US Lawmakers Urge Treasury Action on Russian Crypto Exchange Sanctions Evasion

U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), along with Congressmen Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen regarding the Moscow-based cryptocurrency exchange Garantex. They expressed concerns that Garantex is reportedly facilitating sanctions evasion and funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The letter cited reports indicating that $20 billion … Read more

US Sanctions Lockbit Leader in Ransomware Crackdown

On May 7, the U.S. announced sanctions against Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, a key figure in the Lockbit ransomware group. The U.S., alongside international allies including the UK and Australia, has taken coordinated measures to curb the activities of this prominent cybercriminal group. Khoroshev, responsible for developing and deploying Lockbit ransomware, is now facing an indictment … Read more

Latam Insights: Venezuela to Leverage USDT for Sidestepping Sanctions, Chivo Wallet Disregards Hacking Allegations

Welcome to Latam Insights, a compendium of Latin America’s most relevant crypto and economic news during the last week. In this issue: Venezuelan oil company PDVSA could use USDT to sidestep U.S. sanctions, Chivo Wallet denies hacking allegations, and Nubank expands its crypto functionality in Brazil. Venezuela Might Use USDT for Sidestepping Sanctions Venezuela is … Read more

Venezuelan State Oil Company to Accelerate USDT Adoption for Settlements; Tether Vows to Uphold OFAC Sanctions

PDVSA, the state-owned Venezuelan oil company, would be preparing to migrate more of its payments portfolio to USDT, a dollar stablecoin, to avoid being affected by the restitution of U.S. sanctions. Reuters reported that the company started receiving payments in USDT last year and will accelerate its adoption. Tether, nonetheless, stated it will uphold OFAC … Read more

UN Report: Crypto Crime Provided North Korea up to Half of Its Foreign Currency Income

A report issued by a United Nations panel of experts has concluded that cyber crypto heists have provided 50% of the foreign currency income for North Korea since 2017. The report indicated that North Korean actors have been linked to 17 theft and hack events involving over $750 million in 2023 alone, and details several … Read more