US Treasury Report Warns of Defi’s Threat to National Security, Authors Conclude Fiat Is Used in Illicit Finance More Than Crypto

The U.S. Treasury has released a 42-page report assessing the risks of decentralized finance (defi). The report states that specific nation-state adversaries, cybercriminals, ransomware attackers, thieves, and scammers are using defi to “transfer and launder their illicit proceeds.” The Treasury’s report warns that defi could threaten national security and calls for policymakers to increase oversight. … Read more

French Authorities Raid 5 Major Banks Over Accusations of Money Laundering and Fiscal Fraud

On Tuesday, French officials conducted raids on five major banks located in and around Paris, including Societe Generale, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Natixis, and BNP’s Exane Bank, over alleged charges of money laundering and fiscal fraud. According to a spokesperson for France’s Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF), the preliminary investigation into four French banks and one international … Read more

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried Faces New Bribery Charges for Alleged Crypto Payment to Chinese Officials

Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the former CEO of FTX, now faces a 13-count indictment as U.S. officials have added new charges. One of the new charges alleges that SBF leveraged $40 million to influence “one or more Chinese government officials.” Details of the Bribery Charges Against Sam Bankman-Fried Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the co-founder and former CEO … Read more

National Exchanges Reportedly Pause Operations in Venezuela, as Attorney General Confirms Crypto Watchdog Sunacrip Involvement in Oil Sale Schemes

National cryptocurrency exchanges have paused their activities in Venezuela according to reports, as the anti-corruption probe on national crypto watchdog Sunacrip and unlawful oil sales continues in the country. Tarek William Saab, attorney general, confirmed the involvement of the institution in a parallel scheme that involved the sale of Venezuelan oil to third parties, mentioning … Read more

Arrested Bitzlato Exchange Founder Seeks Help From Crypto Community

The founder of crypto exchange Bitzlato, who is facing a money laundering case in the U.S., is seeking support from members of the community. Anatoly Legkodymov was arrested in January for his role in the trading platform which allegedly processed millions of dollars’ worth of illicit funds. Bitzlato Founder Looking for Bail Guarantors in U.S. … Read more

Crypto Exchange Bitzlato Restores User Access to Half of Bitcoin Balances, Report

Bitzlato users can now partially withdraw their bitcoin funds from the dismantled cryptocurrency exchange, according to a media report. The Russia-linked trading platform was targeted by Western law enforcement and had its France-based server infrastructure seized in January. Bitzlato Customers Allowed to Withdraw Up to 50% of Their Bitcoin at the Exchange Users of Bitzlato’s … Read more

Crystal Blockchain Study Reveals $16.7 Billion in Crypto Assets Stolen Since 2011

Crystal Blockchain, a company that provides blockchain data and analytics, published a study covering security breaches, fraud, and scams related to cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (defi). According to the study, approximately $16.7 billion in crypto assets have been stolen since 2011. Last year, Crystal’s intelligence team documented 199 incidents resulting in the theft of $4.17 … Read more

Founder of Crypto Exchange Bitzlato Denies US Charges

The founder of cryptocurrency exchange Bitzlato has denied guilt in a money laundering case in the United States. Anatoly Legkodymov was arrested in Miami, in mid-January, for his role in running the trading platform which allegedly processed over $700 million in illicit funds. Bitzlato Founder Legkodymov Appears in US Court Anatoly Legkodymov, one of the … Read more