Darknet Market Solaris Hacked by Competitor, Elliptic Reveals

A leading marketplace on the dark web, Solaris, has been hit by a rival, according to crypto analytics company Elliptic. The Russia-linked platform, which tried to occupy space vacated by the busted Hydra, is believed to have conquered up to a fifth of the illicit market before the hack. Solaris Allegedly Taken Over by Darknet … Read more

Switzerland Less Affected by Crypto Industry Crisis, Study Finds

While the global industry built around digital assets is losing funds and jobs are dropping off, Switzerland seems to be weathering the storm relatively well, one piece of research claims. In fact, more crypto companies settled in the country during the past turbulent year than those that left it, or the business altogether. Crypto Valley … Read more

Ransomware Revenue Drops as Victims Pay Less Often, Chainalysis Reports

While the number of ransomware hits may not have decreased significantly, the revenue from such attacks has fallen sharply last year, according to Chainalysis. The blockchain forensics firm believes that to a large extent the trend can be attributed to more of the targeted organizations refusing to pay the perpetrators. Chainalysis Registers Significant Decline in … Read more

FTX Donations to Early Covid-19 Researchers Raise Questions of Propaganda Tied to Pandemic Prevention

While the former CEO of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, awaits his trial at the end of the year, reports indicate that the company donated millions of dollars to early Covid-19 researchers. The research was reportedly used to cast doubt on specific treatments, such as the use of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. Controversy Surrounds Former CEO of FTX … Read more

Report: Federal Prosecutors in New York Probe Digital Currency Group and Subsidiary Genesis

Following accusations from Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss in an open letter to Digital Currency Group CEO Barry Silbert, a report citing “people familiar with the matter” states that federal prosecutors from New York are scrutinizing transfers between Digital Currency Group and its subsidiary, Genesis Global Capital. Report Claims Digital Currency Group, Genesis Global Capital Allegedly … Read more

US With Highest Number of Closed Bitcoin ATMs in Negative Growth Year

The number of ATMs supporting digital currencies has fallen around the world over the course of a turbulent year for the whole industry. According to a new report, the United States has lost more machines offering crypto teller services than any other country, while Australia tops the chart in terms of new installations. 2022 Ends … Read more

Central Bank of Turkey Reports First Payment Transactions on Digital Lira Network

The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) has conducted the first payment transactions on the test network of the digital lira. The monetary authority intends to proceed with more testing in 2023 and plans to invite banks and fintech companies to join the trials. Turkey to Widen Participation in Digital Lira Project, Focus … Read more

Recently Signed 2009 Bitcoin Block Reward Linked to Hal Finney’s Set of BTC Transactions

At the end of November, an unknown person signed a signature tied to an extremely old block reward mined on Jan. 19, 2009, and the user published a message and verified signature linked to the reward on the forum bitcointalk.org. The message was tied to a bitcoin address associated with block 1,018, a block reward … Read more