Bank Hackers Set up “Enormous Network” to Mine Bitcoin for Laundering Money

Europol has revealed that an international group of cyber criminals, which has stolen over a billion dollars from multiple banks by hacking their ATMs, has been using cryptocurrency as a means to conduct money laundering. The information was made public after cooperation by investigators from all over the world led to the arrest of the … Read more

New Bill Aims to Allow Crypto Payments in Russia

A draft law aiming to protect the rights of owners of cryptocurrencies, while regulating their use for payments, has been introduced in Russia’s parliament. The bill defines terms like “digital money” and “digital rights”. It also allows authorities to subject cryptos to taxation, inheritance rights, and bankruptcy claims. Also read: Bill “On Digital Assets” Filed … Read more

Rubles Can Buy You Petro Maduro Says While Denominating Venezuela’s Currency

El Petro, the Venezuelan cryptocurrency, can now be purchased with Russian rubles, among other fiat currencies, President Nicolás Maduro announced. Companies from many countries, including the United States, want to buy the oil-backed crypto, he added. Venezuela’s head of state also said he decided to denominate the national currency, the bolivar.  Also read: Venezuela Recruiting … Read more

Snowden on Bitcoin: Blasts Public Ledger and Core Developers

The world’s most famous whistleblower, Edward Snowden, gave a dynamic, wide-ranging interview to Peter Van Valkenburgh during Blockstack Berlin 2018. Mr. Snowden discussed ongoing issues of privacy and cryptocurrency, his preferences, and revealed how bitcoin helped him in his most historic hour. He also took the opportunity to chide growing crypto tribalism, calling out maximalists, … Read more

Report Claims Putin Aided Maduro in Creating Venezuela’s Crypto, Petro

A Time investigation into the development of Venezuela’s state-backed cryptocurrency, petro, revealed strong anecdotal and circumstantial evidence connecting Russia to its launch. At least two Russians with ties to Vladimir Putin were present at petro’s unveiling, complete with the Venezuelan president’s thanks. Analysts are claiming the South American country is Mr. Putin’s crypto guinea pig … Read more

Pumpandumping ICOs? Watchout – Court Orders Telegram to Hand Russia Its Encryption Keys

Telegram has lost a court battle against handing its encryption keys to Russian security services. The messaging platform, which forms a pivotal network for the cryptocurrency community, has said it will appeal to the Supreme Court in a bid to prevent Russia obtaining the private data of millions of users. Also read: Some of Bitcoin’s Earliest … Read more