On Monday, the U.S. Treasury Department’s watchdog the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) banned the ethereum mixing application Tornado Cash. OFAC has cited that the mixer has helped North Korean hackers such as the hacking syndicate known as Lazarus Group. OFAC Sanctions Tornado Cash Mixing App OFAC has officially banned the Tornado Cash and…
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The central bank of Portugal is now reviewing 12 requests from businesses that want to provide crypto-related services in the country. The applications are pending decision amid recent reports that some commercial banks are closing accounts of already approved operators.
Binance Among Cryptocurrency Platforms Seeking Authorization in Portugal
Portugal’s monetary authority is currently evaluating…
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A task force in Nepal has proposed legal changes allowing the country’s central bank to issue its own digital currency. The move comes after a study indicated that such an initiative is feasible and recommended certain provisions that would authorize the regulator to proceed with its realization. Nepal Central Bank Prepares Legal Ground for National…
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Law enforcement in Kazakhstan detained members of a crime group suspected of forcing IT experts into operating underground facilities for cryptocurrency mining with threats and blackmail. The racketeers allegedly made up to half a million U.S. dollars a month from their business. Kazakhstan Busts Illegal Crypto Mining Organization, Detains Dozens Authorities in Kazakhstan have arrested…
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According to the co-founder of Debridge Finance, Alex Smirnov, the infamous North Korean hacking syndicate Lazarus Group subjected Debridge to an attempted cyberattack. Smirnov has warned Web3 teams that the campaign is likely widespread. Lazarus Group Suspected of Attacking Debridge Finance Team Members With a Malicious Group Email There’s been a great number of attacks…
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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 the case a “judicial, diplomatic and humanitarian scandal.” Vinnik Appears in San…
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The government of Kosovo has adopted measures tailored to maintain energy supply in the coming months, including a ban on cryptocurrency mining. The move comes amid a sharp increase in import prices and the restrictions can be extended for up to six months. Authorities in Kosovo Reinstate Ban on Cryptocurrency Mining The executive power in…
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Major Portuguese banks have started closing or refusing to open accounts for cryptocurrency platforms such as exchanges, according to media reports. The move threatens to tarnish the country’s image as one of Europe’s most crypto-friendly destinations, a haven for bitcoin enthusiasts. Portuguese Crypto Firms Hit by Bank Account Closures Portugal, a leading European crypto hub,…
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Thailand’s regulators are still approving crypto companies despite one of its largest ones suspending withdrawals. Thailand’s financial regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has approved four more crypto companies in the Kingdom. On Aug. 4, it was reported in local media that the SEC had granted operating licenses to four more digital asset operators.…
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The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is gearing up to implement stricter oversight in regards to crypto-related transactions. The agency is now looking to hire suppliers of trading data, as monitoring major participants in the market falls under its responsibilities. ESMA Launches Public Procurement for Providers of Crypto Trading Data The securities watchdog of…
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