November 16, 2024 at 12:52 PM GST updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:54 PM 2 mins read News Investors withdraw appeal in $258 billion lawsuit against Musk over Dogecoin market manipulation allegations. Judge Hellerstein dismissed the case citing Musk’s statements as aspirational, not constituting fraud. Legal dispute ends with mutual agreement to withdraw motions, pending…
Bitrace’s handbook educates users on identifying and avoiding common crypto fraud schemes in the Web3 space. TRM Labs integration with Sonic boosts institutional security by enhancing transaction monitoring and risk management. Bitrace has launched the “2024 Web3 Anti-Fraud Handbook,” which aims to address the growing threat of crypto-related scams and fraud. Based on thorough research…
October 19, 2024 at 12:40 PM GST 2 mins read News Ex-Olympian accused of leading billion-dollar cocaine ring, using Tether to evade authorities. FBI hunts Ryan Wedding, indicted for crypto-driven drug trade linked to violent cartel activities. Tether faces scrutiny as the DOJ links stablecoin to international drug trafficking operations. Federal authorities have charged former…
A cryptocurrency scam targeting Coinbase users has resulted in a significant theft of over $20 million. An Indian national, Chirag Tomar, was sentenced for orchestrating this scheme, where fake websites mimicking Coinbase led to victims surrendering credentials. U.S. authorities revealed how fraudsters used advanced tactics, including remote desktop access and posing as support agents, to…
October 15, 2024 at 06:20 PM GST updated: October 15, 2024 at 05:17 PM 2 mins read News Hong Kong police dismantle a $46M crypto scam using deepfake AI, arresting 27 suspects across Asia. The syndicate used AI-generated personas to lure victims into fake crypto investments, defrauding millions. Victims believed they were in genuine relationships,…
A German national accused of orchestrating a $150 million cryptocurrency fraud is now a fugitive after allegedly tampering with his ankle monitor while on home detention in New York. Prosecutors say he led a multi-level marketing scheme, promising massive returns, before siphoning off millions in cryptocurrency and disappearing just before his trial. An active investigation…
Texas regulators have issued an emergency cease-and-desist order against two individuals accused of promoting a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme. The alleged scheme, tied to Trage Technologies, promised high returns on digital asset arbitrage trading but is accused of misleading investors. Authorities claim the company falsely asserted SEC registration and used illegal multilevel marketing tactics, posing…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to cryptocurrency investors, highlighting a surge in scams, particularly targeting retirees and the elderly. FBI experts explain how scammers trick victims into fake crypto investments and scare them into handing over more funds before vanishing with the money. FBI Warns of Growing Cryptocurrency Scams Amid…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is urging potential victims of cryptocurrency fraud to come forward as it investigates market manipulation involving several cryptocurrency companies. Accusations include “wash-trading” and artificially inflating trading volumes to deceive investors. FBI Seeks Victims in Major Cryptocurrency Fraud Investigation The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Boston Division is calling on…
Two South Korean lawmakers have called for a full investigation into the KOK token after its value collapsed to almost zero. Victims have accused Korea’s largest newspaper of promoting the scam, sparking concerns about its role. The alleged cryptocurrency fraud has caused an estimated $3 billion in losses, affecting about 1.86 million investors worldwide. Korean…
Crypto market manipulation charges have shaken the digital assets industry. U.S. prosecutors have taken unprecedented action against alleged fraud in the cryptocurrency market. Reuters originally reported this first-of-its-kind case. Federal authorities in Boston have charged 18 individuals and firms for their role in cryptocurrency market manipulation schemes. Also Read: Top 3 Cryptocurrencies That May Rally…
October 10, 2024 at 11:44 AM GST updated: October 10, 2024 at 11:45 AM 2 mins read News China has begun selling Ethereum seized from the PlusToken scheme, moving 7,000 ETH to major exchanges this week. Analysts expect further sales of the remaining $1.29 billion in ETH, potentially pressuring the cryptocurrency market. PlusToken’s seized assets,…
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s new Electronic Fraud Investigations unit has recovered $130,000 from a cryptocurrency scam in its first victory. The unit was established to address the growing complexity of cyber financial crimes, particularly those involving cryptocurrency. Ohio’s New Fraud Unit Recovers $130K From Crypto Scam Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on…
Eighteen individuals and entities have been charged with fraud and market manipulation in the cryptocurrency industry. The charges involve deceptive practices such as wash trading and pump-and-dump schemes that inflated token prices, resulting in the seizure of $25 million in cryptocurrency. As part of “Operation Token Mirrors,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) created a…
A crypto scandal shakes the digital currency world. Russia’s “Crypto Queen” Valeria Fedyakina, known as “Bitmama,” is under investigation for major cryptocurrency fraud. She allegedly hid millions in cash-filled suitcases and ran fake investment schemes. Also Read: Ethereum (ETH) Predicted To Hit A New Peak Of $6,000 Inside the Crypto Scandal: How Russia’s ‘Crypto Queen’…
October 9, 2024 at 11:04 AM GST updated: October 9, 2024 at 11:10 AM 2 mins read News Marat Tambiyev received $73M in Bitcoin bribes, marking Russia’s largest bribery case involving cryptocurrency. Investigators uncovered Tambiyev’s crypto wallets using access codes hidden in a file named Pension on his laptop. Despite recovering one-third of the stolen…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is raising alarms about the growing risks of cryptocurrency scams and other investment fraud during World Investor Week 2024. Amid the rising influence of AI, social media, and aggressive financial marketing, investors are struggling to find reliable advice. The agency is focusing on scams involving cryptocurrencies, financial grooming,…
New York’s financial regulator has a job opening for a Virtual Currency Senior Blockchain Analytics Analyst. The permanent position focuses on preventing financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud by ensuring compliance in the growing virtual currency sector. The role involves using blockchain analytics to monitor risks. Applications are due by Oct. 14. New…
Vietnamese authorities have reportedly dismantled a cross-border fraud ring involved in romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Led by foreign criminals, the group operated from Laos and defrauded victims of tens of billions of dong. Key Vietnamese suspects, trained in digital deception, have been arrested for their roles in the scheme, which included using fake…
David Carmona, founder of the Icomtech cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison for defrauding investors with false promises of profits. His scheme targeted working-class people with the lure of financial freedom through cryptocurrency trading and mining, none of which actually took place. Lavish expos were held to entice more…
Two cryptocurrency platforms face allegations of fraud by Washington State’s Department of Financial Institutions. Both companies allegedly lured investors with promises of huge returns, but later blocked withdrawals and demanded extra fees. An investor lost $64,000 to one platform after being asked for a “safety reserve” fee. The platforms are accused of exploiting social media…
The U.S. government is taking legal action to seize 200,000 tether (USDT), worth $200,000, linked to a major cryptocurrency fraud. The funds, converted from stolen bitcoin, could soon be returned to the Ohio victim after a forfeiture trial. Investigators used blockchain technology to track the illicit funds, leading to their freeze and eventual federal seizure….
India’s Enforcement Directorate has exposed a massive $48 million scam linked to the online gaming app Fiewin, connected to Chinese nationals. Following an in-depth investigation, an equivalent of about $3 million has been frozen in accounts tied to these individuals. The scam lured users with quick earning schemes but blocked fund withdrawals. The investigation also…
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has initiated legal action against a fake trading platform and its associates for defrauding investors out of $3.6 million. The scheme, which targeted Asian Americans, involved soliciting funds in fiat and digital assets, with false promises of trading in commodity futures. Instead, the funds were misappropriated and diverted…
September 28, 2024 at 11:50 AM GST updated: September 28, 2024 at 11:26 AM 2 mins read News A fake WalletConnect app on Google Play Store stole $70,000 in cryptocurrency from over 150 users. The fraudulent app mimicked WalletConnect’s name and logo, misleading users and redirecting them to a phishing website. Despite being downloaded 10,000…
U.S. authorities have seized over $6 million worth of cryptocurrency linked to a fraudulent investment scheme organized by Southeast Asian criminals. Targeting U.S. individuals, the criminals manipulated victims through fake cryptocurrency platforms. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recovered the funds using blockchain tracing. DOJ Seizes $6 Million in…
Two Russian nationals have been charged with running a massive money laundering network that processed billions through cryptocurrency exchanges, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. These exchanges, including Cryptex and Joker’s Stash, enabled criminals to bypass regulations and funnel funds from fraud, ransomware, and darknet activities. U.S. authorities, in collaboration with international law enforcement,…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore office has issued a warning about the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency investment fraud in Maryland. Known as “pig butchering,” scammers trick victims into fake crypto investments, leading to massive financial losses. FBI Warns of Surge in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams in Maryland The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore…
Crypto exchanges Binance and Tokocrypto collaborated with Indonesian law enforcement to crack down on a crypto scam, seizing $200,000 in stolen assets. “During the investigation, multiple individuals involved in managing the accounts that received the stolen funds were arrested,” Binance stated. Binance and Tokocrypto Help Bust Major Crypto Fraud in Indonesia Crypto exchange Binance announced…
Two individuals have been arrested for orchestrating a large-scale cryptocurrency heist, stealing over 4,100 bitcoins. Their complex laundering operation involved using multiple mixers and VPNs to cover their tracks. With the stolen funds, they lived lavishly, buying luxury cars and other high-end items. $230 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud Uncovered, Two Charged The U.S. Attorney’s Office for…
William Koo Ichioka has been ordered to pay over $36 million after admitting to a forex and digital asset fraud scheme. His scam, which started in 2018, involved falsifying financial documents and misusing investor funds for personal luxuries like cars and jewelry. In addition to financial penalties, Ichioka faces prison time. The Commodity Futures Trading…
A Nigerian national has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a massive darknet fraud scheme that intended to cause over $6 million in losses, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Using various online aliases, Kaura led a global network selling stolen payment card data, using cryptocurrencies like…
Terraform Labs has received court approval to wind down operations in bankruptcy following a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company had been at the center of a scandal that left cryptocurrency investors facing significant losses after the Terra ecosystem collapsed. Court Approves Terraform Labs Wind-Down Terraform Labs has been granted…
A Denver resident has been convicted of running an illegal gambling business involving several parlors across Colorado. The scheme involved electronic games and a fake cryptocurrency to conceal the exchange of credits for cash, revealing fraud and money laundering. The only function of this crypto “was to be exchanged for cash at an ATM-like ‘cryptocurrency…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cracked down on two crypto investment scams, targeting platforms Nanobit and Coinw6. Involving fake relationships to deceive victims via social media, these schemes siphoned millions from unsuspecting investors. The charges mark the first SEC enforcement actions against such scams. SEC Targets Crypto Scams in Latest Enforcement Action…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Diego office has seized websites linked to three fraudulent cryptocurrency recovery services. The scam preys on victims of crypto fraud by promising recovery of lost funds, often charging significant fees without delivering results. The FBI advises the public to be cautious, avoid upfront payments, and verify any claims of…
An Indian High Court has ruled that police cannot freeze entire bank accounts during fraud investigations. Only fraud-related amounts in bank accounts can be frozen. The decision followed a case where an account was frozen due to a cryptocurrency investigation. The court stressed that freezing accounts entirely disrupts livelihoods and called on investigative agencies to…
A bitcoin investor has pleaded guilty to underreporting his cryptocurrency gains, including $3.7 million from BTC sales, resulting in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of over $550,000. The Department of Justice emphasized that taxpayers must accurately report crypto transactions to the IRS. The bitcoin investor now faces up to three years…
Five U.S. states have reached a settlement with GSB Group over unregistered securities sales tied to digital assets. Residents of the states will receive refunds for all fiat and cryptocurrency deposits. GSB chairman Josip Heit agreed to cease selling unregistered securities without admitting or denying violations. 5 States Reach Settlement With GSB Group Over Unregistered…
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has partnered with several organizations, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to educate the public about cryptocurrency scams, especially those involving fake romantic relationships. These partnerships aim to help consumers recognize and avoid these “pig butchering” scams, which defraud victims by building false trust and promoting fake cryptocurrency…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned of a rising business email compromise (BEC) threat, responsible for $55 billion in global losses over a decade. The scam has affected all 50 U.S. states and 186 countries, with funds frequently routed through banks in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, and the United Arab…
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on Cambodian tycoon Ly Yong Phat and his businesses, linking them to human trafficking and forced labor scams involving cryptocurrency fraud. Victims were manipulated into online scam centers, and trafficked workers were forced into labor for these schemes. The sanctions freeze U.S.-based assets and prohibit transactions,…
The UK Ministry of Justice has introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill to recognize bitcoin and other digital assets as personal property under English and Welsh law. Led by Justice Minister Heidi Alexander, this bill addresses legal uncertainties around digital assets, ensuring better protection for owners in fraud cases and disputes. It also positions…
The Washington State financial regulator has issued a warning about potential cryptocurrency fraud involving a mining platform and wallet. A Washington investor was scammed out of over $750,000 after investing. Despite the investment supposedly growing to $1.4 million, the investor faced continuous demands for taxes and fees. Washington Investor Scammed Over $750,000 in Crypto Mining…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a bulletin warning about the risks of bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), highlighting their speculative nature. The regulator urged investors to consider potential issues like price volatility, fraud, and lack of regulatory oversight. SEC Warns Investors About Risks in Bitcoin and Ether ETPs The U.S….
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has revealed that over 87% of crypto registrations were either rejected, withdrawn, or refused as part of its ongoing efforts to combat fraud and enhance consumer protection. In its annual report, the FCA outlined new marketing rules for crypto assets. The regulator issued 450 consumer alerts against illegal crypto…
Two managers from the now-defunct crypto fraudulent investment platform Omegapro were arrested in Istanbul, according to Turkish media reports. Dutch executive Robert Velghe was arrested Tuesday, following the July arrest of Swedish co-founder Andreas Szakacs. Omegapro, founded in 2018 and registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, allegedly defrauded investors out of $4 billion by…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported a sharp rise in scams involving bitcoin ATMs, with fraud losses increasing nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2023 and exceeding $65 million in the first half of 2024. These scams often involve impersonations and target vulnerable populations, such as older adults, with significant financial impact. FTC Warns of…
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced the recovery of an international crypto wallet and stated that the funds will be returned to a Kansas resident defrauded in a crypto scam. This followed a lawsuit against Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, a Nigerian national accused of the fraud. The court ordered full restitution and penalties, enabling the Attorney…
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has ordered an Oregon resident and his entities to pay over $209 million in penalties for running Ponzi schemes disguised as crypto and carbon investment programs. This includes restitution, disgorgement of illegal profits, and a civil penalty. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has recovered…