Latvian Artist Threatened With Prison for Money Laundering Through NFTs

An artist from Latvia is under investigation for allegedly selling NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, to launder money, for which he may get up to 12 years in prison. The authorities have blocked his bank accounts and launched an investigation without even notifying him. Artist Who Sold Over 3,500 NFTs Prosecuted for Money Laundering in Latvia … Read more

US Withdraws Request to Extradite BTC-e’s Vinnik From France, Lawyer Sees ‘Deceitful Maneuver’

U.S. authorities have withdrawn their request to extradite the alleged operator of crypto exchange BTC-e Alexander Vinnik from France, his French lawyer informed Russian media. Vinnik’s defense suspects, however, that the move is intended to actually speed up his extradition through Greece. Lawyer Says Washington Wants Vinnik to Remain in Prison The United States withdrew … Read more

Russia Considers Jail Time for People Helping Crypto Scammers Launder Proceeds

The interior ministry of Russia has decided to go after those providing money-laundering services to crypto fraudsters, suggesting they should go to prison. The department wants to introduce criminal liability for the activities of these people, also known as ‘droppers.’ Law Enforcement in Russia Targets Droppers Involved in Fraudulent Crypto Schemes The Ministry of Internal … Read more

Hong Kong to Introduce Licensing for Crypto Platforms Through AML Law

New legislation tailored to regulate the crypto space in Hong Kong aims to implement a licensing regime for crypto service providers. The respective changes to the region’s anti-money laundering (AML) rules have been submitted to its legislature while a recently published report examines relevant threats. Hong Kong Lawmakers to Review Bill Aligning Crypto Sector With … Read more

EU Agreement Reached on Anti-money Laundering Rules for Cryptocurrencies

European institutions have reached an interim consensus on a set of EU regulations that will burden crypto companies with the obligation to help prevent money laundering, among other illicit activities potentially involving digital assets. The progress comes as the Union seeks to comprehensively regulate the continent’s cryptocurrency market. EU Officials and Lawmakers Agree on AML … Read more

President of Panama Partially Vetoes Crypto Law Passed by National Assembly

Laurentino Cortizo, president of Panama, has exercised his veto powers to make a series of objections to the recently approved cryptocurrency law. The observations of the president only touch on certain articles and do not affect the law in its entire scope. However, these articles of the bill will have to be re-discussed, taking into … Read more

Ethiopian Central Bank Urges Residents to Stop Engaging in Crypto Transactions

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has said it does not recognize cryptocurrencies as a legitimate method of payment and that residents must avoid using them. The bank insists the local birr currency is the only lawful means of settling transactions in Ethiopia. Illegal Transactions The Ethiopian central bank has warned citizens against engaging in … Read more