Overview

• The state financial crime office (LBF NRW) is analyzing a second major trove of crypto trading data and preparing it for distribution to relevant tax authorities across Germany.
• An earlier 2023 dataset from a trading platform has already produced a high single‑digit million‑euro recovery, with complex cases still being processed.
• Investigators expect materially higher total back taxes once outstanding, time‑intensive files are resolved.
• LBF NRW head Stephanie Thien said the reviews reveal significant undeclared gains from crypto trades that must be reported in tax returns.
• NRW finance minister Marcus Optendrenk underscored that digital transactions are traceable, and German rules tax private crypto gains within one year, with activities like mining also subject to disclosure.