Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti Delivers Remarks at the American Innovation Project Summit in Jackson, Wyoming

# Justice Department Emphasizes Fair Enforcement in Digital Asset Industry

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti addressed the American Innovation Project Summit in Jackson, Wyoming on August 21, 2025, outlining the Department of Justice's enforcement priorities. Galeotti stated that the Criminal Division enforces laws across multiple areas including narcotics trafficking, violent crime, child exploitation, hacking, and financial fraud, with a particular focus on removing bad actors from the digital asset ecosystem.

Galeotti emphasized that the Justice Department's role is to enforce existing criminal laws as a prosecutor, not to regulate or legislate the digital asset industry. He referenced a memorandum issued by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in April directing prosecutors nationwide to follow evidence, apply appropriate legal frameworks, and respect constitutional due process rights. The Department will not use criminal statutes to create a new regulatory regime or employ indictments as lawmaking tools, Galeotti said.

The remarks stressed the importance of providing fair notice to innovators about what conduct constitutes criminal activity. Galeotti stated that the Department aims to foster a safe environment where responsible digital asset innovators can operate with confidence while holding bad actors accountable, balancing economic development with national security concerns.