Malicious Crypto Wallet App Submitted to Apple Store Leads to Fraud Charges

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that Nikita Andreevich Sklyuev, also known as Valeriy Dorojkin, has been extradited from Ukraine and arraigned in Buffalo, NY, on charges of wire fraud and fraudulent use of an unauthorized access device. Sklyuev is accused of submitting a malicious cryptocurrency wallet app, “EOSIO Wallet Explorer,” to … Read more

North Carolina Passes Bill to Block State Participation in Federal CBDC Testing

The General Assembly of the U.S. state of North Carolina has approved a bill that prevents the state from participating in the Federal Reserve’s testing of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The General Assembly is North Carolina’s legislative body, comprising two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill passed with significant … Read more

Yield App Suspends Operations Ahead of Liquidation

Yield App, a platform for earning interest, buying, and swapping cryptocurrencies, announced on social media platform X Friday the suspension of all activities in preparation for liquidation proceedings. The Seychelles-based company halted operations due to significant portfolio losses from third-party hedge fund managers on the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which are currently under litigation. To … Read more

Fake Crypto Fund Operator Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors

Michael Joseph McElhiney, age 37 and formerly of Spokane, Washington, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday. Between March 4, 2021, and Sept. 10, 2022, McElhiney defrauded investors by falsely claiming to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund called Mac Blockchain Solutions. He contacted victims in person, via … Read more

Asian Currencies Hit 19-Month Low: Devere CEO Predicts Continued Weakness

Asian currencies have reached their lowest levels in over 19 months as the U.S. dollar strengthens, driven by expectations of prolonged elevated U.S. interest rates. The Bloomberg Asia Dollar Index fell by 0.1% on Thursday, marking its lowest point since November 2022. Significant declines in the Philippine peso, Indian rupee, and South Korean won are … Read more

SEC Revokes Lufkin Advisors’ Registration Amid Fraudulent Crypto Activities

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) instituted administrative proceedings against Lufkin Advisors LLC on Wednesday. This follows an offer of settlement from Lufkin Advisors, which the SEC has accepted. The SEC found that Lufkin Advisors engaged in fraudulent activities, including the mismanagement of crypto assets, undisclosed investments with an employer related to the spouse … Read more

Federal Reserve Stress Test Projects $685 Billion in Losses for Large Banks

The Federal Reserve Board’s annual stress test results reveal that large banks are expected to face nearly $685 billion in projected losses during a severe recession scenario. These losses are significantly higher than last year due to increased risks in bank balance sheets and higher expenses. The aggregate common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio … Read more

Supreme Court Rules SEC In-House Penalty Proceedings Violate Seventh Amendment

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s use of in-house proceedings to impose civil penalties for securities fraud violates the Seventh Amendment’s right to a jury trial. The case arose from the SEC’s action against George Jarkesy Jr. and his firm, Patriot28 LLC, for alleged securities fraud. The … Read more

India’s Digital Rupee Usage Drops Drastically After Initial Surge

India’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital rupee, has experienced a significant decline in usage, decreasing to a tenth of its peak in December 2023, according to sources involved in the pilot project. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initially reached 1 million daily retail transactions with the digital rupee by incentivizing banks and … Read more

Iran Officially Unveils Central Bank Digital Currency Project

Iran officially unveiled its central bank digital currency (CBDC) on Sunday during a ceremony attended by Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin and chief executives of several major banks. This digital currency, issued electronically by the central bank, aims to streamline transactions within the country’s banking system. A pilot project will commence … Read more