The inspections were conducted with the participation of local law enforcement agencies. Now the regulator is studying the information gathered to decide on further action.
Therese Chambers, head of enforcement and oversight at the FCA, said cryptocurrencies not registered with the FCA are illegal because they can be used to launder money.
Chambers recommended that local citizens refrain from using cryptocurrencies, calling digital currencies high-risk unregulated assets.
“Cryptocurrencies can be a link in the chain of money laundering and the movement of funds derived from criminal activity.
In recent months, we have conducted several audits and are ready to take action to stop illegal activities,” the FCA senior executive said.
The FCA says no crypto machines in the U.K. are currently registered, as required by law.
A few months ago, the regulator conducted similar inspections in East London and Leeds, under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations of 2017.
Previously, operators of cryptomats have already been warned: if they continue to operate in the country illegally, the owners will be subject to harsh measures.
According to Coin Atm Radar, the number of crypto machines installed worldwide has declined by 14% in the past three months, despite the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies.
This may be due to a prolonged bearish trend in the market.