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DOJ Arrests $73 Million International Pig Butchering Fraudsters

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The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has arrested two Chinese nationals, Daren Li and Yicheng Zhang, for orchestrating a massive crypto scam known as “pig butchering.” This scheme led to the laundering of at least $73 million.

The arrests highlight that pig butchering scams remain a significant concern in the crypto industry.

The Duo Ran an International Scam Syndicate

According to the DOJ, officials arrested Li on April 12 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and transported him to the Central District of California. Meanwhile, Zhang was arrested in Los Angeles.

“We announce the arrests of two foreign nationals charged for leading a scheme to launder funds tied to an international crypto investment scam. Crypto investment scams exploit the borderless nature of virtual currency and online communications to defraud victims,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said.

The DOJ discovered extensive coordination from their communications to facilitate international money laundering, including chats discussing the network’s commission structure, various shell companies used, victim information, and at least one video of a conspirator calling a US financial institution.

Li and Zhang managed an international syndicate of pig butchering investment scams. The duo instructed co-conspirators in the laundering network to open bank accounts in the names of shell companies. Once the victims sent funds to the shell companies, Li and Zhang monitored the lower-level co-conspirators who transferred the proceeds overseas to bank accounts at Deltec Bank in The Bahamas.

The scheme involved more than $73 million converted to the USDT stablecoin. Additionally, a cryptocurrency wallet in the scheme received more than $341 million in virtual assets.

Li and Zhang are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and six substantive counts of international money laundering. They face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count if convicted.

In response to this case, Assistant Director of Investigations Brian Lambert of the US Secret Service explained that the US financial infrastructure is under threat from complex financial fraud schemes.

“Complex financial fraud schemes such as pig butchering present a clear and present threat to the financial infrastructure of the US as countless numbers of Americans continue to be victimized by this predatory activity,” Lambert said.

Lambert’s statement aligns with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data. According to the 2023 Internet Crime Report from the FBI, investment fraud was the costliest crime tracked by IC3.

Read more: Crypto Scam Projects: How To Spot Fake Tokens

Top Cybercrime Types by Complain Counts.
Top Cybercrime Types by Complain Counts. Source: FBI

Losses to investment scams rose from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, a 38% increase. Confidence/romance crimes accounted for 17,823 complaints throughout the year.

False Promises and Empty Wallets: The Anatomy of Pig Butchering Scams

Pig butchering scams involve fraudsters creating fake identities to connect with potential victims, typically via text messages, social media platforms, or dating apps. Gradually, these scammers build seemingly genuine relationships with their targets through regular and friendly interactions. This method resembles the practice of fattening a pig before butchery, hence the name.

Once relationships are established, scammers introduce cryptocurrency into the dialogue. They typically don’t request money or cryptocurrency directly. Instead, they offer to help victims with their investment strategies and direct them to send money to platforms under their control.

Initially, victims may transfer small amounts to a cryptocurrency exchange. To keep the scam believable, scammers provide fake account information showing the victims’ investments are increasing.

They might even allow victims to withdraw a portion of their initial investment to appear legitimate. Scammers persist in pressuring victims to send more money until they are completely drained of funds.

Read more: 15 Most Common Crypto Scams To Look Out For

A United Nations report describes the Mekong region of Southeast Asia as the primary hub for this criminal activity. An increasing number of casinos blend with ungoverned borders and armed groups in Myanmar’s long-running civil conflict. This background creates ideal conditions for massive money-laundering operations.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Solana Altcoin Saros Rallies 1000% Since March, Hits New High

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Saros, the Solana-based altcoin, has been on an impressive uptrend over the past month. The token’s price has formed new all-time highs (ATHs) nearly every day throughout March. 

However, with the momentum showing signs of slowing, investors are wondering if this rally is nearing its end.

SAROS Refrains From Following Bitcoin

The correlation between Saros and Bitcoin (BTC) is currently negative, sitting at -0.43. This negative correlation has worked in Saros’ favor, as it allowed the altcoin to perform well during Bitcoin’s struggles throughout March. While Bitcoin faced significant declines, Saros was able to rally largely due to this inverse relationship.

The shifting dynamics between Bitcoin and Saros will be key to the future price movement of the altcoin. Should Bitcoin regain its upward momentum, Saros may face increased selling pressure. This is because the negative correlation that has benefited Saros may reverse, impacting the altcoin’s ability to maintain its upward trajectory. 

SAROS Correlation to Bitcoin
SAROS Correlation to Bitcoin. Source: TradingView

The overall macro momentum of Saros shows that investor interest has remained strong. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator has been increasing steadily over the past month, signaling consistent inflows. 

Recently, it crossed the saturation threshold of 0.7, a level that has historically led to price corrections. This suggests that while Saros has experienced significant gains, the market may be nearing an overbought condition. If profit-taking begins, a price pullback is highly probable for the altcoin.

SAROS CMF
SAROS CMF. Source: TradingView

SAROS Price Rise Continues

Saros has surged by an astounding 1,024% since the beginning of March, trading at $0.153 as of now. Throughout March, the altcoin has formed new ATHs almost daily, reflecting strong investor sentiment and demand. 

The current ATH stands at $0.163, and the momentum could continue pushing the price upwards, potentially reaching $0.200 if the uptrend remains intact. However, as the price continues to rise, the risk of profit-taking increases. 

SAROS Price Analysis.
SAROS Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If Saros faces such a pullback, it could fall back towards the $0.100 support level. If the altcoin loses this key support, the price could drop further to $0.055, invalidating the bullish outlook. Investors should keep an eye on these levels as they will help determine whether the current rally is sustainable.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Key Levels To Watch For Potential Breakout

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Semilore Faleti is a cryptocurrency writer specialized in the field of journalism and content creation. While he started out writing on several subjects, Semilore soon found a knack for cracking down on the complexities and intricacies in the intriguing world of blockchains and cryptocurrency.

Semilore is drawn to the efficiency of digital assets in terms of storing, and transferring value. He is a staunch advocate for the adoption of cryptocurrency as he believes it can improve the digitalization and transparency of the existing financial systems.

In two years of active crypto writing, Semilore has covered multiple aspects of the digital asset space including blockchains, decentralized finance (DeFi), staking, non-fungible tokens (NFT), regulations and network upgrades among others.

In his early years, Semilore honed his skills as a content writer, curating educational articles that catered to a wide audience. His pieces were particularly valuable for individuals new to the crypto space, offering insightful explanations that demystified the world of digital currencies.

Semilore also curated pieces for veteran crypto users ensuring they were up to date with the latest blockchains, decentralized applications and network updates. This foundation in educational writing has continued to inform his work, ensuring that his current work remains accessible, accurate and informative.

Currently at NewsBTC, Semilore is dedicated to reporting the latest news on cryptocurrency price action, on-chain developments and whale activity. He also covers the latest token analysis and price predictions by top market experts thus providing readers with potentially insightful and actionable information.

Through his meticulous research and engaging writing style, Semilore strives to establish himself as a trusted source in the crypto journalism field to inform and educate his audience on the latest trends and developments in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.

Outside his work, Semilore possesses other passions like all individuals. He is a big music fan with an interest in almost every genre. He can be described as a “music nomad” always ready to listen to new artists and explore new trends.

Semilore Faleti is also a strong advocate for social justice, preaching fairness, inclusivity, and equity. He actively promotes the engagement of issues centred around systemic inequalities and all forms of discrimination.

He also promotes political participation by all persons at all levels. He believes active contribution to governmental systems and policies is the fastest and most effective way to bring about permanent positive change in any society.

In conclusion, Semilore Faleti exemplifies the convergence of expertise, passion, and advocacy in the world of crypto journalism. He is a rare individual whose work in documenting the evolution of cryptocurrency will remain relevant for years to come.

His dedication to demystifying digital assets and advocating for their adoption, combined with his commitment to social justice and political engagement, positions him as a dynamic and influential voice in the industry.

Whether through his meticulous reporting at NewsBTC or his fervent promotion of fairness and equity, Semilore continues to inform, educate, and inspire his audience, striving for a more transparent and inclusive financial future.



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IMX Price Nears All-Time Low After 30 Million Token Sell-Off

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Immutable’s (IMX) price has been on a significant downtrend recently, falling to multi-year lows. The token has suffered a sharp decline, and its price is currently hovering around $0.433. 

If the current trend continues, there is a possibility that IMX could form a new all-time low (ATL).

Immutable Investors Are Giving Up

The supply of Immutable on exchanges has risen dramatically in the past two weeks. A total of 30 million IMX tokens have been added, increasing the overall supply to 165 million IMX. This surge in supply is worth approximately $13 million and indicates a shift in investor sentiment. 

As investors begin to sell off their holdings, this suggests growing skepticism about the token’s future prospects. The trend has led to an increase in selling pressure, which further exacerbates the current price decline.

IMX Supply on Exchanges. Source: Santiment

The overall macro momentum for Immutable appears to be unfavorable at this point. Active addresses, which measure the number of unique addresses engaging with the network, are at a low level. The lack of participation reflects investor hesitation and reduced confidence in the token’s potential.

When fewer addresses are interacting with the network, it generally indicates a lack of new capital entering the market. As a result, this decline in activity has contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding IMX.

IMX Active Addresses
IMX Active Addresses. Source: Santiment

IMX Price Needs A Reversal

IMX price is down nearly 40% over the past two weeks, with the 30 million token sell-off playing a significant role in the decline. At the time of writing, the price is at $0.433, holding just above the critical support level of $0.400. If this support is broken, the price could fall further, potentially reaching $0.375 or below, resulting in a new all-time low.

The continued drawdown suggests that the token may not see a recovery soon unless the market conditions improve. If IMX manages to hold above $0.400, there is a slim chance it could stabilize before testing further resistance levels. However, breaking through the $0.400 support would likely lead to more losses.

IMX Price Analysis.
IMX Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

For a more optimistic scenario, IMX would need to reclaim the support level of $0.508. This could pave the way for a potential recovery, allowing the price to rise toward $0.684.

A successful breach of these levels could invalidate the bearish outlook and offer some hope for reversing recent losses.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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