Bitcoin Price Watch: Currency Down to $7,300

At press time, bitcoin has fallen to roughly $7,300. This is $100 less than where it stood yesterday afternoon, though the currency was trading for as high as $7,500 during Tuesday’s evening hours. The bitcoin arena is something of a mixed bag. For example, China’s president Xi Jinping recently endorsed blockchain technology, stating that it … Read more

Alleged BTC-e Mastermind Confesses to Russian Money Laundering Charges

According to regional publications in Russia, the alleged BTC-e mastermind and prisoner in Greece, Alexander Vinnik, has allegedly confessed to charges of fraud and money laundering on May 24, 2018. Reports reveal a signed document details that Vinnik admits to committing financial fraud between 2011-2017 through the BTC-e cryptocurrency exchange. Also read: This Week in … Read more

Investigation of South Korea’s Largest Crypto Exchange Upbit Continues

Since the South Korean prosecution started investigating Upbit, the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, more events have unfolded. While local media still discuss allegations and raise questions about Upbit’s business practice, some people believe that Upbit is already in the clear. The investigation continues. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space The Allegations Local … Read more

EU Adopts Rules to Reduce Anonymity for Crypto Users

A directive affecting the crypto sector in Europe has been adopted by the EU Council. The document updates the anti-money laundering legislation of the European Union to address, among other issues, “the risks linked to virtual currencies.” The new rules aim to reduce anonymity for both users and transactions with requirements for know-your-customer procedures that … Read more

Steve Eisman of ‘The Big Short’ Fame: What Value Does Cryptocurrency Actually Add?

Steve Eisman, the American investor best known for having shorted collateralized debt obligations before the 2008 financial crisis, doesn’t see what is the real value of cryptocurrency. He reportedly holds that the popularity of the phenomena comes down to only two factors, speculation and money laundering. Also Read: Only 8.5% of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Traders … Read more

Korean Regulators Widen Investigation of Cryptocurrency Exchanges

South Korea’s government is widening its probe on cryptocurrency exchanges, particularly the use of corporate accounts which the regulators say can lead to money laundering. This announcement follows the prosecutors launching an investigation on the country’s largest crypto exchange, Upbit. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Widening the Crypto Probe South Korea’s … Read more

Bitcoin in Brief Monday: Belgium Expands List of Fraudulent Crypto Platforms, Plot to Kill Vinnik Uncovered in Greece

In Monday’s Bitcoin in Brief, Belgium’s financial watchdog, which earlier this year published a warning about potentially fraudulent platforms promising fast and easy profits to crypto investors, has just expanded its blacklist. In Russia, reports have surfaced of a plot to assassinate Alexander Vinnik in Greece, where he fights an extradition request from US authorities … Read more

Localbitcoins Updates ToS: ‘Some Situations May Require ID’

Just recently news.Bitcoin.com reported on traders who exchanged “significant” trade volume using the peer-to-peer platform, Localbitcoins, by receiving warnings to upload their identity before they could proceed trading. Now the Localbitcoins organization has updated its terms of service agreement which comes with a few new guidelines concerning ID verification and data retention. Also read: Markets Update: Cryptocurrencies … Read more

Bitcoin Is Not Used by Organized Crime Syndicates Says Hong Kong Government

Bitcoin is often accused by regulators, governments and central bankers as being a tool for money laundering by criminal organizations, usually without presenting any evidence. A new report from Hong Kong, a major international financial hub and nexus for trade between China and the whole world, spells this out clearly.  Also Read: Bitcoin in Brief … Read more