Emerging Tech
Founder of Crypto Trading Platform BitConnect Indicted for $2 Billion 'Global Ponzi Scheme'
The Department of Justice charged Satish Kumbhani with conspiracy to commit fraud and misleading investors in the latest crypto crackdown.
Cybersecurity
Justice Builds Out Crypto Tracking, International Engagement Teams on Ransomware
The Justice Department will now require prosecutors to consult with the international and cyber crime specialists on significant cyber investigations.
Emerging Tech
Cryptocurrencies Facilitate an Already Murky Human Trafficking Problem
A House committee hearing spotlit the problematic combination of the usage of virtual currencies and a lack of data surrounding human trafficking in the U.S.
Cybersecurity
Law Enforcement Seize Over $3.6 Billion in Crypto Related To 2016 Hack
The seizure is the largest in U.S. history.
Cybersecurity
IRS Suggests Need to Disclose Crypto Exchange Information to Law Enforcement
A letter the tax bureau sent to a key senator says stronger penalties for failure to report cryptocurrency-based income gains might also help deter cyber criminals.
Cybersecurity
Treasury Considering State and Local Grants to Implement Digital ID Systems
The effort to stimulate widespread use of digital identification is aligned with a White House order on cybersecurity and could help defend against ransomware attacks, officials said.
Emerging Tech
Congress Concerned Over Crypto's 'Massive' Energy Needs
The House Energy and Commerce Committee heard witness testimony on crypto’s power consumption, and renewables' role in making the industry sustainable.
Cybersecurity
How Cybercriminals Turn Paper Checks Stolen from Mailboxes into Bitcoin
Mailboxes are increasingly becoming the scene of a crime.
Policy
Women Report from the Frontlines of Federal Cryptocurrency Governance
Over the course of 2021, Congress and the administration have recognized significant benefits from diving into the technology, a trend that looks poised to continue.
Cybersecurity
Senators Ready to Write Clarifying Legislation to Maintain U.S. Leadership in Crypto
Stakeholders fear an overly broad application of the tax provisions beyond virtual currency exchanges.
Emerging Tech
Sixth Member of International Hacking Community Sentenced in SIM Card Scheme
In response to the growing number of SIM hijacking incidents, federal law enforcement is cracking down on perpetrators.
Cybersecurity
U.S. Government Acts Against Alleged REvil Hackers
The Justice Department announced two indictments while the State Department offered $10 million for information on other conspirators.
Emerging Tech
Texas Republicans Want to Make the State the Center of the Cryptocurrency Universe
North America’s largest bitcoin mine sits just down the road from the old aluminum plant, about 60 miles northeast of Austin.
Emerging Tech
GSA Opens Bidding on More Cryptocurrency Auctions
The General Services Administration's latest bitcoin and litecoin up for bid is valued at over $268,000.
Cybersecurity
Treasury Analysis Identifies Cryptocurrency Exchanges Associated With Ransomware
The department is tracking a huge increase in ransomware disclosures but data suggests the events are still grossly underreported.
Cybersecurity
DOJ Announces Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team
The group will include cybersecurity and anti-money laundering experts looking to crack down on ransomware and other criminal efforts.
Emerging Tech
Senate Bill Would Direct Treasury to Assess Crypto Mining Rates and Uses Over Time
The bipartisan legislation would require a Congressional report that dives deep into virtual currency use.
Emerging Tech
IRS’ Criminal Investigators Want Help Breaking into Physical Crypto Wallets
The agency’s digital forensics unit is looking for a small business to help make routine processes out of some nascent research into related hardware hacking techniques.
Cybersecurity
Treasury Sanctions First Cryptocurrency Exchange to Combat Ransomware
The department also emphasized guidance for victim organizations who risk running afoul of enforcers by paying attackers and failing to report incidents.
Digital Government