Russia’s Financial Watchdog Investigates 400 Crypto-Related Cases, Director Tells Putin

Rosfinmonitoring is conducting hundreds of investigations into cases involving cryptocurrencies, the head of the agency announced. Hundreds of thousands of Russians take part in crypto deals abroad, the top regulator also reported to the Russian president. Russian Authorities Initiate 20 Criminal Cases Linked to Crypto Assets The Federal Financial Monitoring Service of the Russian Federation, … Read more

Russia’s Anti-Monopoly Agency Proposes Higher Electricity Rates for Home Crypto Miners

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 … Read more

Georgians Sell Russian Regions as NFTs to Raise Money for Ukraine

A tech innovations firm based in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is now “selling Russia piece by piece” in the form of NFTs. The money from the collectibles, representing almost 2,500 Russian regions, will be used to help rebuild Ukraine, which was invaded by the Russian army two months ago. Georgian Project Auctions NFTs of Russian Land, … Read more

South Korean Intelligence Service Informs Crypto Exchanges About Cyberthreats

The South Korean state intelligence agency is now providing crypto trading platforms with information about attempts to breach their cybersecurity. The help for the country’s digital asset exchanges comes amid growing threats, local media reported. Intelligence Service Offers Cybersecurity Assistance to Major South Korean Crypto Exchanges South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has started to … Read more

China’s Xinhua News Agency to Issue NFTs Despite Crackdown on Crypto

Xinhua, the official news agency of China, is going to issue an NFT collection with photographs depicting historic moments of the passing year. The initiative, which comes amid an ongoing crypto crackdown, is seen as a boost for blockchain, the technology that also underpins cryptocurrencies. Xinhua to Create Digital Collectibles Based on Photo Reports The … Read more

Russia’s Telecom Watchdog Roskomnadzor Targets Another 6 VPN Providers

Roskomnadzor, the government body responsible for oversight of communications in Russia, is taking steps to block six more VPN providers. The move comes after the agency cut access earlier this year to a number of VPN services helping Russians to reach “banned” information. Roskomnadzor Moves to Block More VPNs in Russia The Russian Federal Service … Read more

Amid Risk of Power Deficit, Ukraine Shuts Down Another Crypto Farm

With а growing threat of electricity shortages in the winter months, Ukraine has busted another large coin minting facility illegally drawing power from the grid. The country’s security agency announced it’s stepping up efforts to ensure the nation’s energy system is well-protected from such consumers. Large-Scale Illegal Mining Operation Uncovered in Central Ukraine The Security … Read more

Abkhazia Extends Internet Restrictions for Cryptocurrency Miners

The government in Abkhazia has extended an order prohibiting access to internet sites used by cryptocurrency miners. The measure is part of a wider ban on activities related to the extraction of digital coins that also limits the use of electricity and imports of mining equipment in the breakaway Georgian republic. Authorities in Abkhazia Confirm … Read more

Uzbekistan Warns Citizens to Avoid Unlicensed Cryptocurrency Exchanges

A government agency in Uzbekistan has published a list of unauthorized crypto exchanges that residents of the country have been advised to avoid. The trading platforms collect personal data and bear no responsibility for the cryptocurrency transactions, officials have warned. Authorities in Uzbekistan Blacklist ‘Unofficial’ Crypto Exchanges The National Agency of Project Management under the … Read more

Thailand to Develop ‘Cryptourism,’ Considers Issuing Utility Token

In search of ways to heal its travel industry, hurt by the pandemic, Thailand is now recognizing an opportunity to tap into a growing market of cryptocurrency holders. Fostering a “cryptourism atmosphere” is what the country’s tourism agency intends to do, including by minting a new token and facilitating bitcoin card payments. Tourism Board of … Read more