send remittances, and trade on P2P apps like LocalBitcoins. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are building crypto-friendly infrastructure. The contrast is stark: one region bans crypto out of control, another embraces it for innovation. This collection of articles dives into real cases like Egypt’s enforcement, how crypto crime is being tracked globally, and what happens when governments try to stop something that runs on open networks. You’ll find reviews of exchanges used in the region, breakdowns of crypto tax strategies, and warnings about scams targeting users in restricted markets. This isn’t just about Iraq—it’s about how the world is splitting over who controls money.

Iraq Crypto Mining Ban Since 2017: What Happened and Why It Still Stands
Selene Marwood 12 November 2025 21 Comments

Iraq Crypto Mining Ban Since 2017: What Happened and Why It Still Stands

Iraq banned cryptocurrency mining and trading in 2017 over fears of financial instability and money laundering. Despite the ban, underground crypto activity thrives, exposing a gap between policy and reality.