The 21st century has immersed society in an unprecedented technological era, where video games are not just youth entertainment, but a universal phenomenon encompassing all ages. From our grandparents to our mothers, almost everyone owns a smartphone, a device that usually includes some type of pre-installed video game. This fact highlights digital penetration in daily life, a scenario where familiarity with new technologies is reflected in constant news coverage of technological advancements, negative experiences, and even major industry events and conventions.
However, this extensive knowledge has also opened doors for those seeking to exploit these platforms for illicit purposes. Specifically, we will focus on how video game sales platforms and online games have become tools for money laundering. To better understand this concept, we refer to Chapter XIV of the Spanish Penal Code, which describes money laundering as the process of concealing the illegitimate origin of goods or assets to avoid the criminal consequences associated with them.
Methods of money laundering through video games
Sale of video game accounts
Take, for example, the popular online game “Fortnite”. Criminals use fraudulently acquired virtual currency to purchase in-game items, which are then sold along with the account at a reduced price through third-party websites. This method creates several layers of transactions that complicate tracing by authorities, leveraging the anonymity offered by the internet. Funds for these operations typically come from illegal activities such as the Dark Web or stolen bank data.
Trading Items on “Steam” Platforms
“Steam”, developed by Valve Corporation, is a digital distribution platform that hosts an active marketplace where video game items are bought and sold. For example, in the game “CSGO”, players can obtain decorative items through paid draws, which can then be traded. Cybercriminals use illegally obtained assets to acquire these items and then sell them at lower prices or buy low-value items at exorbitant prices to then sell them at the same price through another account, effectively “cleaning” the money in the process.
This money laundering method has not only moved significant sums of money in the black market, estimated at 2 billion euros annually on “Steam” alone, but has also prompted a public response from the platform’s operators. According to statements by a “Steam” spokesperson, the company is actively collaborating with money laundering prevention organizations, such as ASEBLAC in Spain, to address these abuses.
This analysis highlights the need for continuous vigilance and regulation in the digital sphere to prevent the exploitation of video game platforms for money laundering activities.
How can we help you?
Currently, in our country, the regulatory context on this matter is articulated from Law 10/2010, of April 28, on the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism, which establishes a series of obligations for obliged entities to prevent illicit funds from entering the financial circuit and being used to facilitate the financing of terrorism.
The Legal Departmentat IN DIEM, which specializes in money laundering, prevention, defense, and legal services, operates in all areas and sectors related to capital movements or transactions.
Our expert team will study your case regardless of where you wish to establish your company. Contact us, we are available 24 hours a day, any day of the week, without obligation.
What are our services?
- Risk Assessment Report
- Customized Money Laundering Prevention System Design
- Training and Advice for companies, individuals, and obliged entities
- Administrative or criminal defense
We guarantee the best possible outcome, whatever your case.
- Personalized and professional service
- Assistance throughout the entire judicial process
- 24-hour contact with your expert criminal lawyer
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Authors: Carlos Aragón del Río
Preguntas frecuentes sobre blanqueo de capitales en videojuegos
¿Pueden utilizarse los videojuegos para blanquear capitales?
Sí. Algunas plataformas de videojuegos, mercados de objetos digitales y sistemas de compraventa de cuentas pueden ser utilizados para ocultar el origen ilícito de fondos mediante operaciones aparentemente legítimas.
¿Cómo funciona el blanqueo mediante cuentas de videojuegos?
Una modalidad habitual consiste en adquirir monedas virtuales, objetos digitales o mejoras dentro del juego con fondos de origen ilícito y después vender la cuenta completa a terceros, generando varias capas de transacciones que dificultan el rastreo del dinero.
¿Qué papel tienen los objetos digitales o skins?
Los objetos digitales, como skins, accesorios o elementos decorativos, pueden comprarse y venderse en mercados secundarios. Cuando se usan precios artificiales o cuentas interpuestas, estas operaciones pueden servir para mover fondos de forma opaca.
¿Por qué plataformas como Steam pueden ser atractivas para estos delitos?
Las plataformas con mercados internos, gran volumen de usuarios y compraventa de objetos digitales pueden ser atractivas porque permiten múltiples transacciones, transferencia de valor y cierto grado de anonimato o dificultad de identificación del usuario real.
¿Qué relación existe entre videojuegos y ciberdelincuencia?
Los videojuegos pueden cruzarse con la ciberdelincuencia cuando se utilizan cuentas robadas, datos bancarios obtenidos ilícitamente, fondos procedentes de la Dark Web o sistemas de pago digitales para adquirir bienes virtuales y revenderlos posteriormente.
¿El blanqueo de capitales está regulado en España?
Sí. En España, el blanqueo de capitales está perseguido penalmente y también existe normativa preventiva, como la Ley 10/2010, que impone obligaciones a determinados sujetos para evitar la entrada de fondos ilícitos en el sistema económico.
¿Todas las plataformas de videojuegos son sujetos obligados en prevención de blanqueo?
No necesariamente. La condición de sujeto obligado depende de la actividad concreta, del tipo de servicios prestados, de la existencia de intermediación económica y de la normativa aplicable. Conviene analizar cada modelo de negocio de forma individual.
¿Qué señales pueden indicar un posible uso ilícito de una plataforma?
Pueden ser señales de riesgo las compras repetidas de objetos digitales a precios inusuales, operaciones entre cuentas vinculadas, ventas rápidas por debajo del valor de mercado, uso de identidades falsas o patrones de transacciones sin lógica económica aparente.
¿Qué medidas preventivas pueden adoptar las empresas del sector gaming?
Las empresas pueden implantar controles de identificación de usuarios, monitorización de operaciones, detección de patrones sospechosos, políticas internas de prevención, revisión de mercados secundarios y protocolos de comunicación ante posibles indicios de actividad ilícita.
¿Cómo puede ayudar IN DIEM Abogados en estos casos?
IN DIEM Abogados puede asesorar a empresas digitales, plataformas y operadores del sector gaming en prevención de blanqueo de capitales, análisis de riesgos, cumplimiento normativo, defensa penal y diseño de protocolos internos frente a operaciones sospechosas.
Expert Lawyers in Money Laundering Advice, Prevention, and Defense: Malaga, Marbella, Seville, Madrid, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Almeria, Huelva…
Furthermore, IN DIEM Lawyers has extensive experience and a high degree of specialization in Money Laundering, Prevention, Defense, and Legal Services, offering advice in all areas and sectors related to capital movements or operations.
Abogados IN DIEM has a team with experience in roles such as magistrate, state attorney, prosecutor, and university professor, which will give you peace of mind and confidence, knowing you have the best team—one that is competitive and highly qualified to achieve your goals and meet your needs.
We are at your disposal for whatever you need. You can reach us via the IN DIEM Lawyers Phone (+34) 901 900 071 or by email at info@in-diem.com
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