sanction
US National Security at Risk Due to China’s Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
Compass Mining to Sold $30m Worth of Assets in Russia to Fend Off Sanctions
Compass Mining, an American cryptocurrency mining firm, is looking for buyers for its gears stranded in Russia in a bid to avoid being sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury.
Switzerland to Freeze Crypto Assets Linked to Russians
Switzerland will join the UK, the US, and western allies in strengthening sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
Binance Has Enabled Iranians Transact $8 Billion Despite Sanctions
Since 2018, crypto exchange Binance has carried out Iranian transactions worth $8 billion despite being slapped with U.S. sanctions
US National Security at Risk Due to China Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
National Bank of Georgia Enhances Sanction Monitoring, Includes Virtual Asset Service Providers
The Acting President of the National Bank of Georgia, Archil Mestvirishvili, stated that the bank has not only been monitoring the observance of financial sanctions but also expanded its oversight to virtual asset service providers.
Tornado Cash Community Fund Signatories Relinquish their Positions
The signatories to Tornado Cash's community funds have relinquished their role, automatically ceding control of the funds to the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO).
Venezuela Wants Citizens to Pay Taxes in State-Issued Petro Cryptocurrency
Venezuela is moving on a mandate that could see taxes being collected using its state-issued cryptocurrency—the oil-backed Petro. The effort is part of a nation-wide campaign to create mainstream use cases for Venezuela’s cryptocurrency.
Virgil Griffith Sentenced to 5-Year Jail for Helping Individuals in North Korea Evade Sanctions
An American citizen is sentenced to 63 months in jail by U.S. District Judge for allegedly helping individuals in the DPRK (North Korea) to evade sanctions imposed by the U.S.
Breaking: Binance Sells Russian Operations to CommEX, Exits Market
Binance has announced the sale of its entire Russia business to CommEX, citing compliance issues as the primary reason for the exit. The transition process for existing Russian users is expected to take up to one year, with no financial strings attached to the deal for Binance.
Iranians Permitted to Trade on Binance, Despite US Imposes Sanctions: Reuters
Reuters said Binance exchange permitted Iranian users to trade on its platform after the United States reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018.
Blender is relaunched as Sinbad
Elliptic, a crypto risk management organization, hypothesized that Blender renamed to Sinbad to "earn confidence from users" and escape fines.
Coinbase Amplifies Anti-Terrorism Financing Measures Through Blockchain Analytics
Coinbase, on October 17, 2023, outlined its robust measures to curb terrorism financing and other illicit activities through a rigorous compliance framework and blockchain analytics. The discourse emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity in the U.S to minimize offshore risks associated with digital assets. With a dedicated team and technological tools, Coinbase demonstrates a proactive approach in maintaining the integrity of the crypto ecosystem.
OFAC to Begin Sanctioning Companies Facilitating Ransomware Payments
The OFAC may begin sanctioning US nationals and institutions that help facilitate payments in a ransomware attack.
Coinbase Backs Lawsuit against US Treasury over Tornado Cash Sanctions
A group of crypto users are challenging the US Treasury Department's sanctions of Tornado Cash in court. Coinbase is backing the legal action.
Tornado Cash Now Placed Under US OFAC Sanctions
The United States Treasury Department has barred Tornado Cash from offering any form of transactions to individuals in the US.
CFTC Whistleblower Program Gains Traction with $16 Million Awarded in 2023
The CFTC's Whistleblower Program in 2023 awarded $16 million to whistleblowers, contributing to over $3 billion in enforcement sanctions. Recognizing their role in combating financial fraud, the program now focuses on environmental fraud through a task force.
EU Imposes 8th Wave Sanctions over Russia to Include Blanket Crypto Ban
The European Union (EU) has updated its sanction on Russia, the 8th package, and this time, it unveils zero tolerance for crypto-related transactions.
UK Requests Crypto Exchanges to Report Suspected Sanction Breaches
The UK authorities have introduced the new rules in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The regulations cover all valuable digital assets.
US Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Russian Crypto Mining Firm Bitriver
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia last over 2 months, The U.S. strengthens sanctions over Russia, adding Bitriver to the sanctions list in connection with its ties to the Russian economy.
US President Joe Biden to Sign Executive Order on Crypto this Week
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to issue an executive order on cryptocurrency this week. Authorities would be expected to develop policies to enable the U.S. government to work with foreign powers to regulate crypto and its trade across international borders.
CoinList Settles with OFAC for $1.2 Million Over Crimea Sanctions Violations
CoinList settles with OFAC for $1.2 million over transactions for users in Crimea, promising to invest $300,000 in compliance enhancements.
The Russia-Ukraine War Might Accelerate CBDC Issuance, Former BOJ Official Says
The sanctions slapped on Russia based on its invasion of Ukraine might prompt more nations to adopt CBDCs as a shield against the U.S. dollar’s supremacy in the global financial system.
Tornado Cash Developer Arrested by Dutch Authorities
The Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) has arrested a suspect in connections to money laundering crimes on the crypto mixing platform, Tornado Cash
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.
Jury Trial will Decide if Ethereum Dev Nigel Griffith Helped North Korea Evade Sanctions
Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith has been accused by the US Department of Justice of aiding North Korea (DPRK) in evading sanctions and will now face trial by jury.
Iranian General Pushes for Crypto Use to Evade US Sanctions and After Being Blacklisted by the FATF
Saeed Muhammad, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ “Army of Guardians of the Islamic Revolution,” called for Iran to use cryptocurrencies to bypass sanctions imposed on his country by the United States.
Russia Might Resort to Bitcoin Mining as Sanctions Continue to Bite
Based on the ripple effect of sanctions slapped on Russia because of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to be starving for foreign currency. It might make Bitcoin mining an alternative to bypass sanctions.
Robinhood Seeks Sanctions Investigators ahead of Self-Custody Crypto Wallet Launch
Robinhood is hiring more specialists to work in the finance crimes compliance unit as the platform may be broadening its offerings.
Kraken Under Probe for Allegedly Violating US Sanctions on Iran
The US Treasury Department is investigating Kraken on suspicion that the crypto exchange allowed Iranian users to use its trading platform despite federal sanctions on the middle eastern country.
US Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Iranian-Linked Ransomware Gang
The United States Treasury Department through the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) has updated its sanctions list with new targets focusing on ransomware gangs affiliated with the Iranian military.
Mastercard Pulls Russian Banks from its Payment Network
American payment services giant Mastercard has cut off Russian financial institutions from its payment network.
Ethereum is Getting Closed to Being Completely Censored Because of OFAC Regulations
Ethereum is becoming more compliant with OFAC sanctions per on-chain data
Tornado Cash Sees about 80% Deposit Decline following OFAC Sanctions: Report
In just about a week since the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed a ban on the crypto mixer, Tornado Cash, the total deposits on the platform have plummeted remarkably.
Binance Continues to Provide Services to Unrestricted Russians Despite EU Sanction
Binance exchange is still serving nonsanctioned Russian users according to one of its Executives
Japan Freezes Assets Linked to Hamas Funding
Japan has frozen the assets of nine individuals and a cryptocurrency firm accused of financing Hamas, following US sanctions. This move is part of a global effort to disrupt militant group financing channels, focusing on the challenges of virtual currencies in facilitating illicit financial flows.
U.S. Requests Crypto Exchanges to Avoid Russian Running away from Sanctions
The U.S. is reportedly urging major crypto exchanges to make sure no Russian individuals or institutions escape from the sanctions by using cryptocurrencies.
Coin Center Files Lawsuit against Treasury over Tornado Cash Sanctions
Backing a second lawsuit, Coin Center sues the Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) over its sanctions on the Ethereum mixer, Tornado Cash.
Ethereum Developer Indicted for Blockchain and Crypto Expertise Sharing in North Korea
A judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Justice has enough evidence to move to trial against Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith after he allegedly aided in the circumvention of U.S. Sanctions that have been placed on the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea.
Crypto Lending Firm Delio Faces Regulatory Sanctions for Compliance Failures in South Korea
South Korean crypto asset management firm Delio has been fined KRW 1.896 billion and suspended for three months by the Financial Services Commission's Financial Intelligence Unit due to non-compliance with financial transaction laws.
Russia’s Central Bank Makes U Turn about Crypto Usage in International Payments
As a change of tune, Russia’s central bank is relieving its previous tough stance about cryptocurrencies by allowing their usage in international payments, as reported by Reuters.
Digital Currencies Impede US Treasury Sanction Efforts, Report says
The United States Treasury Department revealed that digital currencies pose a critical impediment to sanctions strategy and policies.
U.S. sanctions: Customers suing Compass Mining
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
UN Investigates North Korea on Cyberattacks Funding WMD
The U.N. experts are currently investigating 35 cases in 17 countries where North Koreas were using cyberattacks to raise money for the military objective.
EU Council Expands Sanctions on Crypto Wallets, Targeting Russian Officials
The European Union Council has imposed another round of sanctions on Russia with an extended ban on crypto-focused transactions for already blacklisted Russian individuals and their relatives.
US Treasury Updates FAQ on Sanctioned Tornado Cash
The Treasury Department assured the public that no one will be prosecuted for sharing the codes of Tornado Cash and that they can be used in an educational setting.
Baidu's Stock Tumbles Amid Military Testing Rumors of AI Chatbot Ernie
Reports of Baidu’s AI chatbot Ernie Bot undergoing military testing led to an 11.5% drop in its stock, reflecting investor concerns over potential U.S. sanctions and the intricate challenges facing Chinese AI companies in the global tech landscape.
A British National Charged With Aiding North Korea in Violating US sanctions
Despite the DoJ's crypto financial sanctions targeting Russia, local authorities helped their American colleagues.
U.S. Intensifies Sanctions on Hamas, Targeting Crypto Assets
The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group, following their attack on Israel, focusing on their use of cryptocurrency assets. The sanctions include sanctions on officials, a Gaza-based crypto exchange, and individuals involved in Hamas' financial operations.
Iran Joins BRICS to Reduce Reliance on Western Economic Systems
Iran joins BRICS, aiming to mitigate US sanctions and challenge Western economic dominance, amidst mixed reactions and uncertain benefits.
China's CCP Official Expelled for Violation Crypto Mining Ban Provisions
A former member of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) advisory body has been expelled from the party in what appears to be the first full-blown sanction of an official who has touched Beijing’s nerve against cryptocurrency mining.
Venezuela's Petro Cryptocurrency to Cease Operations
Venezuela ends its Petro cryptocurrency, a failed oil-backed digital currency initiative aimed at evading U.S. sanctions. Launched in 2018, it struggled for adoption due to legal issues, limited functionality, and lack of international interest.
Tornado Cash Founders Face Legal Action Over Money Laundering and Sanctions Violations
Tornado Cash co-founders Roman Storm and Roman Semenov have been indicted for money laundering, sanctions violations, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The US Treasury added Semenov to its list, preventing US residents from using the platform.
The US Treasury Department Imposes Sanction on Suex Crypto Exchange, Accused of Facilitating Ransomware Transactions
The US Treasury Department said in a statement that Suex cryptocurrency exchange has been aiding ransomware actors to attack businesses and government entities.
Tornado Cash Token Plummets Following Binance Delisting Announcement
The Tornado Cash token's value significantly decreased following Binance's delisting announcement, amid regulatory and market compliance issues in the cryptocurrency sector.
Allegations of fraud against Compass Mining after company cuts ties with Russian
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
Debunking Overblown Claims on Crypto and Terrorism Financing
Chainalysis debunks inflated claims on cryptocurrency's role in terrorism financing, emphasizing the predominant use of traditional fiat-based channels by terrorist groups. The analysis highlights the challenges and common misconceptions in tracing terrorist fund flows on the blockchain, particularly concerning service provider identification.
Russia Updates Regulations on Crypto Transactions, Harsh Fines Reserved for Defaulters
Russia’s Ministry of Finance has issued an amendment to its current cryptocurrency regulations. The amendments also come with stricter sanctions.
SEC Charges Crypto Project Unikrn $6.1M for ICO Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Unikrn for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering of its native token, UnikoinGold (UKG).
Calibra Head David Marcus Declares Libra as the Most Secure Payment Network
David Marcus, Head of Calibra, the digital wallet for Facebook’s Libra stablecoin explained at Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas about how the network aims to transform the traditional payments industry.
People's Bank of China Seeks to Prohibit the Creation of Digital Tokens
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) is calling for public opinion or feedback in line with its plans to revise its extant banking laws
Elliptic Discovery Established to Seamlessly Assist Banks in Crypto-Asset Decisions
Elliptic, a London-based provider of crypto-asset risk management solutions, has revealed the launch of Elliptic Discovery, a database of more than 200 worldwide crypto exchanges, that is purposely built for banks in their quest to determine the flow of funds into and out of crypto-assets.
Legitimacy of SEC Clampdown on XRP Cryptocurrency Questioned by TechCrunch, but will Tether be Next?
The founder of TechCrunch Michael Arrington discussed the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs over XRP.
Bitcoin SV Moons As Craig Wright Tells Court That he Has Access to Tulip Trust
Bitcoin Satoshi Version (BSV), a fork of the Bitcoin Cash, is surging in trades following Craig Wright’s compliance with a court order to open up the mysterious Tulip Trust for inspection.
US Sanctions Crypto Addresses of Russian Hackers Accused of Running Presidential Election Interference
The US has released a sanctions list of Russians and their crypto addresses, under allegations that they have been interfering with the presidential election.
US Government Offers $5 Million Reward for the Arrest of Venezuela’s Head of Petro Cryptocurrency
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has added Venezuela’s head of Petro cryptocurrency agency, Joselit Ramirez, to its most wanted person’s list. The US government seeks to offer a $5 million reward for information leading to Ramirez’s arrest.
Why Energy Experts are Watching the Crypto Market Closely
Words like Bitcoin and Oil Market seem to have no correlation between them. However, given the kind of small world we are living in, there's more than meets the eye. Check out this article which explains the perfect correlation between Bitcoin and Oil Market and why energy experts are keeping a close watch on the crypto market.
Senate Hearing Views Digital Dollar CBDC as Critical to Maintaining Global Reserve Currency Status
The United States government’s plan for its digital dollar or central bank digital currency (CBDC) may have just reached a new level of urgency, as the US hopes to maintain its most effective tool of power—global dependence on the Federal Reserve and the US dollar.
What are the 7 Key Takeaways from Facebook's Libra Hearings?
The debate on Facebook's Libra continues with the hearing with Senate Banking Committee on 16 July and the United States House Committee of Financial Services on 17 July. Here are the 7 key takeaways from the two hearings.