Germany Shuts Down Hydra Market, Seizes Servers and Bitcoin

Law enforcement agencies in Germany have targeted Hydra, a leading darknet market (DNM). As part of an operation conducted with U.S. support, the German police were able to establish control over the servers of the Russian-language platform in the country and take down its website. Investigators Hit Hydra in Germany, Confiscate Millions in Crypto Hydra … Read more

Recent Poll Suggests 21% of Americans Have Dabbled in Crypto

A recent poll conducted by NBC News indicates that one in five Americans has used cryptocurrencies by either investing or trading digital assets. The findings suggest that crypto assets continue to become more popular as 21% of the 1,000 participants surveyed have “dabbled” in crypto assets. Survey Says 1 in 5 Americans Has Used Crypto … Read more

Russia May Accept Bitcoin for Gas Exports, Lawmaker Says

Russia is moving away from the dollar and the euro as payment options for its energy exports, and bitcoin has been mentioned as a possible substitute alongside the ruble and the national currencies of partnering countries. A high-ranking parliamentarian has indicated that Moscow may take cryptocurrency for natural gas and other resources. Russian Official Mentions … Read more

Visa and Mastercard Suspend Operations in Russia as Part of Sanctions Over Ukraine

The world’s leading payment processors Visa and Mastercard have joined sanctions against Russia over its military invasion of Ukraine. The American companies announced suspension of operations in the Russian Federation although Russians will be able to use their cards inside the country. Card Payment Giants Visa and Mastercard Add to Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine … Read more

Ukraine Targets Russian Politicians’ Crypto Wallets as Russian Banks Are Cut From SWIFT

Ukraine is now trying to expose cryptocurrency wallets used by politicians in Moscow amid warnings that Russia may employ digital coins to circumvent sanctions. The initiative comes as western allies agree to expel some Russian banks from SWIFT, the global interbank payments system. Government of Ukraine Seeks Info on Crypto Assets of Russian and Belarusian … Read more

Elon Musk Hears Kyiv’s Call, Activates Starlink Service in Ukraine

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced that the Starlink satellite internet service has been enabled for Ukraine. The move comes in response to a request from the government in Kyiv which is trying to halt a Russian military assault that may disrupt communications, among other threats. Elon Musk Provides Ukrainians With Access to Starlink U.S. … Read more

China Mining Ban Worsened Bitcoin’s Carbon Footprint, Study Claims

Contrary to some expectations, Beijing’s crackdown on the crypto mining industry has increased Bitcoin’s carbon emissions, researchers have alleged. Leaving China, miners also left behind its eco-friendly hydropower and are increasingly relying on energy generated by fossil fuels, they claim. Bitcoin Mining Allegedly Less Green Since Miners’ Exodus From China Cryptocurrency mining has become a … Read more

Sanctions May Not Affect Russia’s Access to Crypto, Reports Claim

As sanctions rain on Russia, following the Kremlin’s decision to invade Ukraine, media reports have suggested that they are unlikely to limit the country’s access to crypto assets. While the Russian elite may use them to circumvent restrictions, ordinary Russians are also likely to keep trading digital coins on foreign platforms. Cryptocurrencies Deemed Potential Tool … Read more