Many of the financial pyramids identified in Russia during the first quarter of the year have been associated with cryptocurrencies, a top central bank official has revealed. Fraudsters are actively exploiting the hot topics of the day, including the sanctions theme. Pyramids Offer Russian Investors Ways to Circumvent Western Sanctions Amid growing financial uncertainty, Ponzi…
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An apartment in Portugal has changed hands, with the buyer paying directly in cryptocurrency in a reported first for the country. The home was purchased for 3 bitcoins without conversion to euros, under a new regulation permitting real estate deals with digital currencies. Buyer Pays With Bitcoin for Apartment in Braga, Portugal A three-room (two-bedroom)…
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Google is establishing a Web3 team within its cloud unit, noting that “it is a market that is already demonstrating tremendous potential.” A Google executive explained: “We’re providing technologies for companies to use and take advantage of the distributed nature of Web3 in their current businesses and enterprises.” Google Creating Web3 Team Within Cloud Unit…
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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Nvidia Corp. for failing to disclose that crypto mining significantly boosted its revenue. The company agreed to a cease-and-desist order and to pay a $5.5 million penalty. Nvidia Failed to Disclose That Crypto Mining Was a Significant Element of Its Material Revenue Growth The U.S. Securities…
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued its first-ever sanctions on a crypto mixer. The mixing service was used by Lazarus Group to process illicit proceeds from the $620 million crypto heist of the online game Axie Infinity, said the Treasury Department. Treasury Department Sanctions Crypto Mixer The…
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The anti-monopoly service of Russia has suggested that Russians minting digital currencies at their homes should pay more for the spent electrical energy. The proposal comes after the submission of a bill tailored to regulate cryptocurrency mining to the Russian parliament. Russian Miners Using Household Electricity Should Pay Higher Bills, Anti-Monopoly Body Says Russia’s Federal…
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The founders of Bitmex have been ordered to pay $30 million “for illegally operating a cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform and anti-money laundering violations.” Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed must pay $10 million each. Bitmex’s Founders Fined $30 Million The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced Thursday that the U.S. District Court for the…
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Russia’s ability to employ cryptocurrencies to circumvent international sanctions is restricted by the limited size of the crypto market, according to Moody’s. Despite increased use in small transactions, low liquidity is another factor preventing Russians from exploiting the utility of bitcoin and the like. Crypto Assets Not Viable Option for Sanctioned Russia, Moody’s Report Suggests…
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A U.S. senator has introduced a bill to prohibit the Labor Department from issuing a regulation or guidance that limits the type of investments investors can choose in their retirement plans, including cryptocurrency. “Today, the Biden administration is targeting cryptocurrency. Which investment class is next?” the lawmaker stressed. Financial Freedom Act The issue of what…
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Two U.S. senators, including Elizabeth Warren, have sent a letter to Fidelity Investments demanding answers regarding the company’s decision to allow bitcoin investments in 401(k) retirement plans. “Investing in cryptocurrencies is a risky and speculative gamble, and we are concerned that Fidelity would take these risks with millions of Americans’ retirement savings,” the lawmakers wrote.…
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