North Macedonia Says Bomb Threats Come From Russia, Crypto Used to Hide Origin

The government of North Macedonia believes that an ongoing wave of false bomb threats against public targets in the country is coming from Russia and Iran. The authorities in Skopje also say that payments related to the attacks have been made with cryptocurrency to conceal traces. Over 700 Facilities Targeted With Bomb Threats in North … Read more

Over 20,000 Ukrainians Sign Up for Free Course on Crypto, Official Says

Crypto classes organized for Ukrainians have begun on a government-run portal, a minister announced. More than 20,000 people have registered for the educational course in the war-torn country which maintains an objective to become “the best crypto jurisdiction.” Thousands of Ukrainians to Study About Bitcoin, Mining, and Smart Contracts Ukraine’s ‘Дія. Цифрова освіта’ (Diia Digital … Read more

Russian Darknet Markets, Ransomware Groups Thrive Despite Sanctions, Report

Russian marketplaces on the dark web have continued to operate despite Western sanctions and efforts to shut them down, according to a report accessing the illicit blockchain space amid the world’s “first crypto war.” Ransomware actors and high-risk crypto exchanges have also remained active. Underground Russian Crypto Platforms Adapting to Disruptions Caused by Ukraine War … Read more

Ukraine Raises More Crypto Than Russia in Year of War, Analysis Unveils

The two sides in the bitter conflict in Ukraine have been relying on crypto assets and technology to support their military and humanitarian activities, Elliptic says in a report. According to the blockchain forensics company, the targeted nation has attracted more digital asset donations than the invading power. Ukraine Supporters Sent Over $212 Million in … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Allow Russians to Circumvent Sanctions, Report Alleges

Major crypto exchanges have failed to prevent sanctioned Russian banks and traders from transacting, according to a blockchain forensics report. At least two established coin trading platforms continue to allow Russians to use their bank cards in peer-to-peer deals, the analysis shows. It also highlights an increased Russian interest in tether. Russian Traders Still Using … Read more

Ukraine Speeds Up Digital Hryvnia Project, Plans Pilot for This Year

Ukrainian authorities are speeding up the development of the electronic hryvnia, a high-ranking government official indicated. The executive power in Kyiv is now in talks with the central bank and businesses involved in the project to pilot the digital currency as early as this year. Minister Says Ukraine Aims to Launch Digital Hryvnia Sooner Than … Read more

Russia Mulls Gold-backed Stablecoin, Lawmaker Confirms After Iran Visit

Russia may issue a stablecoin backed by gold to use in international settlements, a high-ranking member of the Russian parliament has admitted. The matter has been discussed during a recent visit to Iran where officials have also signaled interest in such an initiative. Iran and Russia Talk Stablecoin Payments for Bilateral Trade Settlements The Russian … Read more

Where Are the Crypto OGs? — Taxation Is Theft, but Joe Biden Needs Ice Cream Money

Bitcoin was once viewed as a means to opt out of violent, legacy financial systems. Now, it is being co-opted by the very same, and zealous newcomers to crypto think that’s a good thing, while still giving lip service to peer-to-peer values. Ignoring the problems with fiat money, they beg political interests and bad actors … Read more

Ukraine’s Financial Watchdog Reports Blocking Russian Crypto Exchanges

The financial monitoring agency of Ukraine has restricted access to a number of online crypto exchangers operating out of Russia. Some of the coin trading platforms are working with sanctioned Russian banks, the regulatory body announced in a report. Ukrainian Financial Authorities Target Russian Crypto Exchange Websites and Wallets The State Financial Monitoring Service (SFMS), … Read more