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U.S. authorities have withdrawn their request to extradite the alleged operator of crypto exchange BTC-e Alexander Vinnik from France, his French lawyer informed Russian media.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

Russia Considers Jail Time for People Helping Crypto Scammers Launder Proceeds

The interior ministry of Russia has decided to go after those providing money-laundering services to crypto fraudsters, suggesting they should go to prison. The department wants to introduce criminal liability for the activities of these people, also known as ‘droppers.’ Law Enforcement in Russia Targets Droppers Involved in Fraudulent Crypto Schemes The Ministry of Internal … Read more

So-Called ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Turns ‘Crypto Bro’ — ‘I Started Using Uniswap in Prison’

Following his release from prison, the former hedge fund manager and convicted felon, Martin Shkreli, discussed cryptocurrencies and using the decentralized exchange (dex) platform Uniswap from a federal penitentiary. The so-called ‘Pharma Bro’ further explained that eventually, a crypto entity could dethrone some of the largest banking giants. Martin Shkreli Talks Defi and Cryptocurrencies Martin … Read more

Crypto Mining Farm Uncovered in Russia’s Oldest Prison

Russian law enforcement officials are investigating a crypto mining operation at Butyrka, Russia’s oldest prison. A deputy warden has been accused of stealing electricity to mint digital coins with the help of unidentified accomplices. Deputy Warden Suspected of Mining Cryptocurrency in Moscow Prison A high-ranking representative of the management of Butyrskaya prison, in the Tverskoy … Read more

Prosecutor Seeks Thousands of Years of Prison for Missing CEO of Turkish Crypto Exchange Thodex

Members of the team of the now defunct Turkish crypto exchange Thodex may receive thousands of years in prison, if the court backs the prosecutor’s plea in the case. The trading platform’s CEO has been missing for the past year since Thodex suspended activities in a suspected exit scam. Turkey Seeks up to 40,000 Years … Read more

Japan Asks Crypto Exchanges to Comply With Sanctions Restrictions — Penalty Includes 3 Years in Prison

Japan’s top financial regulator has asked cryptocurrency exchanges in the country not to process transactions subject to asset-freeze sanctions. The penalty for unauthorized payments to sanctioned persons includes three years in prison. Japan’s Financial Regulator and Ministry of Finance Ask Crypto Exchanges to Comply With Sanctions Restrictions Japan’s top financial regulator, the Financial Services Agency … Read more

Illegal Crypto Miners Threatened With Jail Time in Russia

Cryptocurrency miners that are illegally connecting their equipment to the power grid should go to prison, says a Russian lawmaker who recently announced that his nationalist party is working on draft legislation to regulate the crypto activity. The industry cannot rely on support from the state, another high-ranking parliamentarian has added. Unauthorized Use of Power … Read more

Canada Detains Teen for Alleged $36 Million Cryptocurrency Theft

A teenager has been arrested in Canada after committing what law enforcement officials in Ontario have described as the largest crypto theft by a single person. The Canadian is accused of stealing tens of millions of dollars through a SIM swap targeting a crypto holder in the U.S. Teen Arrested in Canada for Stealing Crypto … Read more

US Sentences Man to 3 Years in Prison for Operating Unlicensed Bitcoin Exchange Business

A California man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison “for operating an unlicensed business that exchanged at least $13 million in bitcoin and cash, often for drug traffickers,” the U.S. Department of Justice said. He agreed to forfeit various assets, including seized cryptocurrency. Bitcoin Exchange Operator Sentenced to 3 Years in Jail … Read more

Crypto Firm Owners Plead Guilty to Tax Evasion, Face up to 5 Years in Prison

The owners of a cryptocurrency firm that raised approximately $24 million from more than 13,000 investors have pleaded guilty to tax evasion. “These crypto-savvy defendants exploited an emerging technology, lying to their investors, pocketing the proceeds, and concealing the income from the IRS,” said acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. Crypto Firm’s Founders Face up to … Read more