fraud
European Union Parliament Considers Petition for Crypto Fraud Victims Fund
European Union Parliament is considering a petition from a consortium of individuals and companies to establish a restitution fund for victims of crypto-fraud.
‘AML BitCoin’ Lobbyist Abramoff Pleads Guilty to ICO Fraud
AML BitCoin lobbyist Jack Abramoff has pleaded guilty to multiple accounts of fraud associated with the 2018 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) for AML BitCoin.
Bithumb Crypto Exchange Puts Itself Up for Sale Amid Fraud Probe
Bithumb cryptocurrency exchange is set up for sale amid accusations of the alleged fraud.
Former CEO of Overstock Patrick Byrne Charged for Security Fraud
Former CEO of overstock.com, Patrick Byrne and former CFO Greg Iverson have been charged for securities fraud regarding the payout of dividends.
Risk Assurance Group and Telecom Analytics Provider Combat Fraud with Blockchain
Subex, a notable telecom analytics solution provider, has partnered with the Risk & Assurance Group (RAG) for blockchain-enabled fraud management solutions.
US Seizes $24M in Cryptocurrencies Tied to Brazilian Investment Fraud Probe
The US Department of Justice has seized $24 million in cryptocurrencies following investigations linked to online investment fraud.
South Korean Police Raid Bithumb Crypto Exchange Headquarters On Fraud Allegations
South Korean Police have raided the headquarters of Bithumb cryptocurrency exchange as part of an investigation into fraud.
US Elections Need Blockchain: What Happened with the QFS Conspiracy and Voter Fraud Claims
The presidential election has been complicated, as a portion of the ballots collected were done through mail, as Trump has reiterated his stance on voter fraud.
US CFTC Charges New York Crypto Trader with Fraud Involving Digital Asset Ponzi Scheme
A New York native has been charged with fraud for allegedly scamming $5 million from more than 175 investors using a crypto Ponzi scheme.
US Justice Department Charges John McAfee with Cryptocurrency Fraud
Antivirus software entrepreneur John McAfee has been charged with fraud and crypto pump and dump scheme offenses by the US Department of Justice, which alleges that he and his accomplices participated in a scheme that earned them more than $16.9 million by fraudulently promoting altcoins to unwitting investors.
PlexCoin Founder Indicted by US Grand Jury for 2017 ICO Securities Fraud
A United States grand jury indictment has been delivered to Plexcoin founder, Dominic Lacroix, as well as Yan Ouellet and Sabrina Paradis-Royer for securities and wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money, according to the DOJ.
Utah Man Ordered to Settle Over $2.5 Million for Bitcoin Fraud by CFTC
Utah-based Jacob Orvidas has been ordered by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to pay over $2 million and face a $500,000. The order revealed Orvidas deceived at least four individuals into investing in a leveraged Bitcoin commodity pool, claiming significant profits and monetary safety. He also failed to register as a commodity pool operator.
Australian Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud in $90 Million Crypto Scam in the U.S.
An Australian man named Stefan He Qin has pleaded guilty to draining the investor accounts of his New York-based cryptocurrency fund to the tune of $90 million.
Taiwanese Singer Chen Lingjiu Implicated in JPEX Cryptocurrency Fraud Case
Taiwanese singer Chen Lingjiu faces fraud case involving JPEX, highlighting potential pitfalls of celebrity endorsements in cryptocurrency investments and the need for robust regulatory measures.
OneCoin Co-Founder Sentenced to Two Decades in Prison Over Multibillion-Dollar Fraud
Karl Sebastian Greenwood, co-founder of the OneCoin cryptocurrency scheme, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for deceiving millions of investors worldwide, leading to losses exceeding $4 billion. The scheme, based in Sofia, Bulgaria, was marketed as a revolutionary cryptocurrency, but was later revealed to be a sham. Greenwood and co-founder Ruja Ignatova used the scheme to finance extravagant lifestyles.
Property or Not? Bitcoin Thieves Released Because “Bitcoin is Not Property”
A Russian Court recently ruled a Bitcoin theft case as innocent, stating that Bitcoin was not considered a property. The victim sought restitution, after being robbed of 100 Bitcoins.
Texas Authorities Slap “Bitcoin Pope” and Forex Birds with Cease and Desist Order for Fraudulent Investment Scheme
An emergency cease and desist order has been issued against the “Bitcoin Pope” trader, under allegations of fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
Crypto CEO Arrested in New York for Wire Fraud Offences
Eddy Alexandre, the founder and CEO of EminiFx has been arrested by law enforcement agents as he faces charges bothering on one count each of commodities and wire fraud respectively.
China Targets Overseas Telecom Fraud Leveraging Blockchain, Crypto, Metaverse, and AI
China's crackdown on overseas telecom fraud emphasizes legal action against crimes using blockchain, crypto, metaverse, and AI, aiming to protect public interests.
Accused Co-Founder of $9 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme Declares Not Guilty in Court
The co-founder of Zima Digital Assets, Zachary Salter and his associate, 28-year-old John Caruso jointly declared not guilty to charges of money laundering and conspiracy to attempt wire fraud during arraignment in an Arizona court on March 4.
Ex-Terraform Labs CFO Extradited to South Korea in Crypto Fraud Case
Han Chang-joon, former Terraform Labs CFO, has been extradited to South Korea for charges of financial fraud in the crypto industry, marking a significant international effort to combat digital asset fraud.
U.S. Justice Department Seizes $9M in Crypto from Romance Scam Ring
The U.S. Justice Department successfully seizes $9M in crypto from a scam ring targeting over 70 victims, showcasing the government's commitment to combating cyber-enabled financial fraud.
SEC Freezes Assets of DEBT Box in $50 Million Crypto Fraud Case
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has obtained a temporary asset freeze, restraining order, and other emergency relief against Digital Licensing Inc., a Utah-based entity operating as "DEBT Box," along with its four principals and 13 other defendants.
Forsage Founders Indicted for Alleged $340 Million "Global Ponzi" Scheme on Ethereum Blockchain
Oregon's federal grand jury indicted Forsage's founders. "Global Ponzi and pyramid scam" investors lost $340 million on the site.
CFTC Charges Four Individuals Behind Alleged Bitcoin Fraud Scheme "Global Trading Club"
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has charged four people for allegedly soliciting funds from clients to speculate in Bitcoin price movements.
Randall Crater, Founder of "My Big Coin" Sentenced
A U.S. Federal Court Judge sentenced Randall Crater to 100 months in prison. Crater defrauded 55 investors with $7.6 million.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Bitcoin from Silk Road
James Zhong, who stole more than 51,680 Bitcoin from Silk Road in 2012, has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for wire fraud charges. The Bitcoin was worth roughly $3.4 billion at the time of its seizure in November 2021.
Investment Fraudsters Sentenced to Over Six Years for Telecoin Crypto Scam
Two fraudsters, Ross Jay and Michael Freckleton, were sentenced to over six years for a £500,000 scam involving a fictitious cryptocurrency "Telecoin."
DoJ Charges BitClub Promoter for Role in $722 Million Crypto Fraud Scheme
A Californian man pleaded guilty for his involvement in perpetrating BitClub Network, a cryptocurrency mining scheme that generated at least $722 million.
Debt Box vs SEC: Court Reverses Asset Freeze, Raises Questions on SEC's Conduct
Debt Box is suing the SEC for misrepresentation of evidence in obtaining an asset freeze, citing potential sanctions for misleading arguments.
UNODC: Surge in Cryptocurrency Misuse and Technology-Driven Crime in Southeast Asia
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime's latest report reveals an alarming increase in cryptocurrency misuse and advanced technological crime in East and Southeast Asia. The study focuses on the challenges faced by law enforcement against the backdrop of evolving online casinos, cyberfraud, and tech-driven underground banking networks.
How Blockchain Can Mitigate Electoral Malpractices
For elections to be credible, they ought to be free and fair. Nevertheless, the voting process may be marred with malpractices, and this hinders transparency. Blockchain is being touted to avert electoral malpractices and voter fraud based on the distributed ledger technology (DLT) presented.
Former OneCoin Executive Charged with Fraud
Irina Dilkinska, a former executive of fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme OneCoin, has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Dilkinska faces up to 40 years in prison and is accused of aiding in the laundering of over $400 million of OneCoin's proceeds.
Following Investigations in Brazil for Crypto Scams, Ronaldinho Faces Arrest for Using Fake Passport
Ronaldinho, the widely celebrated football player faces arrest for attempting to use fake passports to enter Paraguay after the scandal of his involvement in cryptocurrency scams.
American Fugitive Wanted for $722 Million Crypto Scam Arrested in Indonesia for Child Sex Offenses
An American fraud fugitive wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a $722 million cryptocurrency scam has been nabbed in Jakarta, Indonesia, for child sex crimes.
3 Website Operators Lured Romance-Seeking Victims Into Their Fraud
Three website operators lured romance seekers with their bogus bitcoin investment scam.
Swindlers are Using OTP Bots to Wipe Clean Crypto Accounts
Be cautious of fraudsters are becoming sophisticated by the day, with their latest tool being one-time password (OTP) bots used to wipe out cryptocurrency accounts.
Ripple Files Lawsuit Against YouTube Over Cryptocurrency Investment Scam
Ripple crypto firm has hit YouTube with a lawsuit accusing the streaming platform of failing to take action against crypto scams that impersonate the cryptocurrency company.
U.S. Seizes $1.4M in Tether Linked to Tech Support Scam Targeting Elderly
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago has seized approximately $1.4 million in Tether (USDT) linked to an alleged tech support scam that primarily targeted elderly victims across the United States.
UK Regulator FCA Places 50 Crypto Firms Under Investigation
The United Kingdom’s apex market regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is taking a proactive approach to curbing scams and is investigating 50 exchanges
Terraform Labs Co-Founder Indicted for Terra Stablecoin Collapse
Shin Hyun-seong, co-founder of Terraform Labs, has been indicted along with nine other individuals for the collapse of the Terra stablecoin ecosystem. They are accused of fraud, breach of trust, and embezzlement, with illicit profits of nearly $350 million suspected. Prosecutors have seized assets worth a total of $180 million.
FTX Founder's Lawyers Consider Delaying Criminal Trial
Lawyers representing FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have hinted that they may need to delay his criminal trial due to a lack of evidence from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, will focus on fraud charges against Bankman-Fried. His lawyers have stated that they are still waiting for a "substantial portion" of evidence to be handed over to them, including evidence from devices belonging to former FTX employees who have pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
Tether Criticizes UN Report for Overlooking USDT Traceability and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Tether rebuts a UN report accusing USDT of facilitating illicit activities, underscoring its traceability and law enforcement collaboration, and highlighting USDT's positive impact on developing economies.
Did Satoshi Nakamoto Move His Bitcoin Yesterday? No, But Craig Wright Shot Himself in the Foot
On Wednesday a Twitter bot reported that a Bitcoin transaction came from a wallet that possibly belonged to Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of the network and author of the Bitcoin whitepaper. Oh and Craig Wright trips over own story,
Senator Warren Focuses on Crypto Scam Risks for Seniors, Advocates New Legislation
Senator Warren emphasized the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, gaining bipartisan support to regulate crypto activities and protect vulnerable populations from financial fraud.
HK SFC Details JPEX Probe; CEO Affirms Hong Kong's Web3 Commitment
Hong Kong's SFC has provided a detailed timeline of its investigation into the fraudulent activities of the unlicensed virtual asset trading platform JPEX. Despite the ongoing case, SFC CEO Leung Fung-yee reaffirms that Hong Kong's commitment to developing a Web3 ecosystem will not waver.
Titanium Blockchain CEO Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
Michael Stollery, the CEO of Titanium Blockchain, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that raised approximately $21 million through an initial coin offering (ICO) in 2018. Stollery pleaded guilty to securities fraud, admitting to falsifying aspects of TBIS’ whitepapers, planting fake client testimonials on the TBIS website, and commingling ICO investors’ funds with his own.
German Crypto Firm USI Tech Founder Charged in $150 Million Fraud Scheme
Horst Jicha, founder of USI Tech, has been charged with defrauding investors of $150 million in a fraudulent crypto scheme, marking a significant development in regulatory action against crypto-related crimes.
Two Canadian Nationals Face Two Years in US Prison for Alleged Bitcoin Fraud
The US Department of Justice has sentenced two Canadian nationals to two years in the US federal prison for using a fake Twitter account to steal Bitcoins from an innocent US victim.
Russian Hacker Sentenced to 5 years of Prison for Money Laundering, Cybercrimes, and Extortion
Russian Hacker Alexander Vinnik has been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment by a Parisian court. The judgment may be appealed as noted by Vinnik's lawyer.
Turkish Crypto Exchange Founder Arrested
Thodex founder, Faruk Fatih Ozer, has been arrested upon his arrival at Istanbul airport after two years on the run. Ozer faces charges of fraud and money laundering, relating to allegations of an exit scam involving at least $2 billion worth of cryptocurrency stolen from Thodex.
Ransomware Group Demands $4M in Bitcoin from Argentina, Border Activity Halted for 4 Hours
A Bitcoin ransomware attack was directed towards Argentina’s immigration agency, halting border crossing temporarily.
Belgium’s FSMA Blacklists More Crypto Investment Businesses Following Customer Complaints
Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA), a body mandated with the oversight and regulation of the nation’s financial services sector, has opted to add more crypto investment businesses to its blacklist for fraudulent activities. According to an official announcement, this decision was sparked by new cries aired by customers about cryptocurrency investment offers meant to swindle them.
LocalBitcoins Seller Charged by US Homeland Security for Money Laundering
Kenneth Rhule, a localBitcoins seller is charged by the US Homeland Security for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business. Rhule can face up to forty years in prison on account of fraudulent activity alongside illegal marijuana production and distribution.
SEC Withdraws Lawsuit Against Debt Box Amid Misleading Evidence Controversy
The SEC has withdrawn its lawsuit against Debt Box, accusing it of a $50 million fraudulent scheme, paving the way for future charges and a significant shift in crypto firm regulatory landscape.
Terraform Labs and Do Kwon Held Liable for Securities Fraud by NY Jury
erraform Labs and Do Kwon face a guilty verdict for defrauding investors in a landmark case, highlighting the need for regulatory compliance in the crypto market.
New York Files Lawsuit Against Coinseed Crypto Platform for Allegedly Defrauding Thousands of Investors
New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, has filed a class-action lawsuit against Coinseed crypto platform and the company’s executives for defrauding investors more than $1 million to enrich themselves between 2017 and 2018.
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.
Third Co-Founder of Centra Tech Pleads Guilty for $25 Million ICO Fraud
It has recently been announced that the third co-founder of Centra Tech has agreed to plead guilty for his role in the $25 Million Initial Coin Offering (ICO) Scam his cryptocurrency firm was involved in.
Ransomware Group Strikes Again: Canon Takes a Hit
Canon recently suffered a cyber attack where approximately 10 terabytes of files, photos and data were stolen.
CipherTrace Unveils Crypto Predictive Risk Model to Combat Suspicious Transactions in Wake of Twitter Scam
CipherTrace, a cryptocurrency intelligence company, has introduced a predictive risk-scoring model to instantly avert money laundering of cryptocurrencies from ransomware attacks and theft.
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.
Former Bithumb Chairman Lee Jeong-hoon Faces 8-Year Prison Sentence in Appeal
Former Bithumb Chairman Lee Jeong-hoon faces fraud charges over botched deal with BK Group Chairman Kim Byung-gun, awaiting an 8-year sentence, impacting governance and crypto industry regulatory landscape.
Crypto Scams Have Swindled At Least $1B From Nearly 50,000 People Since 2021 - FTC
Despite crypto penetrating the masses from Bitcoin ATMs to Super Bowl ads, scams in this sector have been going through the roof because more than $1 billion has been lost since 2021, according to a study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
New Zealand Police Froze $140 Million in Assets and Crypto From Alleged BTC-e Exchange Money-Launderer Alexander Vinnik
New Zealand police said they have frozen $140 million linked to Russian crypto fraud suspect, Alexander Vinnik, alleged to have been the operator of the now-defunct BTC-e crypto exchange.
Chinese Crypto Investors Orchestrated Digital Heist to Recuperate Lost Crypto
China-based crypto investors launched a cryptocurrency scam of their own, after having been defrauded themselves.
Peter Schiff’s Bank Investigated in Global Tax Evasion Probe, Gold May Be Dirty
Peter Schiff’s Euro Pacific Bank is currently under a tax evasion probe for hosting numerous financial accounts suspected of tax evasion crimes.
Protests Erupt as Alexander Lukashenko Wins Disputed Landslide Election in Crypto Forward Belarus
In Belarus, a highly contested election victory for longstanding President Alexander Lukashenko over Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has erupted in protests. Despite the dispute, the Soviet forged dictator’s stay of power may be good news for crypto.
Mangofarm Scandal: Solana's Blockchain Ensnared in Alleged Ponzi Scheme Ties
Mangofarm, Solana blockchain, cryptocurrency scam, Banana Miner Ponzi scheme, digital currency security, blockchain fraud, crypto investment caution, Richard Matthew John O’Neill, decentralized finance, investor vigilance
The Sandbox Taps Cybersecurity Firm Brandshield to Tackle Rising NFT Frauds
The Sandbox said introducing cybersecurity solutions with Brandshield is a testament to its efforts to stay ahead of fraudsters and build a fraud-free digital environment.
Attorneys for Ex-FTX CEO Samuel Bankman-Fried Challenge Proposed Jury Questions Ahead of Fraud Trial
The defense attorneys for former FTX CEO Samuel Bankman-Fried have submitted a letter challenging the proposed jury questions for the upcoming fraud trial. They assert that the government's proposed questions could harbor bias against Bankman-Fried, potentially leading to an unfair trial. The defense suggests an alternative voir dire to ensure a fair jury selection process, while the prosecution opposes these suggestions. The trial is slated to begin on October 4, 2023, following jury selection on October 3.
California Proposes Crypto ATM Regulations Amid Rising Fraud
California lawmakers propose regulations on cryptocurrency ATMs to combat escalating fraudulent activities. The bill, dubbed "Digital Financial Asset Transaction Kiosks," recommends a daily withdrawal limit of $1,000 and a cap on operators' fees, with implementation eyed for January 1, 2024. While some victims of ATM scams applaud the measure, crypto ATM operators express concerns over the potential adverse impact on small operators.
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.
Fintech CEO Pleads Guilty to ICO and COVID-19 Loan Fraud in the US
Taiwanese national Justin Cheng has pled guilty to multiple counts of fraud involving $7M COVID-19 relief funds and ICO scams.
Australian and Los Angeles Residents Charged in $25 Million AI Crypto-Trading Ponzi Scheme
The DOJ indicts David Gilbert Saffron and Vincent Anthony Mazzotta Jr. for running a $25M AI crypto Ponzi scheme, involving fictitious entities, false promises, and misuse of investor funds.
World Economic Forum Warns Leaders to Brace for Long-Lasting Global Recession as Cybercrimes Surge
The World Economic Forum (WEF) suggested that leaders around the world need to do more to ensure a quicker and more sustainable recovery for the global economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amongst the 350 top risk professionals in the world surveyed, these risk managers expect a prolonged global recession, as a number of areas of concern were identified in the report compiled by the Forum’s Global Risks Advisory Board, Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc, and Zurich Insurance Group.
Former Banker Charged with Crypto Investment Fraud
Rashawn Russell, a former investment banker and registered broker, has been charged in federal court for defrauding investors with fake cryptocurrency investments and misappropriating funds to finance his lifestyle.
AI's False Promises: CFTC Warns of Soaring Crypto Scams
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) alerts the public about the surge in AI-driven crypto scams, emphasizing the technology's inability to predict market trends and the dangers of misleading claims about high returns.
Mastercard Uses AI to Combat Real-Time Payment Scams
Mastercard has introduced a brand new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution with the intention of assisting financial institutions in combating payment fraud and scams in real time, ahead of any potential monetary abuses.
The US SEC Charges DeFi Money Market and Founders with Fraudulent $30 Million Offerings
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has issued its first case involving the decentralized finance market by charging the founders of DeFi Money market for raising $30 million through fraudulent offerings.
South Korea’s Financial Watchdog to Stamp Out Illegal Crypto Activities
South Korea’s financial watchdog, the Financial Supervisory Service and the Finance Ministry, has teamed up with various financial authorities to crack down on illegal crypto activities.
Crypto Investment Fraud Generates $27 Million, SEC Charges Scammers Posing as Pastors
The US Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against three men posing as pastors who defrauded churchgoers in a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme.
CFTC Demands $572 Million in Penalty and Restitution for Bitcoin Scam, Defendant Nowhere to be Found
US CFTC demanded that the founder of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency scam company Control-Finance pay $572 million in penalty and restitution fees for Bitcoin fraud.
ACE Exchange President Michael Wang Arrested
Michael Wang, President of ACE Exchange, was recently arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering, marking a significant event in the cryptocurrency industry.
US Government Creates Cyber Fraud Task Force to Put an End to Crypto Crime
The US Secret Service is hoping to put an end to the increasing money-laundering cases that have erupted with the rise of COVID-19, by creating a special division, dubbed the Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF).
Sam Bankman-Fried's Lawyers Reach Agreement with Federal Prosecutors
Sam Bankman-Fried may still use non-encrypted texting and phone services, save WhatsApp, which he can use under supervision.
Nigerian Police Arrest Politician Wilfred Bonse for Involvement in Patricia Technologies Financial Fraud
Nigeria Police Force arrests politician Wilfred Bonse for over 200 million Naira financial fraud at Patricia Technologies, three for romance scam, and USDT recovery in cryptocurrency fraud.
US Prosecutors Unseal Indictment of $20 Million Dollar Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
US prosecutors have recently indicted a group of investment scammers who have orchestrated a cryptocurrency mining fraud following a Ponzi scheme protocol.
Philippines Warns the Public on Bitcoin Scammers Posing as Government Officials
Finance ministry of the Philippines Government has alerted the public about false information that fraudulently uses the name of Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to promote a fake crypto trading platform recognized as “Bitcoin Revolution”.
New York Man Charged with Defrauding Investors $4.5 Million in Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme
A New York man has been charged in US federal court with defrauding investors out of millions of dollars in crypto assets that he used on offshore gambling sites. A criminal complaint was filed on July 9, and the US Attorney’s Office charged Douglas Jae Woo Kim, 27 years old, with wire fraud in which he allegedly conned three investors out of over $4.5 million of Ethereum and Bitcoin.
Debiex Accused of $2.3M Romance Scam by CFTC
The CFTC has charged Debiex and Zhāng Chéng Yáng with conducting a romance scam, misleading customers to invest $2.3 million in a fraudulent scheme.
British Farmer Attempted £1.4M Bitcoin Extortion from Tesco by Contaminating Baby Food
Nigel Wright, a 45-year-old sheep farmer from Lincolnshire, England, has been accused of trying to extort Bitcoin worth £1.4 million, approximately $1.8 million, from retail giant Tesco. He made this blackmail to reveal the Tesco stores he had planted the contaminated baby food.
CBI and Liminal Collaborate for Digital Asset Security in India Amid Crypto Scams
The Central Bureau of Investigation of India is partnering with Singapore-based Liminal to secure digital assets seized during investigations amid rising cryptocurrency frauds in India.
Azuki's Twitter Account Hacked, Over $750,000 Stolen
Azuki, a popular nonfungible token project, had its Twitter account hacked, stealing almost $750K in USDC in 30 minutes.
US Senator Challenges Apple and Google about Fraudulent Crypto Apps
Cryptocurrency scams remain a serious problem. U.S. Senator. Sherrod Brown requests app store operators, including Apple and Google, to crack down on the problem.
US SEC Releases List of Suspicious Crypto Firms Targeting International Investors
The US SEC has issued a list of fake crypto firms that majorly target non-US investors. The regulator has warned investors to beware of “red flag” signs of potential crypto fraud.
Visa Announces $100 Million Fund for Generative AI in Commerce and Payments
Visa Inc. has announced a $100 million fund to invest in generative AI technologies that are relevant to commerce and payments. The initiative, led by Visa Ventures, aims to foster innovation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
California Court Fines Crowd Machine and Metavine in ICO Case
A California court orders Crowd Machine and Metavine to pay over $20 million for an unlawful 2018 ICO, highlighting the importance of adhering to securities laws in the crypto industry.
Class Action Filed Against Fenwick & West, LLP, Former Law Firm of FTX, in Connection with Largest Financial Fraud in U.S. History
Class action filed against Fenwick & West, LLP, former law firm of FTX, alleging involvement in schemes leading to FTX's collapse, the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.
Terraform Labs CEO Sent $7 Billion to Law Firm Before Ecosystem Collapse
South Korean prosecutors confirmed that Terraform Labs CEO Do Kwon sent $7 billion to a top South Korean law firm, Kim & Chang, right before the collapse of the Terra ecosystem. The prosecutors believe that Kwon's decision to send the funds was a deliberate move that allegedly reaffirmed his awareness of the impending collapse and anticipated legal problems. The information is expected to help in the ongoing fraud case against Kwon and his associates.
Two US Nationals Charged With SIM-Swap Cryptocurrency Theft
Federal prosecutors have charged two US citizens with a SIM swap and phishing scam that led to a theft of over $16,000 worth of cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin Sex Scam Claims Another Victim and Generates $115,000 BTC
Recently, a Bitcoin sex scam that has been running since 2015 accumulated fraudulent funds of approximately $115,000 before being detected.
John McAfee is Having a Fascinating Time in Spanish Prison Says it's "Not That Bad"
John McAfee is having and interesting time in Spanish prison while awaiting his extradition to the United States.
Former Microsoft Employee Convicted of $10M Bitcoin Tax Fraud Scheme
A former Microsoft employee is facing nine years in prison for defrauding the tech firm of more than $10 million in digital currency.
DOJ Extradites Bitcoin Thief From Cyprus Along With Hezbollah Terrorist
The US Department of Justice has extradited two criminals from Cyprus—one with known connections to terrorism and the other on suspicion of stealing thousands in Bitcoin.
Russian National Extradited to the U.S. to Face Crypto Money Laundering Charges
Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national accused of running an illegal crypto exchange BTC-e was extradited to the United States to face fraud charges.
Russian Intelligence are Hiding Embezzler and Former Wirecard COO in Belarus
Jan Marsalek promptly disappeared shortly after undertaking an investigation for the Wirecard missing funds - which he claimed would clear him of any wrongdoing. However, new evidence suggests that he never made it to the Philippines at all, but has been in hiding with the help of the FSB, a Russian intelligence agency.
Singapore authorities investigate Terraform Labs
Singaporean police have launched an investigation into Terraform Labs, the company co-founded by Do Kwon, who was accused of fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month. The SEC has alleged that Kwon laundered over $100m worth of bitcoin, which he had removed from the Terra platform, and converted to fiat.
Ex-CEO of Investment Firm Pleads Guilty to Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme
Peter Kambolin, the ex-CEO of Systematic Alpha Management, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit commodities fraud involving cryptocurrency futures contracts, as revealed by the DOJ on October 12, 2023. The case, marking a milestone as the first of its kind, unveils a "cherry-picking" scheme where Kambolin misallocated profitable trades to his accounts, misrepresenting trading focuses to investors. With legal proceedings underway, Kambolin faces up to five years in prison, showcasing the authorities' resolve against financial fraud in the crypto sector.
SEC Charges Rapper T.I. for Role in Alleged Fraudulent ICOs
The SEC filed a complaint against T.I and four other individuals for selling unregistered and fraudulent cryptocurrency securities for two firms.
Former Nissan CEO Paid Crypto Worth $500,000 to Flee Financial Charges in Japan
Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan Motors CEO and chairman, paid cryptocurrency worth nearly $500,000 to escape criminal charges he was facing in Japan. This payment was made by his son Anthony Ghosn to American citizen Peter Taylor
Hong Kong Authorities Warn Against MEXC Impersonation Scam
Hong Kong's SFC and Police have issued an alert over a fraudulent entity masquerading as MEXC, tricking investors into depositing funds with promises of investment returns, highlighting the increasing vigilance against crypto frauds.
SEC Agrees to Delay Terraform Labs Trial, Awaiting Do Kwon's Extradition
The SEC has postponed the trial of Terraform Labs and Do Kwon, pending Kwon's extradition to the US, for a $40 billion cryptocurrency fraud.
Nishad Singh Negotiating Plea Deal in FTX Bankrupt
The co-founder and former chief engineer of insolvent cryptocurrency exchange FTX, Nishad Singh, is reportedly close to a settlement with federal authorities.
AML BitCoin Lobbyist Abramoff to Pay $55K in Convicted Guilt Plea for ICO Fraud
In the civil case filed against Jack Abramoff for his role in the 2018 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) scandal, the AML BitCoin lobbyist is expected to pay $55, 000 in disgorgement and interest for his conspiracy in fraud.
Google Metadata Implicates SBF in Fraudulent Activities During Trial
The trial on Nov 1, 2023, revealed Google metadata evidence against SBF, revealing his creation of a spreadsheet listing fraudulent financial activities. This evidence, along with testimonies and online meetings, contradicted SBF's claims of ignorance.
Crypto Investors Should Expect No Compensation From Government: UK Regulator
The head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) takes a harsh stance against victims of digital currency scams, opposing them to receive compensation from the government.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Apologizes for Bitcoin Hack, But Not Before Dutch Politician Was Compromised
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey came forward on Thursday to apologize thoroughly for his social network company’s failure to prohibit and shut down Bitcoin scam artists' digital heist of important verified accounts, that ranged from that of tech moguls Elon Musk and Bill Gates to political figure Joe Biden.
UK Law Enforcers Blow the Whistle on Bitcoin Fraudsters Taking Advantage of Coronavirus Outbreak
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc, having claimed more than 3,000 lives and infecting more than 100,000 people globally, tension has become inevitable. The UK police have raised the alarm on fraudsters swindling Britons by demanding Bitcoin payments amid coronavirus scare.
NFA issues new rule for digital asset commodities
The National Futures Association has issued a new compliance rule to address fraud and misconduct by its over 100 members involved in digital asset commodities. The new rule will take effect on May 31 and applies only to Bitcoin and Ether.
UK’s Financial Watchdog Warns of Fraudsters Impersonating Blockchain.com
The FCA has raised the alarm about fraudsters who want to lure the public using a cloned version of Blockchain.com, a crypto wallet and trading company.
Ernst & Young Trustee Outline Options for Compensating QuadrigaCX Victims
Ernst & Young has filed a report with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice suggesting how the court should distribute the recovered funds.
Brock Pierce Served for Securities Fraud in Connection with His Blockchain Company Block.one During Electoral Campaign
Presidential hopeful Brock Pierce was served a court summons during his electoral rally at his new headquarters in New York City today.
The important role of AI in online casinos
AI is revolutionizing online casinos by enhancing player protection, fraud detection, and targeted advertising. It can analyze gameplay, improve gameplay, and potentially replace in-person dealers with realistic avatars.
Terra co-founder sought for arrest
South Korean authorities are making a renewed push to detain Terra co-founder Shin Hyun-Seong, also known as Daniel Shin, after the arrest of co-founder Do Kwon. Shin is suspected of involvement in promoting unstable investment opportunities with Terra tokens, with allegations of fraud and illegal fundraising.
Blockchain-Based Invoices Reached $1 Billion USD in China with 10 Million Invoices
Shenzhen’s pilot blockchain technology invoice system has reached a new milestone. The program known as ‘fapiao’ which allows the Chinese government to track purchases and prevent tax evasion, has just issued its 10 millionth invoice.
KuCoin Loses $150 Million Due to Security Breach But Compensation to Follow
KuCoin, a Singapore-based crypto exchange, has disclosed the suspicious withdrawal of large amounts of Bitcoin, ERC-20, and Ether.
Blockchain's Adoption & Capabilities Increase against Fraud in Public Finance Sector
Based on blockchain’s inherent capability of tackling fraudulent transactions, this cutting-edge technology is expected to continue being adopted in the banking and financial services sector, according to HashCash Consultants CEO Raj Chowdhury.
UK's HMRC Makes the First NFT Seizure in Tax Evasion Scandal
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have nabbed three suspected tax evaders, as well as three NFTs.
Google Sues Unknown Entities for Malware Scheme Disguised as AI Chatbot Bard
Google is suing individuals for a malware distribution scam involving false AI chatbot ads, aiming to protect users and intellectual property amid growing digital security challenges.
SEC Chair Gensler Open to Lawful Revival of FTX
SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasizes regulatory standards as FTX considers legal and compliant return, following founder Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction, marking a pivotal moment in crypto regulation.
EminiFX CEO Sentenced to Nine Years for $240 Million Crypto Fraud Scheme
EminiFX CEO, Eddy Alexandre, sentenced to nine years for defrauding investors of $240M through fabricated returns and false AI trading claims.
Floyd Mayweather Promoted 2017 ICO Was a Fraud, Co-Founder Pleads Guilty
The $25 million 2017 Centra Tech ICO court case has finally resulted in a verdict against one of the co-founders who pleaded guilty to fraud yesterday. The other founders are still awaiting trial.
Malaysian Crypto Miners Caught Stealing $59,700 of Electricity from State on Monthly Basis
Malaysian police recently arrested five cryptocurrency mining operators that were caught stealing electricity from a state-owned power company, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
Ishan Wahi pleads guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud
After pleading guilty to two charges of conspiracy to conduct wire fraud, former Coinbase product manager Ishan Wahi will spend at least three years.
Titanium Blockchain's CEO Pleas Guilty of ICO Fraud worth $21m
Michael Alan Stollery, CEO of Titanium Blockchain Infrastructure Services Inc. (TBIS), has been convicted of involving multiple fraudulent accounts in a 2018 initial coin offering (ICO).
Telegram Resists the SEC Court Order to Reveal Financial Details of 2018 ICO
Telegram’s blockchain launch of TON faces delays as the recent court order by US Lawmakers requires the company to hand over documentation regarding the spending of their raised funds via ICO.
IRS Hoping to Deanonymize Monero and ZCash Privacy Coins to Prevent Cybercrime
The Criminal Investigation Division(CID) of the IRS are actively hiring private contractors to study and analyze privacy coins, as there has quite been a lot of fraudulent activities revolving around their usage.
South Korean Court Denies Arrest Warrant for Terraform Labs Co-Founder
A South Korean court denied a request for an arrest warrant for Terraform Labs co-founder, Shin Hyun-Seong, citing unconfirmed allegations and the unlikelihood of Shin being a flight risk. Shin currently faces multiple fraud charges and is accused of hiding risks associated with investing in Terraform Labs' in-house tokens. The recent arrest of Terraform Labs' other co-founder, Do Kwon, has led to extradition requests from both the United States and South Korea.
Former Voyager Digital CEO Faces Fraud Charges Amid CFTC and FTC Crackdown
The CFTC and FTC have levelled fraud charges against former Voyager Digital CEO Stephen Ehrlich, spotlighting the case as a notable instance of regulatory enforcement within the digital asset sector. The charges underscore the market's inherent risks and the imperative for robust regulatory compliance to ensure investor protection.
LUNA Do Kwon's Trial Postponement Request Amid Extradition Delays
Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon requests postponement of his U.S. trial, scheduled for January 29th, to mid-March due to extradition challenges in Montenegro. The SEC filed fraud charges against Kwon in February 2023, related to the collapse of TerraUSD and LUNA tokens.
Fraudulent Ledger Live App in Microsoft Store Linked to $768K Cryptocurrency Theft
A fake Ledger Live app on Microsoft's App Store stole nearly $768K from the crypto community, involving Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions, raising concerns over app verification processes.
Co-Founder of AirBit Club Sentenced to 12 Years for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Pablo Renato Rodriguez, co-founder of AirBit Club, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a global cryptocurrency pyramid scheme. Co-defendants await sentencing, and the group has been ordered to forfeit approximately $100 million in assets.
Could Blockchain be a Solution for Mail-In Voting Issues and Election Ballot Counting Fraud?
Amid the misinformation circulating in response to the US presidential elections, blockchain technology has been brought up as a solution to prevent voter fraud.
Hong Kong Security Chief Vows to Hunt Down JPEX Crypto Scam Ringleaders
Hong Kong authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the key operators behind JPEX, a cryptocurrency platform implicated in the city's largest alleged financial fraud. The police have arrested 15 individuals and seized assets worth HK$85 million ($10.8 million). Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the need for a proper regulatory framework for Web3-related businesses.
American Teen Arrested and Accused as Ringleader of Twitter Scam Involving Bitcoin
Graham Ivan Clark, a 17-year-old from Tampa, Florida, has been arrested and accused of being the mastermind behind the Twitter hack that reaped at least $100,000 in Bitcoin from victims in a matter of hours.
New Crypto Fraud Scheme In South Korea: What Rules Are in Place to Stop False Advertising?
The Ponzi scheme disguised as a crypto platform managed to acquire over $380 million USD for the CEO and other company staff. Corner Up was promising estimated returns of up to 200% to investors for each investment made.
Binance Assists in Recouping Fund for Vicitims of Contra Tech Fraud
Binance exchange has announced it is heavily involved in helping the victims of Contract Tech fraud from back in 2017/18 to recoup their lost funds
BitConnect Founder Charged with Orchestrating Global Crypto Ponzi Scheme Worth $2.4B
A U.S. grand jury indicted Satish Kumbhani, the founder of BitConnect, orchestrating a fraud scheme that siphoned approximately $2.4 billion from investors.
Crypto Exchange Thodex Founder Sentenced to Over 11,000 Years Amid Fraud Allegations
Thodex 's Faruk Fatih Özer has been sentenced to over 11,000 years by the Anatolian 9th High Criminal Court on fraud charges. The Turkish platform's abrupt 2021 shutdown left users without access to $2B in assets, leading to major international scrutiny.
Former IcomTech CEO Marco Ochoa Sentenced for Wire Fraud Involving Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Marco Ochoa, ex-CEO of IcomTech, has been sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud in a crypto Ponzi scheme, with a $914,000 forfeiture and two years of supervised release.
Chinese Police Arrest 27 Kingpins of Plus Token Bitcoin Scam Worth $5.7 Billion
Chinese authorities have arrested all 27 primary criminal suspects involved in the Plus Token Ponzi scheme that defrauded nearly 40 billion Chinese yuan, approximately $5.7 billion from victims.
CEO of IcomTech Pleads Guilty in Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Marco Ruiz Ochoa, former CEO of IcomTech, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a large-scale cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. The company falsely promised high returns on cryptocurrency investments and used promotional tactics to lure victims. Ochoa now faces up to 20 years in prison.
Former Bithumb Chairman Lee Jung-Hoon Acquitted in $100M Fraud Case
Lee Jung-Hoon, former chairman of Bithumb, has been acquitted in a $100 million fraud case related to the non-listing of the BXA token, highlighting challenges in crypto industry legal cases.
US National Lab Computer Scientists Deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Thwart Illegal Crypto Mining
Los Alamos National Laboratory has created an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of identifying malicious codes that mine cryptos such as Bitcoin.
Peter Kambolin Sentenced for Fraudulent Scheme in Cryptocurrency Futures Trading
Peter Kambolin, former CEO of Systematic Alpha Management LLC, was sentenced for a fraudulent "cherry-picking" scheme in cryptocurrency futures, underscoring the need for stringent regulatory oversight in crypto trading.
Australia Records Over $14 Million Losses to Crypto Scams in 2019
Scamwatch, an Australian website dedicated to reporting scams saw an increase in crypto relating scams amounting to $14 million
Terraform Labs (Luna) Co-Founder Pleads US Court to Dismiss SEC's Fraud Allegations
Terraform Labs and co-founder Do Kwon are defending against fraud and securities allegations by the U.S. SEC, arguing their cryptocurrencies are not securities, amidst a wider legal battle between crypto firms and regulators following the Terra ecosystem's $40 billion downfall in 2022.
Former FTX CEO's attorneys agree to pay for security expert to assist
SBF's lawyers sent a short letter to Judge Kaplan agreeing to employ a tech expert for the fraud case.
Crime across DeFi Platforms Surged to $10.5B in 2021
Crime has grown at an alarming rate in the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry by hitting $10.5 billion so far this year.
Victims of BitConnect Ponzi Scheme to Benefit from the Liquidation of $57M Crypto Assets
Victims of BitConnect fraud scheme have a reason to smile about after a court order granted the sale of cryptocurrencies accrued from the scam.
Eddy Alexandre Pleads Guilty to Commodities Fraud
After pleading guilty to stealing $248 million from investors, EminiFX CEO Eddy Alexandre might serve 10 years in jail.
Seoul Prosecutors Probe Crypto Fraud at Delio, Haru, Pica, and WeMade
Seoul's prosecutors probe alleged crypto fraud at Delio, Haru Invest, Pica Project, and WeMade. The joint investigation team aims to expedite the processing of these high-profile cases.
Latvian National Extradited to the U.S for Crypto and Wire Fraud
Ivars Auzins, a Latvian citizen, accused of committing securities and wire fraud using eight companies that alleged to mine or invest in crypto assets, was extradited to the United States to face a six-count indictment charge.
Hong Kong Government Alerts Public to AI-Generated Scams Featuring Deepfake of Chief Executive
The Hong Kong government warns against AI-generated scams, including a deepfake video of Chief Executive John Lee, urging public vigilance and caution.
SafeMoon CEO's Bail Release Suspended Due to Flight Risk Concerns
SafeMoon CEO Braden John Karony's bail release has been postponed due to potential flight risk and community danger following allegations of financial fraud and money laundering.
Bitfinex and Tether Face Market Manipulation Class Action Lawsuit
Roche Freedman, New York-based legal firm, filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of those who own cryptocurrency against Bitfinex and Tether and others for crypto market manipulation and creating the largest bubble in history.
Crypto Escrow Company Promises Bitcoin, Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Client Over $3 Million
Jon Barry Thompson, the executive of Volantis Market Making cryptocurrency escrow company, has pleaded guilty in a crypto escrow scam worth $3.25 million.
John McAfee to be Served with SEC Court Documents as He Awaits Extradition from Spain
John McAfee is to be served by the SEC for seven illegal initial coin offerings (ICO) he conducted, as well as for tax evasion.
OneCoin's Former Legal Head Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering
Irina Dilkinska, former OneCoin legal head, has admitted to wire fraud and money laundering charges in the cryptocurrency pyramid scheme, facing a potential ten-year prison term, while co-founder Ruja Ignatova remains fugitive.
Ripple (XRP) CTO responds to phishing scam concerns following Cory Doctorow's $8000 loss
Ripple's CTO David Schwartz emphasizes his cybersecurity savvy, responding to phishing scam concerns after Cory Doctorow's $8000 loss. Ripple educates on scam identification and prevention, amidst increasing social media-based crypto frauds.
Steven Seagal Under Siege from US SEC for Shilling 2018 ICO
Iconic 90s martial arts film star Steven Seagal has come under siege from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who have made an executive decision to show the Aikido master that he is not above the law for his involvement in the Bitcoiin2Gen ICO of 2018.
SEC Seeing 'Lots' of Crypto Firms are Non-Compliance: Gensler
Gensler commented on the development of the crypto space, saying that there are a lot of noncompliance firms in the industry that might put investors in endanger.
Creating Corruption-Free Ecosystems with Blockchain: A Study
Fighting and eliminating corruption at government or society level is not easy, as complicity and cronyism creates a wall of silence and impunity around it. How can blockchain help to tear this wall down?
CipherTrace Reveals $1.4 Billion Worth of Crypto Assets Stolen in the First Five Months of 2020
Digital currency tracker CipherTrace has declared the valuation of cryptocurrency-related frauds in the first 5 months of 2020 to be $1.4 billion. This figure can spark insecurity among crypto investors but paying attention to security models can prevent such losses in the future. Several businesses particularly those geared towards blockchain technology experienced quantifiable economic downturns. Some of these downturns are just coming to limelight with the CipherTrace reports released on June 2.
FBI Warns of Criminals Posing as NFT Developers to Target Internet Users
The FBI warns of NFT scams by criminals posing as developers, amid growing concerns over various fraudulent activities in the NFT space.
Vebitcoin Crypto Exchange Shuts Down its Business, Turkish Financial Watchdog Investigates
Vebitcoin has suddenly halted its trading, citing financial strains.
Couple Charged by the SEC for Defrauding 500 Investors in Fraudulent Water-Backed Cryptocurrency Scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has persecuted a former Texan pastor and his spouse for allegedly conning hundreds of innocent investors. The SEC said that the Texas couple used alkaline water-backed crypto, TeshuaCoin, to con the investors.
Webaverse Co-Founder Reveals $4 Million Crypto Hack
Webaverse co-founder Ahad Shams sent a public statement about being hacked for $4 million in a hotel lobby.
Terraform Labs CEO Sends Millions to Law Firm Before Collapse
Terraform Labs CEO, Do Kwon, sent millions to a South Korean law firm right before the company's collapse. Prosecutors believe Kwon's actions were deliberate and prove his awareness of the impending collapse and anticipated legal problems. Kwon is currently facing extradition to both the United States and South Korea, and prosecutors suspect he converted illegal funds from Terra to Bitcoin. Prosecutors have identified over $314 million in illicit assets associated with Kwon and his associates.
John McAfee Indicted for Tax Evasion and for Fraudulently Promoting ICOs Through Twitter
The DOJ is charging John McAfee with tax evasion and failure to file tax returns, according to an unsealed indictment that was revealed yesterday.