PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS game , usually in the form of loot boxes .... [ The term “ microtransaction ”] is somewhat of a misnomer , as while some of the transactions may be small ($ 0.99- $ 4.99 ) … to unlock a particular character within a game can cost up to $ 80- $ 99 , or more .” 7

Criminals use microtransactions to buy expensive characters , props or skills in the game and then sell the characters or the in-game virtual currency on secondary market websites at discounted prices . The money is invested in the game and then converted into the game ’ s currency . With the help of microtransactions which allow buying items for low dollar amounts , the criminals are successful in not drawing attention , making laundering money through microtransactions difficult to track .

Another way that criminals launder money with microtransactions is through selling accounts on the video game platform . A criminal could create an account , buy items through microtransactions with illegal money in that account and then sell the account online for “ real ,” “ clean ” cash . These accounts can sell anywhere from $ 5 to $ 3,500 . Usually , in cases like this , the laundered money comes in the form of stolen credit cards . By the time the crime has been reported , the account is already sold and the money that the criminal has received is “ clean ” money .” 8

Loot boxes

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( NSPCC ) describes loot boxes as “ mystery boxes containing a random selection of items that can be purchased with real money or credits built up within a game .” 9 Loot boxes are usually accessed through in-game play . What is included in a loot box will depend on the game being played . For example , a player can buy a key to open a loot box with access to various types of in-game content that enhances the player experience . Items in loot boxes may consist of cosmetic items for game customization ( i . e ., new looks for a player ’ s avatar , also known as “ skins ”) or items affecting gameplay ( i . e ., new tools , weapons , levels , maps , in-game currency , the ability to chat with other players , etc .). 10

Players can pay real money for a key to unlock loot boxes . However , players can also buy keys and sell them to others online for a profit . Although the amount paid for keys is small , this anonymous system of commerce that allows the trading of keys has allowed criminals to launder dirty money . Graphic 1 illustrates money laundering using loot boxes .

Graphic 1 : Loot box money laundering process

The criminal ’ s associates will buy , sell or transfer the keys and loot boxes among themselves , creating an intricate web of transactions .

The criminal will then move the funds to their bank , pre-paid card or virtual wallet of choice .

The criminal will create or hack into an account and acquire loot boxes and / or container keys from the game ’ s online peer-to-peer marketplace with their illegal funds .

Alternatively , the criminal can set up various accounts with false identities and buy , sell and trade the items among these accounts .

Source : Pideeco 11

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