How will DOJ’s new crypto enforcement team change the game for industry players, good and bad?

In a bid to catch up with cybercriminals, the Justice Department is pooling all crypto expertise in one place. On Oct.

Department of Justice Creates New ‘National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team’

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is creating a new team to go after criminal activity within the digital asset space.

US Launches National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team to Prosecute ‘Criminal Misuses of Cryptocurrency’

The US has launched the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, an initiative of the Department of Justice (DOJ), to tackle and prosecute “criminal misuses of cryptocurrency, particularly crimes committed by virtual currency exchanges, mixing and tumbling services, and money laundering.” US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said, “The point is to protect consumers.” DOJ’s New Crypto […]

US Justice Dept announces launch of national crypto enforcement team

“We need to make sure that folks can have confidence when they’re using these systems and we need to make sure we’re poised to root out abuse that can take hold on them," said Lisa Monaco. An official from the Office of the Attorney General has said the United States government is going to take a more active role in enforcement action against actors using cryptocurrencies for money laundering and other cybercrimes.Speaking at the Aspen Institute Cyber Summit on Wednesday, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the Justice Department had launched the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, an initiative aimed at going after platforms “that help criminals launder or hide their criminal proceeds.” Monaco cited her office’s work against Darknet-based Bitcoin (BTC) mixing service Helix in August but said the US government should be doing more.“We want to strengthen our capacity to dismantle the financial ecosystem that enables these criminal actors to flourish and — quite frankly — to profit from what they’re doing,” said Monaco.

South Africa Ransomware Attack: Justice Department Denies Receiving 50 BTC Ransom Demand

South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) has denied claims that it has received a 50 bitcoin ransom demand from hackers that attacked its systems on September 6, 2021.

$30 Million Crypto Scheme’s Leader Pleads Guilty, Facing up to 20 Years in Prison

The leader of a cryptocurrency scheme that swindled over $30 million from investors has pleaded guilty to fraud, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

Digital intelligence must overcome challenges to solving crypto crimes

Changing an intelligence agency's perspective on crypto crime is the next step toward a successful crypto investigation. While the value of cryptocurrencies has varied wildly in the last year, this has not diminished crypto’s attractiveness to criminals.

Darknet crypto mixer operator pleads guilty to laundering $300M in BTC

The operator of the darknet-based Bitcoin mixing service Helix has pleaded guilty to laundering more than $300,000 million worth of BTC from 2014 to 2017. Ohio man, Larry Dean Harmon, has pleaded guilty to laundering more than $300 million while operating the Darknet-based Bitcoin mixing service, Helix. On August 19, The US Department of Justice announced that the 38-year-old pleaded guilty to laundering more than 350,000 Bitcoin through Helix from 2014 through 2017.Bitcoin mixers are used to help people anonymize their Bitcoin.

US Marshals Service Hires Custodian for Seized Cryptocurrencies — Over 185K BTC Confiscated, Sold so Far

The US Marshals Service, a primary law enforcement agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ), has hired a new custodian for its seized cryptocurrencies.

Tether Executives Placed Under Investigation Radar By US DOJ Over Bank Fraud

Tether Executives and the firm are up for probe by the US department of justice on accounts of bank fraud (Read More)

Tether Execs Facing Department of Justice Probe For Alleged Bank Fraud

Tether executives are facing a US Department of Justice probe on potential bank fraud committed during Tether's early days.

DOJ Tells FBI and Others: ‘Stop Signing Appreciation Notes for Binance’

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested federal agencies stop signing appreciation letters for Binance.

DoJ’s crypto czar joins FinCEN in brand-new role: Why it matters

Michele Korver’s appointment to the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network promises to reduce illicit financial practices within the crypto space. In her monthly Expert Take column, Selva Ozelli, an international tax attorney and CPA, covers the intersection between emerging technologies and sustainability, and provides the latest developments around taxes, AML/CFT regulations and legal issues affecting crypto and blockchain.Talk about ending a stellar career at the United States Department of Justice with a bang.

FinCEN Appoints First Chief Advisor for Crypto

Michele Korver previously worked for the Department of Justice.

DOJ Seeks Trial Attorney With Extensive Blockchain and Crypto Knowledge

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a trial attorney to help with the federal executive agency’s Digital Currency Initiative.

Coinbase says it was not involved in the DOJ's Bitcoin ransom seizure

Coinbase CSO says ‘good ol’ fashioned police work’ landed the FBI the private keys. Coinbase’s Chief Security Officer has refuted suggestions the US crypto exchange was involved in any seizure of crypto assets related to recent Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack.CSO Philip Martin took to Twitter on June 8 to explain the firm’s involvement, or lack of it, with the Department of Justice warrant for the seizure of Bitcoin.“Coinbase was not the target of the warrant and did not receive the ransom or any part of the ransom at any point.

'Bitcoin was NOT hacked!' But why does this even need to be clarified?

Department of Justice officials claimed on Monday that they struck a heavy blow to the attackers behind Colonial Pipeline cyber attack.

Bitcoin Tumbles 8% on Fears that US Law Enforcement “Hacked” the Network

Following news that the Department of Justice had recouped Bitcoin in the Colonial Pipeline ransomware investigation, Bitcoin shed 8%.

US officials recover $2.3M in crypto from Colonial Pipeline ransom

Government officials did not specify the exact method used to seize the funds from the ransomware group. Officials with a United States government task force have seized more than $2 million in crypto used to pay for ransom following an attack on the Colonial Pipeline system. In a Monday press conference, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said that the task force “found and recaptured” millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin (BTC) connected to Russia-based DarkSide hackers, the majority of the $4.4 million funds originally paid.

New Crypto FUD Round Incoming as US Gunning for Ransomware Crackdown

United States politicians appear to have a new stick to beat the crypto sector with – as they prepare an onslaught on ransomware and crypto payments to criminal groups. Per Reuters, a senior official at the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the department is set to elevate the status of ransomware attack probes to the same kind of level as terrorism incidents.

Binance Extends Blockade of Zimbabwean Crypto Users to Include Non-Resident Traders

Malta-based cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has reportedly extended its blockade of Zimbabwean users to include non-resident citizens.

California Department of Justice Cracks Down on Illegal Bitcoin ATM Ring

Kais Mohammad has pleaded guilty to money laundering charges and for operating an illegal crypto business.

NYDFS taps former DOJ attorney as deputy virtual currency chief

The former Department of Justice trial attorney has been with the New York State Department of Financial Services for eight years. Debra Brookes’ new role with the New York State Department of Financial Services may suggest more of a focus on regulation through enforcement.An attorney who has been working at New York’s Department of Financial Services, or NYDFS, since 2013, Brookes has served in key roles in the department’s Enforcement Division, Financial Frauds and Consumer Protection Division, and Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division before becoming deputy virtual currency chief for its Research and Innovation Division in March.

Bitcoin slips below $46K as correction deepens; institutions keep accumulating

After failing to reclaim the $50,000 level, BTC faces renewed selling pressure in the short term.

Binance Faces DOJ Probe as Investigators Target Crypto Money Laundering and Tax Evasion

Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, is now being probed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the assumption that it could be immersed in money laundering transactions.

Crypto Market Reacts to Binance IRS Investigation by Shedding $150 Billion in an Hour

Bitcoin and Binance Coin got pummeled after publication of a report that Binance is being investigated by the US Department of Justice.

Binance is reportedly under investigation from IRS and Justice Department

The price of Bitcoin and Ether both fell between 3% and 5% as the report spread across social media. Major cryptocurrency exchange Binance is reportedly under investigation by both the United States Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service in an apparent effort to stymie illegal trading activity from users in the United States.According to a Bloomberg report, the two government agencies are investigating Binance Holdings Ltd, with officials seeking information from individuals with knowledge of the crypto exchange’s business.

Bitcoin drops to $46K, altcoins sell-off as report claims Binance is under investigation

News that Binance could be under investigation by the US Justice Department and IRS triggered a market-wide sell-off which saw Bitcoin price drop to $46,000. Within the last hour Bitcoin (BTC) price dropped by more than 3%, extending the decline which started on May 12 and saw the digital asset drop as low as $46,000 on some exchanges. Initially, on May 12 it was Tesla’s announcement that it would stop accepting Bitcoin as payment over environmental concerns, along with technical weakness and a nearly complete head and shoulders technical pattern that pushed BTC price down to $46,000.

Bitgo Chosen to Manage Seized Cryptocurrencies for the US Marshals Service

The US Marshals Service has published a contract showing the crypto custodian Bitgo has been chosen to manage law enforcement’s seized bitcoin acquired through criminal forfeiture.

Instagram influencer charged over duping followers out of $2.5M BTC

A social media influencer known for “cash giveaways” has failed to show the money in alleged Bitcoin wire fraud scheme.

Six people charged for running an unlicensed crypto exchange in New Hampshire

United States Department of Justice (DOJ) charged six individuals with participating in a “conspiracy to operate an unlicensed” cryptocurrency exchange business” among other offenses.  Five The post Six people charged for running an unlicensed crypto exchange in New Hampshire appeared first on AMBCrypto.

The things the DoJ’s latest move against McAfee has taught us

The actions against McAfee by the DoJ and the IRS represent a worrying shift in the view of the US government’s criminal enforcement arm. Earlier this month, antivirus pioneer John McAfee was officially charged by the United States Department of Justice on seven counts of fraud and money laundering.

McAfee claims DOGE price prediction to blame for latest US charges

Detained antivirus software entrepreneur John McAfee points a 1,000% spike of DOGE since he called it the “coin of the week” years ago. Troubled antivirus software entrepreneur John McAfee has claimed that Dogecoin (DOGE) was part of new charges brought against him by the United States Department of Justice.

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.

John McAfee Indicted by DOJ Over Alleged Cryptocurrency Fraud Charges

Tech entrepreneur and former anti-virus tycoon John McAfee has been indicted by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) on money laundering and fraud charges.

Centra Tech Inc co-founder sentenced to 8 years in prison for ICO fraud

United States Department of Justice today sentenced Sohrab “Sam” Sharma, one of the founders of the ‘Centra Tech’ crypto project, to serve eight years for an “ICO fraud scheme.” Authoritie The post Centra Tech Inc co-founder sentenced to 8 years in prison for ICO fraud appeared first on AMBCrypto.

John McAfee faces more charges connected to money laundering and wire fraud

According to the United States Department of Justice, Manhattan Federal Court today charged John McAfee and his team's executive adviser Jimmy Gale Watson Jr for fraud and money laundering conspiracy The post John McAfee faces more charges connected to money laundering and wire fraud appeared first on AMBCrypto.

McAfee faces crypto-related fraud charges from NY court

Meanwhile, the anti-virus mogul is still imprisoned in Spain.

US Government Expands Charges Against North Korean Hackers- Authorities Describe Them as The ‘World’s Leading Bank Robbers’

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed new charges against the North Korean state-sponsored Lazarus Group.

US DoJ charges North Korean hackers over crypto theft and attacks

US Department of Justice charged three computer programmers who apparently belong to the infamous North Korea-affiliated hacker group known as Lazarus for attempting to steal and extort over $1.3 bil The post US DoJ charges North Korean hackers over crypto theft and attacks appeared first on AMBCrypto.

US charges three North Korean hackers over crypto attacks and WannaCry ransomware

The Department of Justice has indicted three hackers affiliated with the infamous Lazarus Group. On Wednesday, the US Department of Justice announced charges against three North Korean operatives.  Making the announcement, Assistant Attorney General John C.

DOJ Charges 3 North Korean Hackers With Stealing $100M+ From Crypto Firms

The hackers allegedly stole over $1.3 billion overall through various schemes.

Federal attorneys are investigating meme-led trading in GME, AMC and silver: WSJ

The Justice Department joins CFTC and SEC probes into wild markets facilitated by Robinhood and other apps for retail traders. The Department of Justice is reportedly the latest to turn up the heat on last month's crazed markets. Citing unnamed sources, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the DoJ's fraud division and the San Francisco district attorney's office had launched probes into the brokers (read: Robinhood) and social-media platforms (read: Reddit) who were at the center of wild bull markets on stocks like GameStop and AMC weeks ago.  A number of agencies have announced that they are looking into market manipulation concerns.

Seized Silk Road Bitcoin Worth $3 Billion Likely Linked to Disgraced US Secret Service Agent

Over $3 billion worth in bitcoin seized by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), belonging to Silk Road, are likely linked to a former US Secret Service agent.

Darknet market link provider claims its Bitcoin donors’ accounts were frozen

The admin of a well-known darknet market link provider claims its donation address was flagged as suspicious after it criticized Chainalysis' KYT flagging system.

Mobile Firm Employee Charged for Aiding Crypto SIM Swap Attacks Targeting 19

Stephen Defiore was allegedly paid to transfer cellphone accounts to ones owned by a co-conspirator.

California resident to plead guilty to operating unlicensed Bitcoin exchange service

According to the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), a man from Ontario, California, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of illegally operating a crypto exchange.  On 29 January, The post California resident to plead guilty to operating unlicensed Bitcoin exchange service appeared first on AMBCrypto.

International Operation Disrupts Ransomware Group Netwalker by Tracing Cryptos With the Help of Blockchain Analysis

In collaboration with Bulgarian authorities, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) disrupted a well-known ransomware gang’s infrastructure.

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.

US Department of Justice Works with International Agencies to Crack Down NetWalker Ransomware

The US Department of Justice has led international efforts that have seen half a million dollars in cryptocurrency seized from the NetWalker ransomware group.

DoJ, Chainalysis work to break up ransomware network that targets hospitals

The Department of Justice has seized half a million dollars in crypto from NetWalker, in an operation that also involved Bulgarian authorities.

Update: "Coin Signals" trader also faces charges from the CFTC

Arrested by the FBI earlier today, the 24-year-old Spence also faces civil charges of fraud that look to bar him from future trading. For Jeremy Spence, also known as "Coin Signals," the news just gets worse. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has unveiled civil fraud charges against Spence for his investment scheme, which allegedly suckered investors out of over $5 million worth of Bitcoin based on false or misleading statements. As Cointelegraph reported, the Department of Justice arrested Spence earlier today on charges of wire fraud and commodities fraud that have maximum sentences of up to 30 years combined.  The CFTC's civil complaint looks to return Spence's allegedly ill-gotten gains back to investors and to bar Spence from trading in commodity interest writ large.

FBI arrests 24-year-old crypto trader for commodities and wire fraud

The trader was both lying to investors and using an unregistered derivatives strategy on BitMEX.

Antitrust watchdogs around the world are going back to school to study blockchain and AI

Gearing up for new battles against data-driven monopolies, antitrust enforcers may well look to blockchain as a way of getting honest data from companies they don't trust.

BitMex turns to Chainalysis to solve legal woes, or at least soften the CFTC's blow

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? BitMex onboards more aggressive Chainalysis measures in advance of a response to the CFTC.

Mastermind of $147 Million Crypto ‘Scam of Epic Proportions’ Sentenced to 10 Years in US Prison

The mastermind of what the US Department of Justice calls a scam of “epic proportions” has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Visa Abandons $5.3B Acquisition of Plaid Over DOJ Antitrust Concerns

The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that the $5.3 billion deal was off.

Visa abandons $5.3B Plaid acquisition in the face of DoJ antitrust suit

The Justice Department's November 2020 suit has reversed the planned merger. The United States Department of Justice saw a victory in a major fintech acquisition case that could set the stage for a host of antitrust enforcements. On Tuesday, the DoJ announced that Visa and Plaid had called it quits on their planned merger.

Seven times that US regulators stepped into crypto in 2020

From capping off the era of ICOs to tightening regulations on private wallets, US financial watchdogs waded deeper into the crypto land than ever in 2020. As digital assets made strides toward mainstream status in 2020, the guardians of the incumbent financial system have been working hard to minimize disruption caused by their integration.

FBI to reform virtual currency practices following DoJ recommendations

The DoJ thinks the FBI needs to shape up when it comes to its cryptocurrency support teams. A recently released US Department of Justice audit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) practices in regards to darknet criminal investigations concluded that the law enforcement agency is in disarray — and an overarching "cryptocurrency support strategy" might be among the solutions.  According to an unclassified version of the audit released on Thursday, the FBI’s current darknet investigation efforts are — perhaps ironically — hampered by a “decentralized” set of practices, policies, and training programs, as well as compartmentalized intelligence leading to “redundant” efforts.

DJ Khaled and Floyd Mayweather promoted his 2017 ICO; Now, he faces a year behind bars

Robert Farkas will face the lightest felony sentence possible for his role in Centra Tech's 2017 ICO. A Manhattan court has sentenced the operator of the fraudulent crypto investment firm Centra Tech to a year and a day in prison. Per a December 15 announcement from the Department of Justice, Robert Farkas successfully solicited $25 million in investment during the 2017 initial coin offering boom.

With Bill Barr leaving the DoJ, what will the next Attorney General do about crypto?

Attorney General William Barr tendered his resignation to President Trump last night, opening up the conversation as to how a Biden-appointed successor will handle crypto. In a tweet Monday evening, President Trump announced the departure of William Barr from the office of Attorney General.

Architect of DoJ's crypto framework will no longer be leading their policy-making

Major figure in Justice Department's cyber work is out from the policy office, but no word on where she's heading next.

Oyster Protocol founder arrested; accused of operating multimillion-dollar tax evasion scheme

Founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency scheme Oyster Protocol, Amir Burno Elmaani, has been arrested and charged by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) for a “multimillion-dollar tax evasion schem The post Oyster Protocol founder arrested; accused of operating multimillion-dollar tax evasion scheme appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Man Gets 6 Years for $25M Diamond and Crypto Ponzi Scheme

Jose Angel Aman, charged with operating the fraudulent investment scheme, was sentenced to serve six years in federal prison and pay over $23 million in victim restitution by a federal court in Florida.

US DoJ Extradites Key Member of Crypto Ponzi Scheme From Panama

A principal member of a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme has been extradited from Panama by the US Department of Justice.

US DoJ extradites alleged AirBit Club Ponzi operator from Panama

United States Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Southern District of New York (SDNY) extradited a member of an alleged AirBit Club ponzi scheme for “internationally coordinated fraud and money lau The post US DoJ extradites alleged AirBit Club Ponzi operator from Panama appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Justice Department extradites alleged BTC mining Ponzi operator from Panama

AirBit Club's leadership has been gathered in New York City and will face charges for stealing "membership dues" to finance massive marketing events and lavish personal lifestyles. Per a Monday announcement, the United States Department of Justice and the Southern District of New York have extradited from Panama a leader of alleged Ponzi scheme AirBit Club.  Gutemberg Dos Santos is one of six operators of AirBit Club indicted, and the last to come into the US to face trial before the SDNY.

DoJ makes fintech giant sell Credit Karma's tax wing to Square before $7.1B acquisition

Intuit, which also owns TurboTax, can't hold all the keys to consumer tax software, the DoJ says. Per an announcement and series of filings on Wednesday, the US Department of Justice is calling shenanigans on Intuit's ambitions, at least in part. Intuit owns a stable of user-facing finance software, including budgeting app Mint, digital DIY tax software TurboTax, and QuickBooks, for business accounting.

Feds Missed ‘Millions’ When Seizing $1 Billion in Silk Road Bitcoin

The Department of Justice didn't finish the job, a blockchain investigation firm claims.

Silk Road Bitcoin Seizure: Analytics Firm Claims Tokens Worth Millions Still Outstanding

Analytics firm Coinfirm says the US Department of Justice (DOJ)’s seizure of digital assets associated with the now-defunct Silk Road left behind tokens worth millions of dollars.

The Long Arm of Justice: How Far Can the DoJ Really Go in Prosecuting Foreign Actors?

DoJ is now determined to hold the crypto industry to cross-border enforcement standards that have long applied to other sectors of finance. In early October, the US Department of Justice revealed its Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework, a report laying bare the government’s vision for emerging threats and enforcement strategies in the cryptocurrency space.

Chainalysis Launches Program to Store and Sell Seized Crypto Assets for Governments

The blockchain intelligence and surveillance company Chainalysis revealed the launch of a new program that aims to help governments and insolvency practitioners sell seized cryptocurrencies.

BitMEX crypto exchange steps up AML and trade surveillance measures

New technology will help screen out bad actors, BitMEX says. BitMEX, one of the world’s biggest Bitcoin (BTC) trading platforms, continues to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering measures in the aftermath of its criminal charges in the United States. According to a Nov.

Law Decoded: New administration and the DoJ’s continued flex in crypto, Oct. 30–Nov. 6

With the election taking all the air out of the room, we look at what new appointments at the DoJ could mean. Every Friday, Law Decoded delivers analysis on the week’s critical stories in the realms of policy, regulation and law.  Editor's note Are you over the election? I’m over the election.

US Government Is Now Top Bitcoin Whale. What Could Happen Next?

Following the news that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has forfeited USD 1 billion worth of bitcoin (BTC), market players are now discussing possible scenarios what could happen next.

US DoJ seizes $1 billion in crypto linked to Silk Road

US Department of Justice announced on 5 November that it has filed a complaint to seize $1 billion worth of cryptocurrencies, in connection with the underground online marketplace Silk Road.

Brazilian gov't gets help from US Justice Department to seize $24M in crypto

The government of Brazil requested assistance from US authorities regarding a crypto fraud scheme called “Operation Egypto.” According to a Wednesday filing, the US Justice Department seized $24 million in virtual currency pursuant to an official request from the Brazilian government. The Department of Justice, or DoJ, said that the government of Brazil requested its assistance in connection to a crypto fraud scheme called “Operation Egypto.” Authorities in the South American nation reported that more than 10,000 Brazilians may have been defrauded from the scheme, in losses estimated at roughly $200 million. The department seized funds connected to Brazilian national Marcos Antonio Fagundes, one of the individuals allegedly involved in the case.

Visa’s Planned $5.3B Purchase of Fintech Firm Plaid Challenged by US DOJ

The Justice Department alleges Visa’s acquisition of Plaid would eliminate competition in the online debit market, leading to higher prices.

Justice Department files antitrust lawsuit against Visa's acquisition of Plaid

Monopolizing a market is legal in some instances, but not others.

US and Brazil authorities seize $24 million in crypto

US Department of Justice announced that it has seized $24 million in cryptocurrencies through a collaboration with the Brazilian federal police investigation pertaining to a cryptocurrency scam operat The post US and Brazil authorities seize $24 million in crypto appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Justice Department seizes $1 billion in recently moved Silk Road crypto

The move follows widespread crackdowns by the DoJ on crypto. In a filing on Wednesday, the United States Department of  Justice asked to seize $1 billion from an unnamed hacker. Specifically, the DoJ is asking the court of the Northern District of California to lock down on "approximately 69,370.22491543 Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Bitcoin SV (BSV), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), obtained from 1HQ3Go3ggs8pFnXuHVHRytPCq5fGG8Hbh." The court document did not identify the person behind the wallet, instead referring to them as "Individual X," but it does allege that they managed to hack Silk Road and steal the crypto, much to the chagrin of Ross Ulbricht.

$200 Million Brazilian Crypto Fraud Scam: The US Seizes $24 Million Worth of Digital Currencies

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says it has seized cryptocurrencies worth $24 million after receiving an official request from the government of Brazil.

US Authorities Seize $25 Million in Cryptocurrency From One of Brazil’s Biggest Pyramid Schemes

The United States Department of Justice helped shutting down a major pyramid scheme, seizing over $25 million in cryptocurrency held by the criminals.

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.

Declaring a crackdown? What to make of the DoJ crypto framework release

The US Department of Justice has articulated its digital enforcement strategy, putting the crypto community on notice. The United States Attorney General’s Cyber-Digital Task Force recently unveiled the result of its months-long effort to evaluate emerging cryptocurrency-related threats and articulate law enforcement strategies for countering them.

Law Decoded: How I learned to stop worrying and love the election, Oct. 23-30

The age-old question quis custodiet ipsos custodes crops up in force in today's Law Decoded.

Visa powers one more crypto card amid ongoing antitrust charges

US regulator's growing distrust in tech companies is not stopping them from extending their services into the crypto industry. As technology titans in the United States capture a larger part of their industries and beyond, regulators and governments have become increasingly concerned about their extensive power and influence.  Indeed, Facebook, Twitter and Google’s parent company Alphabet all appeared before a Congressional antitrust hearing in July.  The primary concern of the government is that these companies use their authority to stifle competition and manipulate users to maintain their leading position in the marketplace. The latest in a series of ongoing antitrust charges and investigations on corporate giants is the one being considered by the US Department of Justice against Visa.

How US authorities are using old AML tools to crack down on crypto

With new changes to the Travel Rule up for discussion and a bevy of new cases in the courts, it's time to look at how US AML law is shifting to cope with crypto. The ease of laundering money in the US before 1970 boggles the mind.

Cybercrime task force monitoring the global digital financial system

Regulators are addressing the growing threat of transnational cybercrimes in the financial industry. The United States faces a growing threat of transnational cybercrime, particularly against its financial system.

Law Decoded: Government sandboxes, test beds and crypto compromises, Oct. 16-23

These week's news highlighted how governments test new regimes for cryptocurrency, which can be slow but are certainly some kind of progress. A line from immortal comic strip Calvin & Hobbes goes “a good compromise leaves everybody mad.” When it comes to laws governing crypto, authorities are usually asking for pretty major compromises because they are, at their very best-intentioned, trying to work things out. Whi

DOJ’s Crypto Framework Is ‘a Complete Disaster’ for Digital Privacy Rights

The US Department of Justice's enforcement framework may pose a serious threat to the digital privacy rights of crypto users.

US Charges 6 With Laundering Mexican Drug Cartel Cash Using Crypto and Casinos

The US Department of Justice charged the six individuals for alleged involvement in laundering funds from Mexican drug cartels after an investigation spanning years.

The US Crypto Enforcement Framework Is a Warning to International Exchanges

The US Department of Justice’s cryptocurrency enforcement framework is a warning shot to exchanges worldwide: Comply with US law or face the potential wrath of the federal government.

BitMEX operator hires chief compliance officer amid US criminal charges

The hire comes after BitMEX's founders were charged with failing to prevent money laundering and operating an unregistered trading platform illegally in the United States.

Data encryption a threat to fighting child sexual abuse, says DOJ

The department, along with other international agencies, alleged end-to-end encryption can create “severe risks to public safety.” The US Department of Justice has released an international statement claiming that end-to-end encryption “poses significant challenges to public safety,” including sexually exploited children.  In an Oct.

A Regulatory Reckoning for the Crypto Industry?

Between BitMEX action, the UK’s derivative ban and the new US Department of Justice enforcement framework, regulations are coming for crypto.

Bitcoin Whale Issues Crypto Market Warning After US Department of Justice Releases Enforcement Framework

One of the few Bitcoin whales willing to release public statements says a new enforcement framework from the US Department of Justice could have negative long-term ramifications on the crypto markets.

Law Decoded: Police and thieves on their screens, Oct 2–9

The Department of Justice made headlines in crypto and elsewhere, leading a week of law enforcement locking down around the world. Every Friday, Law Decoded delivers analysis on the week’s critical stories in the realms of policy, regulation and law. Editor's note Historians typically date the birth of international policing as we know it today to the 1800s, a response to the explosion in nationalist movements and non-governmental political radicalism in Europe.

BitMEX CTO Released On USD 5m Bond, USD 2bn Blockchain City + More News

Get your daily, bite-sized digest of cryptoasset and blockchain-related news – investigating the stories flying under the radar of today’s crypto news. Legal news BitMEX Chief Technology Officer Samuel Reed, who was charged and arrested by the US Department of Justice, has been released on a USD 5m appearance bond, as first reported by The Block.