As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream acceptance, they also become a new frontier for financial crimes, including money laundering, fraud, and the financing of terrorism. Amidst this burgeoning digital economy, AI emerges as both a beacon of hope to help prevent crimes and a potential threat, giving illicit actors additional resources to move proceeds of crime. The dual nature of AI in combating or facilitating crypto-related financial crimes presents a complex puzzle: Is AI a harbinger of risk or the ultimate solution to mitigate it in this digital age of ambiguity?