Money Laundering
Binance Failed to Deliver on Money Laundering Prevention Promises: Report
A Reuters report says Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by traded volume, made only weak attempts to prevent money laundering. "The Hash" team discusses the potential implications amid the recent crypto rout.
US Court Orders BitMEX Founders to Pay $30M for Illegal Trading
According to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the three co-founders of BitMEX have been ordered to pay $30 million for operating an illegal cryptocurrency derivatives platform and violating money-laundering rules. “The Hash” group discusses BitMEX’s role in the early stages of the crypto space and how newer exchanges like Coinbase and Binance have dealt with regulatory tensions.
North Korea’s ‘Lazarus’ Hackers Allegedly Behind Ronin Network Exploit
The U.S. Treasury Department alleged that North Korean state-linked hacking group “Lazarus” is tied to last month’s over $600 million theft from Axie Infinity’s Ronin bridge. “The Hash” group discusses efforts made by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to sanction associated wallets and the use of decentralized mixers like Tornado Cash for laundering ill-gotten funds.
Why UK Financial Watchdog Wants to Shut Down Crypto ATMs
The U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has stated that crypto ATMs operating in the country are illegal due to money laundering regulations. “The Hash” hosts examine how this might affect crypto usage, noting the privacy benefits of bitcoin ATMs and the possible impact on Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing their country with their savings in cryptocurrency assets.
Former Bitfinex Exec Applauds US Officials for the Big Break in the 2016 Exchange Hack and Ponders How the Bitcoin Theft May Have Happened
Phil Potter, former Bitfinex Chief Strategy Officer, joins “All About Bitcoin” to reflect on the 2016 Bitfinex hack as Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan are set to be arraigned in court tomorrow on money-laundering charges. Potter remembers the hack “like it was yesterday” and explains BitGo’s relationship with the exchange at the time.
Canadian Civil Liberties Association Exec: Emergencies Act Sets Dangerous Precedent for Canada
Canada invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time since it was passed in 1988 to quell the ongoing trucker protests. Abby Deshman, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, says this "absolutely" sets a dangerous precedent in Canada because the Act gives "extraordinary power to the government ... especially the executive branch." Plus, she discusses the due processes involved in the expansion of money-laundering laws.
Why Canada's Enactment of the Emergencies Act Is 'Very Very Scary'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to address the continued protests across the country over COVID-19 measures. The move includes an expansion of money-laundering laws to include crypto transactions, adding that banks can immediately freeze or suspend bank accounts. "The Hash" resident Canadian co-host Jenn Sanasie says the government going after people's funds at this polarizing time is "very, very scary," especially as it hits close to home. The crew dissects this controversial measure on "The Hash."
Federal Judge Releases 'Razzlekhan,' Orders Other Bitfinex Hack Laundering Suspect to Remain in Jail
A federal judge has ordered Heather Morgan, one half of the couple accused of laundering 119,754 bitcoins (worth over $5 billion in today’s prices) of a 2016 Bitfinex hack, to remain in federal custody until trial. CoinDesk's Nikhilesh De discusses the latest development in the ongoing Bitfinex saga. Plus, what to expect from the upcoming Senate Banking Committee hearing on stablecoins.
Bitfinex Hack Laundering Suspects to Testify Before DC District Court
The Washington D.C. court convenes today for a hearing with Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, two suspects arrested on allegations they conspired to launder $3.6 billion in bitcoin from the 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. CoinDesk's Nikhilesh De discusses the details released so far and the possible outcomes. Plus, stablecoin hearings continue.
OpenSea Accounts of Couple Allegedly Tied to $4.5B Bitfinex Hack Have Disappeared
Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein's OpenSea accounts have disappeared, according to BuzzFeed News. The couple was arrested by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Tuesday on allegations they laundered $4.5 billion in stolen bitcoin during a 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. "The Hash" team discusses the latest in an ongoing saga, exploring the intersection of NFTs and money laundering.
