Alleged BTC-e Operator Alexander Vinnik in US Custody After Immediate Extradition From Greece

Russian IT specialist Alexander Vinnik, accused of owning and running the infamous crypto exchange BTC-e, has been handed over to the U.S. This week, Greek authorities proceeded with the extradition, after his return from France, despite Vinnik’s defense protesting the move and calling the case a “judicial, diplomatic and humanitarian scandal.” Vinnik Appears in San … Read more

Vinnik to Be ‘Hostage’ in US Amid Russia’s War in Ukraine, Greek Lawyer Says

If extradited to the United States, crypto exchange BTC-e’s alleged operator Alexander Vinnik will become a “hostage” due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to his Greek lawyer. France is likely to send the Russian back to Greece soon and Zoe Konstantopoulou is trying to prevent his subsequent transfer to U.S. custody. Alexander Vinnik’s … Read more

Chainalysis Report Says $2.2 Million in Crypto Has Been Sent to Pro-Russian Groups in Ukraine

According to a report stemming from the blockchain intelligence company Chainalysis, the firm identified 54 pro-Russian groups that have “collectively received over $2.2 million worth of cryptocurrency.” The paramilitary groups in Ukraine primarily received bitcoin and ether donations but also got tether, litecoin and dogecoin as well, the Chainalysis study details. $2.2 Million in Crypto … Read more

Latvian Artist Threatened With Prison for Money Laundering Through NFTs

An artist from Latvia is under investigation for allegedly selling NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, to launder money, for which he may get up to 12 years in prison. The authorities have blocked his bank accounts and launched an investigation without even notifying him. Artist Who Sold Over 3,500 NFTs Prosecuted for Money Laundering in Latvia … Read more

Meta History Museum Raised Over $1,000,000, Releases New NFT Collection in Support of Ukraine

The META HISTORY project team created Ukraine’s first NFT war museum one month after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then they have managed to raise $1,290,398 (803.28 ETH) for the Aid For Ukraine crypto fund, created by the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation together with the Ukrainian crypto platform KUNA and the blockchain company Everstake, and … Read more

Ukraine’s New Fiat Restrictions to Boost Popularity of Crypto, Industry Says

The central bank of Ukraine has adjusted the fixed exchange rate of the national currency in U.S. dollars and introduced stricter limits on hryvnia transactions for citizens. The measures are likely to turn more Ukrainians to cryptocurrencies, according to a representative of the local crypto sector. War-Time Hryvnia Limits Expected to Increase Interest in Cryptocurrency … Read more

Finland Sells 1,889 Seized Bitcoins for $47 Million — Proceeds Going to Ukraine

Finland has sold 1,889 bitcoins seized in narcotic cases for 46.5 million euros ($47.4 million). The country’s finance minister previously said that the bitcoin sale proceeds will go to Ukraine for humanitarian aid and reconstruction as its war with Russia continues. Finland Sells Bitcoin Seized From Narcotic Offenses Finnish Customs (aka Tulli), the customs service … Read more

Gold ‘Clearly Turned Bearish’ Says Societe Generale as TD Securities Strategists Expect Further Downside

According to market analysts, the precious metal gold is officially in a bear market and prices could remain suppressed over the next few weeks. Moreover, while the macroeconomic backdrop has been gloomy, the popular safe haven asset has lost 17.50% in value against the U.S. dollar during the last four months. TD Securities Market Analysts … Read more