CRYPTOCURRENCY
EBA Issues Updated Guidelines for Crypto Asset Service Providers
The European Banking Authority (EBA) extends Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing measures to include crypto firms, aiming to harmonize regulatory approaches and mitigate financial crime risks in the EU.
US House Committee to Probe Crypto Crimes in November Hearing
The US House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing today, November 15, 2023, to examine illicit cryptocurrency activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing, and discuss the Department of Justice's focus on these crimes.
FinCEN Issues Alert to Counter Financing to Hamas and its Terrorist Activities
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued an alert to financial institutions, urging vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious activities related to the financing of the terrorist organization Hamas. The alert comes in the wake of a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which was funded through various means, including virtual currency.
US Treasury Targets Hamas Financial Networks Post-Israel Attack
In a strategic move following the recent terrorist attack on Israel, the US Treasury designated ten key individuals and entities affiliated with Hamas, targeting their financial networks across several countries. This action accentuates the broader US initiative to choke off Hamas’s financial resources, while spotlighting the emerging challenges posed by virtual currencies in terror financing.
EU Proposes Cap on Anonymous Crypto Transfers
The European Union is proposing a 1,000 euro cap on anonymous crypto transfers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The limit would apply to transfers when a customer cannot be identified, and the proposal also caps cash transactions at 7,000 euros. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism package is expected to be confirmed in April.
UK ISIS Member Charged for Sending Bitcoin to Terrorist Militants in Syria
A UK member of ISIS faces multiple charges for sending funds using Bitcoin to aid the escape of terrorist militants being held in prison camps in Syria.
G7 Bank Sector Higher Money Laundering Risk than Crypto Industry, Reports Mexico Financial Intelligence
According to a report released by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Mexico, the G7 banking sector was most at risk of money laundering operations.
ISIS Millions Could Be Hidden in Cryptocurrency Ready-to-Fund War Chest
There is fear that missing ISIS’s £246 million may have been hidden in cryptocurrency waiting to be used for war chest.
Terrorist Groups Use Telegram for Raising Cryptocurrencies
Terrorist groups, including ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Hamas, are using several social media platforms, including Telegram, to raise funds via cryptocurrencies.