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South African Banking Regulator: ‘De-risking’ Crypto Firms Potentially Creates ‘Opacity in Financial Conduct’
19.8.2022
According to the latest guidance note issued by the South African banking sector regulator, Prudential Authority, risk assessment does not mean financial institutions should avoid or eliminate risks via the wholesale termination of client relationships with entities such as crypto asset service...
Russian Accused of Laundering Cryptocurrency From Ransomware Attacks Extradited to US
18.8.2022
A Russian national suspected of laundering ransomware payments in cryptocurrency on behalf of cybercriminals targeting hospitals has been extradited to the U.S. by the Netherlands. The man was allegedly involved in the criminal activity for a period of three years before his arrest in Amsterdam...
South Korea's Money Laundering Watchdog Flags 16 Crypto Firms for Operating Without Registration
18.8.2022
Crypto exchanges KuCoin and Poloniex are among the foreign firms accused of conducting "illegal business activities."
Israel Arrests 3 in Crypto Scheme to Launder Millions Stolen From France
17.8.2022
Police in Israel have detained three suspects who allegedly laundered millions of euros stolen from the French treasury through cryptocurrency transactions. The money came from government grants for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Israeli Law Enforcement Busts Money-Laundering Ring...
Colombia to prevent tax evasion with national digital currency: Report
17.8.2022
A national digital currency would help curb tax evasion in Colombia, which is estimated at up to 8% of GDP, the head of Colombia’s tax and customs agency said
Crypto Exchange BTC-e Operator Vinnik Reportedly Denied Bail in US, Maintains Innocence
14.8.2022
Alexander Vinnik, the alleged owner and operator of the infamous cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e, has been found not eligible for release on bail in the United States, where he was recently transferred from Greece. The Russian, accused of large-scale money laundering through the now-defunct trading...
Indian authorities freeze more crypto funds over money laundering allegations
12.8.2022
The Indian Directorate of Enforcement froze $46.4 million in the accounts of Vauld’s Indian branch until the exchange can account for the criminal proceeds it transferred out of the country
UAE Now Requires Agents to Report Real Estate Transactions Where Virtual Currency Is Used as Payment
12.8.2022
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it now requires real estate agents, brokers, and law firms to report to the Financial Intelligence Unit real estate transactions in which virtual currency is used as payment. Similarly, real estate purchases or sales where “the funds used in...
Dutch Law Enforcement Arrests Suspected Tornado Cash Developer in Amsterdam
12.8.2022
According to a statement from the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), law enforcement officials in Amsterdam arrested an unnamed 29-year-old suspected of developing the ethereum mixing application Tornado Cash. FIOD accuses the suspect of “concealing criminal financial...
Dutch authorities arrest suspected Tornado Cash developer
12.8.2022
The Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service doesn't rule out multiple arrests in its ongoing criminal investigation against the crypto mixer Tornado Cash
India's ED Probes at Least 10 Crypto Exchanges on Money Laundering Allegations: Report
11.8.2022
India's Enforcement Directorate estimates that the accused firms laundered more than Rs 1,000 crore or $130 million in the instant loan app case, according to the report
BitMEX Executive Pleads Guilty to Violating Anti-Money Laundering Act
9.8.2022
A New York federal court previously sentenced the Mexico-based firm’s co-founders to probation time and fines for federal compliance failures
UAE To Clamp Down on Crypto Real Estate Money Laundering
8.8.2022
The authorities want to trace payments made in bitcoin and ethereum as the country seeks to become a crypto hub
Alleged BTC-e Operator Alexander Vinnik in US Custody After Immediate Extradition From Greece
6.8.2022
Russian IT specialist Alexander Vinnik, accused of owning and running the infamous crypto exchange BTC-e, has been handed over to the U.S. This week, Greek authorities proceeded with the extradition, after his return from France, despite Vinnik’s defense protesting the move and calling...
Tax Agency Vows to Go Hard After Koreans Using Crypto to Evade Levies
3.8.2022
South Korea’s tax administration has pledged to take strict measures against tax evasion through virtual assets and platforms. While the Korean government is yet to start taxing capital gains resulting from crypto investment and trading, authorities in Seoul claim cryptocurrencies have been...
Robinhood Crypto Fined $30 Million by New York Regulator for ‘Significant Failures’ in Multiple Areas
3.8.2022
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has fined Robinhood Crypto $30 million for “significant failures in the areas of bank secrecy act/anti-money laundering (‘BSA/AML’) obligations and cybersecurity.” Robinhood Crypto Settles With the DFS The...
Kenya Central Bank Orders Financial Institutions to Stop Dealing With Two Nigerian Fintechs
1.8.2022
In a letter addressed to the CEOs of financial institutions, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has said financial institutions operating in the country must cease and desist from dealing with two Nigerian fintechs, Flutterwave and Chipper Cash. The letter reiterates the CBK governor Patrick Njoroge...
Vinnik to Be ‘Hostage’ in US Amid Russia’s War in Ukraine, Greek Lawyer Says
1.8.2022
If extradited to the United States, crypto exchange BTC-e’s alleged operator Alexander Vinnik will become a “hostage” due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to his Greek lawyer. France is likely to send the Russian back to Greece soon and Zoe Konstantopoulou...
Israel Prohibits Cash Deals for Amounts Starting as Low as $1,700
30.7.2022
New legislation introducing tighter restrictions on payments with large sums of cash will enter into force in Israel on Monday. The goal, as stated by the country’s tax authority, is to improve the fight against organized crime, money laundering, and tax evasion. Critics doubt the law will...
Regulation of Cryptocurrency in South Africa Should Not Scare Away Investors Experts Say
30.7.2022
Two experts have said they welcome South Africa’s planned regulation of cryptocurrency but warned this should not scare away investors. If the regulation is balanced between the need to protect investors and stimulating interest in crypto investment, this “could see funds stream into...