Internet reported that U.S. Democratic senators strongly criticized U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in a letter on Thursday, criticizing his decision to divert the Justice Department from its focus on cryptocurrency enforcement and disband the cryptocurrency enforcement team. Six Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, said in the letter that the decision to "let go" cryptocurrency launderers was a "serious mistake" that would encourage sanctions evasion, drug trafficking, fraud and child sexual exploitation. Branch, who served as a defense lawyer for President Donald Trump in 2024, directed the immediate closure of the Justice Department's cryptocurrency litigation division to align with the current administration's amicable attitude towards cryptocurrency regulation. Thursday's letter specifically disputed Blanche's announcement that the Justice Department would "no longer target" cryptocurrency exchanges and hybrid services. The letter cited previous statements and rulings that hybrid services are the main means used by cybercriminals, including North Korean hackers, to launder stolen encryption assets.