South Korean authorities have arrested 215 individuals in connection with a massive cryptocurrency investment scam worth an estimated 325.6 billion won – around $232 million. The arrests, led by the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police, involve employees of a fraudulent investment consulting firm and its founder, who happens…
Authorities have confirmed that the body of Kevin Mirshahi, a cryptocurrency influencer abducted in June, has been found in Montreal. A passerby discovered Mirshahi’s remains in Île-de-la-Visitation Park, located in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district, on October 30. Mirshahi’s death has added to Montreal’s rising homicide count, bringing the city to its 32nd case this year. Kevin…
Ukrainian crypto holder Viacheslav Leibov was robbed by a group of armed men in Phuket, Thailand, on November 8th. The incident led to a loss of 250,000 USDT and marks the latest in a series of security incidents involving crypto investors across major cities. Armed Robbery According to the report by Bangkok Post, the 23-year-old,…
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan will scale back its focus on cryptocurrency crimes after securing high-profile convictions, including FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), according to Scott Hartman, co-chief of the securities and commodities task force at the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Hartman noted that while crypto cases will not be ignored, fewer…
A Hong Kong woman lost $12K in a crypto exchange scam after waiting hours for a promised cash handoff that never arrived. Hong Kong Woman Scammed in Crypto Exchange Scheme Hong Kong authorities are investigating a cryptocurrency scam reported by a woman at an exchange shop in Mong Kok on Saturday, where she claimed to…
In a first for Japanese law enforcement, authorities have tracked and analyzed Monero (XMR) transactions to arrest 18 alleged scammers. Yuta Kobayashi, the 26-year-old suspected leader of the group, has been charged with laundering funds through Monero and engaging in computer fraud by exploiting stolen credit card details. Money Laundering Activities Through Monero According to…
Binance revealed collaborating with the Delhi Police to take down a “sophisticated scam” orchestrated by a fraudulent entity known as “M/s Goldcoat Solar.” According to the press release shared with CryptoPotato, the crackdown resulted in several arrests and the confiscation of more than 100,000 USDT in crypto assets. Solar Scam Busted As part of the…
Russia has sentenced Marat Tambiyev, a former mid-ranking investigator, to 16 years in jail after he was caught accepting a bribe of 1,032 bitcoins, which is currently worth around $65 million, from hackers he was investigating. The bribe originated from members of the Infraud Organization hacking group, which Tambiyev was tasked with probing while working…
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) expressed deep concern about crypto’s role in facilitating illicit activities across Southeast Asia. It notes that the existing underground banking infrastructure, including underregulated casinos, junkets, and illegal online gambling platforms, has increasingly adopted crypto as a tool for crime. UNODC Raises Alarm Over Crypto In its…
In the debate over illicit finance, cryptocurrencies often bear the brunt of criticism despite cash being the preferred tool for criminals. A new report published by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Supervisory Special Agent Robert Whitaker and the Crypto ISAC states that regulated crypto platforms offer valuable support to law enforcement, utilizing blockchain’s transparency to combat…
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev has revealed that cybercrime damage in Russia has surpassed $1.25 billion so far this year, with both individuals and organizations, including government bodies, as frequent targets. He highlighted that cybercrime now represents 40% of all crimes in the country, rising to 60% in serious cases. Cybercrime Costs Russia Over $1.25…
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has charged Olumide Osunkoya for operating unregistered crypto ATMs in the country. This case is significant as it represents the first prosecution under UK law for such activities. Osunkoya is accused of running a network of crypto ATMs that processed £2.6 million in transactions without registration, violating anti-money laundering…
In a landmark case in Scotland, £110,000 (worth approximately $144,384) has been seized from 29-year-old John Ross Rennie. This marks the first time that proceeds of crime legislation have been used to confiscate cryptocurrency as physical cash. This case was settled at the High Court in Edinburgh. Violent Robbery Rennie of Cambuslang was convicted of…
Seven individuals were arrested in Malaysia during a special operation targeting illegal bitcoin mining in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi and Taman Putra Perdana. The operation, which involved coordinated efforts by law enforcement, focused on detecting and stopping bitcoin mining activities linked to electricity theft. The suspects, aged between 30 and 74, included three local men…