Chile Cracks Down on Tren de Aragua’s Crypto Money Laundering Scheme

Chile recently cracked down on a money laundering scheme that involved moving millions of dollars to various countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, the U.S., Paraguay, Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. The Tren de Aragua used crypto assets to launder some of these criminal funds. Chile Dismantles Tren de Aragua’s Crypto Money Laundering Operation Cryptocurrency has become yet … Read more

Bitcoin Donation Scandal Rocks Czech Republic: Did the State Unknowingly Launder Millions?

A donation of 468 bitcoin to the Ministry of Justice from a convicted drug trafficker has sparked a scandal in the Czech Republic, leading to the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blazek. Blazek claimed he was unaware of any illegal conduct related to the donation. Czech Republic Justice Minister Resigns After Bitcoin Donation Scandal A … Read more

Criminal Banking Organization Takedown Across Europe Includes Crypto Operations

Europol has announced the arrest of 17 individuals involved in a criminal parallel banking organization that provided money laundering services across Europe, including the exchange of cryptocurrencies for cash. The operation, conducted on January 14, 2025, in Austria, Belgium, and Spain, followed previous successful actions against migrant smugglers. The arrested individuals, primarily of Chinese and … Read more

Operation Fantasos: Brazil Cracks Down on Remnants of $290M Crypto Ponzi Scheme

The Brazilian Federal Police carried out Operation Fantasos, with more than 50 officers executing 11 search and seizure warrants in various locations across Rio de Janeiro. The mastermind behind these activities was extradited from Switzerland to the U.S. in February. Operation Fantasos Targets the Remnants of a $290 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme in Brazil Brazil … Read more

Crypto and money laundering: What you need to know

What is crypto money laundering? Crypto money laundering involves concealing illegally obtained funds by funneling them through cryptocurrency transactions to obscure their origin. Criminals may operate offchain but move funds onchain to facilitate laundering. Traditionally, illicit money was moved using couriers or informal networks like Hawala. However, with the rise of digital assets, bad actors … Read more

BTC Donor Denied Bail: South African Law Enforcement Claims Incriminating Evidence, While Man Denies Accusations

A South African law enforcement agency has opposed bail for Ziyadh Hoorzook, who is accused of donating bitcoin to an organization allegedly funding terrorism. Hawks Say They Uncovered Compelling Evidence A South African law enforcement agency recently argued against granting bail to a man accused of donating $614 in bitcoin (BTC) to an organization allegedly … Read more