North Macedonia Says Bomb Threats Come From Russia, Crypto Used to Hide Origin

The government of North Macedonia believes that an ongoing wave of false bomb threats against public targets in the country is coming from Russia and Iran. The authorities in Skopje also say that payments related to the attacks have been made with cryptocurrency to conceal traces. Over 700 Facilities Targeted With Bomb Threats in North … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Allow Russians to Circumvent Sanctions, Report Alleges

Major crypto exchanges have failed to prevent sanctioned Russian banks and traders from transacting, according to a blockchain forensics report. At least two established coin trading platforms continue to allow Russians to use their bank cards in peer-to-peer deals, the analysis shows. It also highlights an increased Russian interest in tether. Russian Traders Still Using … Read more

Industrial Giant Siemens Issues €60 Million Digital Bond on Blockchain

German conglomerate Siemens has for the first time issued a blockchain-based digital bond denominated in euros. In an announcement, the corporation highlighted the benefits of using blockchain, including the opportunity for direct sale to investors. Digital Bond Issued Under Germany’s Electronic Securities Act The largest industrial manufacturer in Europe, Siemens, announced it has become one … Read more

Bulgarian Businessman Loses Half a Million Dollars to Call Center Crypto Fraud

A Bulgarian investor has lost a large amount of money to fraudsters who convinced him he was putting cash into cryptocurrency. The scam operated through a call center in what is becoming an established scheme for extracting money from victims lured with promises of quick profits on stock and crypto markets. Defrauded Bulgarian Crypto Investor … Read more

Hive Ransomware Network Dismantled by American, European Law Enforcement

Law enforcement authorities from over a dozen countries in Europe and North America have taken part in disrupting the activities of the Hive ransomware group, the U.S. Justice Department and Europol announced. Hive is believed to have targeted various organizations worldwide in the past couple of years, often extorting payments in cryptocurrency. Captured Decryption Keys … Read more

‘Prohibitive’ Capital Rules for Banks Holding Crypto Win Support in EU Parliament

Lawmakers in the European Union have backed legislation imposing new capital requirements for financial institutions, including strict rules meant to cover crypto-related risks. The latter concern banks keeping digital assets and are expected to enter into force in January, 2025. EU Legislators Approve Draft Law Implementing the Basel III Capital Regulations for Banks Members of … Read more

Eurozone Finance Ministers Pledge Support for Digital Euro Project, Talk Privacy

The ministers of finance of the countries in the eurozone reaffirmed their support for efforts to prepare for the potential launch of a digital euro. Meanwhile, the single currency area’s monetary authority sought to reassure future users that the new currency will be “preserving privacy by default and by design.” Eurogroup to Remain Involved in … Read more

Nigerian Crypto Exchange Roqqu Gets European Union Virtual Currency License

The Nigerian crypto exchange Roqqu recently announced that it obtained a virtual currency license that allows it to offer its services in 28 European countries. According to Israel Ololade, the head of product at Roqqu, the European Union license “aligns with the brand’s drive to become the number one blockchain and crypto company globally.” Crypto … Read more

Dollar Loses to Digital Currencies in 2023, Former Russian President Medvedev Says

Digital fiat currencies will spread next year while the U.S. dollar will be losing its status of global reserve currency, according to Russia’s former head of state. In a string of tweets, Dmitry Medvedev gave his two cents on what the future holds for the world, a “humble contribution,” as he put it, to the … Read more