Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has seized 13 unauthorized cryptocurrency ATMs in a nationwide operation involving 60 officers and raids on 35 locations. BaFin reported that the machines facilitated illegal transactions and posed money laundering risks. Under German law, trading currencies, including cryptocurrencies, without proper authorization is illegal, with violators facing up to five…
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The Supreme People’s Court of China, the highest court of law in the country, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate have issued a joint document that interprets the current money laundering law and defines several issues related to its application. In this interpretation, the two organizations list virtual asset transactions as one of the tools available…
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A Gujarat-based man, Shailesh Babulal Bhatt, was arrested under the anti-money laundering law in connection with kidnapping and extortion cases, including a significant cryptocurrency-related crime exceeding Rs 1,200 crore ($144 million), according to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Bhatt was taken into custody following a money-laundering probe initiated by the ED based on FIRs filed by…
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The Nigerian government has seized approximately $37.5 million in digital assets from the organizers of the Endbadgovernance protests. The funds were frozen by a court order based on a claim by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which alleged that the money was linked to money laundering and terrorism financing. Nigerians Feel Economic Pain The…
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Seven individuals have been indicted for stealing over $300,000 in bitcoin from a Queens resident. The charges against them include grand larceny, money laundering, and identity theft, stemming from a lengthy investigation into a cryptocurrency wallet hack. Using advanced hacking techniques, the group allegedly stole the bitcoin and now face potential sentences of five to…
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Seven individuals have reportedly been indicted on charges of grand larceny, money laundering, and identity theft for stealing $300,000 in bitcoin from a Queens auto body shop owner. The victim’s 5.75 BTC, originally valued at $92,000, was taken by 20-year-old Aaron Peterson Jr. in November 2022 and later used to purchase luxury items, including a…
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The cryptocurrency exchange OKX has announced a firm policy banning accounts linked to the questionable mixing service Tornado Cash in an attempt to prevent illicit activity and promote compliance with international laws. According to OKX CEO Star Xu, any account found to be exploited by Tornado Cash or other authorized firms like Garantex would be…
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Irish authorities seized $7.1 million in cryptocurrency in a raid targeting money laundering and darknet sales. Three individuals were arrested, with one remaining in custody. “The arrests of the three individuals and the assets seized are the result of a highly complex investigation into criminal darknet marketplace activities by specialist investigators attached to the Garda…
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The French financial regulatory authority has begun accepting applications for authorization as a crypto asset service provider under the European Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, ahead of its implementation in December 2024. This regulation mandates prior authorization for market participants offering crypto asset services in the EU, with strict adherence to anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, and…
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U.S. senators have introduced legislation to empower the Secret Service to combat cybercrimes involving digital assets. This legislation addresses the growing use of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities and mandates the Government Accountability Office to evaluate law enforcement’s effectiveness in tackling money laundering in cyber crimes. New Bill Targets Cybercrime and Money Laundering with Digital Assets…
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