Assam Authorities Heighten Surveillance on Cryptocurrency Ahead of Elections

Ahead of the Assembly elections, Assam's law enforcement agencies are intensifying their surveillance on cryptocurrency transactions. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of digital currencies for illicit election financing, especially given the significant increase in the wealth of political leaders. Authorities are monitoring suspicious wallets and enhancing cyber intelligence to combat hidden financial flows. With a history of confiscating substantial amounts of unaccounted cash and assets during previous elections, the state is taking proactive measures to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities through a newly established control room.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 10:08 IST

Increased Monitoring of Cryptocurrency Transactions

Guwahati, March 25: In response to intelligence reports, law enforcement agencies, including the state police, have ramped up their surveillance regarding the potential use of cryptocurrency for illicit financial activities in Assam as the Assembly elections approach.

Officials express concerns that the anonymity and cross-border capabilities of digital currencies might be exploited to circumvent traditional cash controls, thereby facilitating illegal election financing. This is particularly alarming given the significant increase in the wealth of political figures across various parties.

"We are closely monitoring suspicious cryptocurrency wallets and enhancing our cyber intelligence efforts to mitigate the impact of undisclosed financial flows. There are indications of cryptocurrency usage that we are currently investigating," stated an official source.

Furthermore, the source explained, "Contrary to common assumptions, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be divided into very small units, making them ideal for micro-transactions. These fractions can easily be exchanged for any currency via Peer-to-Peer (P2P) crypto platforms."

An official from the Assam Police highlighted the difficulties posed by instantaneous transfers, akin to UPI and mobile banking, which are under vigilant observation.

"A high volume of transactions, even if they are small, will be flagged as suspicious and scrutinized," the source added, noting that they are collaborating closely with banking institutions.

Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India is monitoring OTP-based micro withdrawals from ATMs that do not necessitate debit cards.

During the previous Assembly elections in 2021, law enforcement seized items valued at over Rs 100 crore, a significant increase from the 2016 elections.

Authorities confiscated Rs 11.7 crore in cash, Rs 2.8 crore in precious metals, Rs 17.2 crore in liquor, Rs 27 crore in drugs, and Rs 4.8 crore in various freebies.

An anonymous source from the Income Tax department confirmed that surveillance at airports and railway stations has intensified to intercept unaccounted cash that could sway the elections.

Over the past nine years, the department has uncovered 'black money' exceeding Rs 5,000 crore from Assam and other regions in the Northeast.

The Air Intelligence Unit at Guwahati airport remains vigilant, while intelligence teams at railway stations are monitoring passenger movements and parcels.

A 24/7 control room has been established in Guwahati, allowing citizens to report suspicious activities confidentially, according to the source.

"This year, transport routes are under heightened scrutiny. Flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, along with trains arriving from neighboring states, are being closely monitored," the source concluded.