Alleged BTC-e Operator Alexander Vinnik in US Custody After Immediate Extradition From Greece

Russian IT specialist Alexander Vinnik, accused of owning and running the infamous crypto exchange BTC-e, has been handed over to the U.S. This week, Greek authorities proceeded with the extradition, after his return from France, despite Vinnik’s defense protesting the move and calling the case a “judicial, diplomatic and humanitarian scandal.” Vinnik Appears in San … Read more

Vinnik to Be ‘Hostage’ in US Amid Russia’s War in Ukraine, Greek Lawyer Says

If extradited to the United States, crypto exchange BTC-e’s alleged operator Alexander Vinnik will become a “hostage” due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to his Greek lawyer. France is likely to send the Russian back to Greece soon and Zoe Konstantopoulou is trying to prevent his subsequent transfer to U.S. custody. Alexander Vinnik’s … Read more

Report: Digital Currency Exchange Kraken Under Investigation for Violating OFAC Sanctions

On Tuesday, a newly published report details that the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is under federal investigation for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions, according to five people familiar with the matter. The unknown sources explained that the inquiry into Kraken started in 2019, and it’s accused of allowing users from sanctioned countries like Iran access to the … Read more

Ukraine’s New Fiat Restrictions to Boost Popularity of Crypto, Industry Says

The central bank of Ukraine has adjusted the fixed exchange rate of the national currency in U.S. dollars and introduced stricter limits on hryvnia transactions for citizens. The measures are likely to turn more Ukrainians to cryptocurrencies, according to a representative of the local crypto sector. War-Time Hryvnia Limits Expected to Increase Interest in Cryptocurrency … Read more

US Withdraws Request to Extradite BTC-e’s Vinnik From France, Lawyer Sees ‘Deceitful Maneuver’

U.S. authorities have withdrawn their request to extradite the alleged operator of crypto exchange BTC-e Alexander Vinnik from France, his French lawyer informed Russian media. Vinnik’s defense suspects, however, that the move is intended to actually speed up his extradition through Greece. Lawyer Says Washington Wants Vinnik to Remain in Prison The United States withdrew … Read more

Thailand’s Oldest Lender Delays Bitkub Exchange Acquisition Amid Tighter Crypto Rules

The company that owns Thailand’s Siam Commercial Bank has postponed a deal to acquire a majority stake in Bitkub, the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The decision comes amid tightening crypto regulations that limit growth in domestic crypto trading. SCB Postpones Acquisition of Thai Crypto Exchange Bitkub The parent company of Siam Commercial Bank, SCB X, … Read more

Trade Republic, Crypto.com Register as Cryptocurrency Operators in Italy

German investment platform Trade Republic and digital asset exchange Crypto.com have registered as crypto service providers in Italy. Since February, the financial authorities in Rome maintain a registry for all cryptocurrency platforms permanently operating in the country. More Companies Register as Providers of Crypto Services in Italy Germany-based investment platform Trade Republic and Singapore-headquartered digital … Read more

Proposal to Set Up Russian Crypto Exchange Circulated in Moscow

Russia may establish a dedicated exchange to carry out cryptocurrency transactions locally, a high-ranking member of the State Duma has suggested. The new platform can be hosted by the Moscow Exchange, according to Anatoly Aksakov, head of the parliamentary financial market committee. Russian Authorities Mull Creating Domestic Cryptocurrency Exchange A crypto trading platform may be … Read more