Binance Processed $346 Million for Crypto Exchange Bitzlato, Report Claims

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has reportedly processed nearly $346 million in crypto transactions for Bitzlato, the coin trading platform that was shut down in an international law enforcement operation. U.S. authorities say the world’s largest trading platform for digital assets was among Russian-owned Bitzlato’s major counterparties. Blockchain Data Indicates Binance Moved Over 20,000 BTC for Bitzlato … Read more

Bitzlato Executives Arrested in Europe, Exchange Laundered €1 Billion, Europol Says

European law enforcement authorities have detained four more members of the executive team of crypto exchange Bitzlato, Europol announced. According to the police agency, nearly half of the funds processed through the platform were associated with various criminal activities. Bitzlato Senior Management Targeted in Europe, Exchange Infrastructure Dismantled High-ranking executives of the recently busted Bitzlato … 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

Rate Hikes Needed to Reduce Eurozone Inflation Despite Recession, Top ECB Official Says

Interest rates will continue to rise while the euro area falls into recession, a high-ranking executive at the European Central Bank (ECB) has indicated. His statements follow the latest rate increase announced by the monetary authority last week and revised projections showing higher than previously expected inflation in Europe ahead. ‘We Have No Choice But … Read more

Time for Serious Global Crypto Regulation, Germany Says

Germany’s financial watchdog has issued a call for global regulation of the crypto industry in the aftermath of the FTX collapse. The hands-off approach was wrong, the head of the agency says, insisting it’s time to protect consumers as the sector expands links with traditional finance. Bafin President Convinced Self-Regulation Won’t Work for Crypto The … Read more

Brussels to Spur Rollout of Instant Payments in Euro, Proposes Legislation

The European Commission has approved a proposal to accelerate the introduction of euro instant payments. The technology is there and Europeans should be able to send and receive money immediately, the executive body said, revealing its intentions to push the industry toward wide adoption. EU Moves to Make Instant Payments Widely Available Throughout Europe A … Read more

EU to Target Crypto Miners’ Power Usage as Union Relies Less on Russian Energy

Authorities in Brussels are taking steps to reduce power consumption, including in cryptocurrency mining, as the EU faces limited energy supplies from Russia, the reliance on which it has been trying to lower. New energy efficiency labeling is to address the growing electricity usage in the crypto sector. EU to Develop Energy Efficiency Label for … Read more

Localbitcoins, Crypto.com, Other Providers Suspend Services for Russians Under EU Rules

Complying with the latest EU sanctions targeting Russia, well-known cryptocurrency platforms like Localbitcoins, Blockchain.com, and Crypto.com have started to restrict or terminate services for Russian accounts. The moves follow the adoption of new European penalties in response to Moscow’s military escalation in Ukraine. Major Crypto Platforms Conform to EU Measures, Restrict Services for Russian Users … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Still Available to Russians Despite Latest EU Sanctions, Report Unveils

A list of crypto exchanges, including global platforms, have not introduced new restrictions on Russian users after the EU’s most recent sanctions round, Russian crypto media reported. The latest European penalties target an array of crypto-related services to increase pressure on Russia amid an escalating conflict in Ukraine. Major Exchanges Continue to Work in Russia … Read more