Clickbait Media Uses Bitcoin and Russia to Pump Headlines Again

In the past week or so, a number of publications, including cryptocurrency websites, but also “reputable” mainstream outlets, have given stage to a “Kremlin economist” with a bold prediction – Russia will invest billions in bitcoin to tackle U.S. sanctions, possibly triggering a new bull run as early as next month. The claim was quoted … Read more

Venezuela Files Complaint With WTO Regarding US Sanctions Targeting Petro

On Jan. 8, the World Trade Organization (WTO) published a dispute settlement request that was filed by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with regards to executive orders and sanctions maintained by the United States that target Venezuela and the nation’s cryptocurrency, the petro. The document was filed with the WTO on Dec. 28. Also Read: Malaysia … Read more

Cryptocurrency Exchanges Eye Russia for Expansion Despite Sanctions

Sanctions imposed by governments as part of geopolitical struggles do not always filter through to under-regulated industries. Ambitious businesses covet every opportunity for expansion and diversification. That seems to be the reason why a growing number of crypto exchanges are turning their attention to Russia and its diaspora, despite the disapprobation this risks drawing from … Read more

Thousands of Banned Binance Customers Remain Cut off by the Exchange

Binance, the world’s second largest digital asset exchange by traded volume, has withdrawn its services from countries targeted by U.S. economic sanctions, in line with its controversial revised terms of use. However, the ban affects entire populations in countries such as Zimbabwe, where U.S. restrictions are supposed to specifically target individuals and companies. Also read: Bitcoin … Read more

Bitcoin Primely Positioned as U.S. Foreign Policy Pushes Rivals to Ditch Dollar

As President Donald Trump presides over geopolitical shape-shifting as the poster boy of separatist politics, the most significant clapback yet may be loss of confidence in the U.S. dollar. The dollar has been politically weaponized in the service of American interests and now other global powerhouses are betting on taking back control of their economies … Read more

Bill to Curb Iranian National Crypto Filed in US Congress

Draft legislation designed to hamper Iran’s efforts to create a sovereign cryptocurrency has been introduced in the U.S. Congress. The Blocking Iran Illicit Finance Act bans U.S. citizens and companies from all transactions and dealings in Iranian digital currency. The bill also introduces sanctions against foreign nationals and organizations that support the development of the … Read more

A Maritime Crypto Startup Turns Out To Be A Fundraising Platform For The North Korean Government

It was touted as a blockchain-powered maritime investment project, but it has turned out to be yet another ingenious method of raising funds by the North Korean government. Known as Marine Chain, the startup claimed it would tokenize maritime vessels for their owners, but it has done anything but. According to a report by AI-powered … Read more

Fincen Claims Iran Is Using Crypto to Evade Sanctions

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has warned U.S financial institutions that the Iranian government might be dodging economic sanctions by using cryptocurrencies. The document highlights challenges arising from peer-to-peer virtual currency exchanges and encourages banks to monitor blockchain ledgers for transactions tied to the country. Also Read: Church Mining Cryptocurrency to Pay Higher Electricity Rates Iranian … Read more

Fincen Claims Iran Using Crypto to Evade Sanctions

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has warned U.S financial institutions that the Iranian government might be dodging economic sanctions by using cryptocurrencies. The document highlights challenges arising from peer-to-peer virtual currency exchanges and encourages banks to monitor blockchain ledgers for transactions tied to the country. Also Read: Church Mining Cryptocurrency to Pay Higher Electricity Rates Iranian … Read more

U.S. Senators Push for Stronger Sanctions Against Venezuelan Petro

A bipartisan group of senators in the United States are seeking strong sanctions against Venezuela’s Petro. The proposed sanctions would extend an executive order from March to prohibit U.S. residents from providing software to the Venezuelan government in its efforts to launch the Petro. Also Read: Venezuela Demands Citizens Pay for Passports With Petro U.S. Lawmakers … Read more