Afghanistan vs Turkmenistan
Crypto regulation comparison
Afghanistan
Turkmenistan
Banned
Legal
Afghanistan effectively banned cryptocurrency in August 2022 under Taliban rule, declaring crypto 'haram' (forbidden). Authorities shut down 16 crypto exchanges in Herat and arrested traders. In 2024, enforcement intensified with provincial bans and public denouncements. Underground P2P trading persists despite the crackdown.
Turkmenistan enacted the Law on Virtual Assets effective January 2026, legalizing crypto exchanges and mining under Central Bank licensing. Crypto is treated as property, not legal tender.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Da Afghanistan Bank (Taliban administration)
Regulator
Central Bank of Turkmenistan
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under Virtual Assets Law
Key Points
- Taliban banned crypto in August 2022, declaring it haram (forbidden)
- 16 crypto exchanges shut down in Herat; traders arrested
- 2024 provincial bans with public loudspeaker campaigns against crypto
- Crypto was used during the 2021 transition period for fund transfers
- Underground P2P trading persists for remittances despite ban
Key Points
- Law on Virtual Assets enacted November 2025, effective January 2026
- Crypto exchanges and mining require Central Bank licensing
- Crypto treated as property, not legal tender
- Banks prohibited from directly providing crypto services
- Low electricity costs attract mining operations