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Two Russians Accused of $1 billion Crypto Laundering by US DOJ

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The US Department of Justice (DOJ), in collaboration with State and Treasury agencies and other federal and international law enforcement teams, charged two Russian nationals in an ongoing fight against money laundering operations. 

The authorities unsealed documents involving multiple money laundering services enabling cybercriminals and seized websites linked to illicit cryptocurrency exchanges.

US DOJ Cracks $1 Billion Russian Laundering Services

Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov, two Russian nationals, have made millions of dollars by facilitating money laundering, helping fuel a global network of cybercriminals. Ivanov, also known by the alias “Taleon,” has been a professional cyber money launderer for nearly two decades.

He has been involved in enabling bank fraud and providing payment-processing support to the notorious Rescator website, which illegally acquires and sells stolen credit and debit card data. Rescator has trafficked stolen payment card information from US financial institutions and personally identifiable information (PII) from American citizens. Ivanov also laundered the proceeds from Rescator and a related carding website, Joker’s Stash, further entrenching his role in cybercrime.

“Over the years, Ivanov’s laundering services and payment systems have catered to cybercrime marketplaces, ransomware groups, and hackers responsible for significant data breaches of major US companies,” read the report.

Read More: Crypto Regulation: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?

Cryptocurrency blockchain analysis revealed key details about Ivanov’s money laundering business. It showed:

  • Transactions totaling approximately $1.15 billion in value between July 12, 2013, and August 10.
  • Nearly 32% of all traced Bitcoin (BTC) sent to these addresses originated from other cryptocurrency addresses associated with criminal activity.
  • Over $158 million of BTC flowed into Ivanov’s addresses, representing fraud proceeds.
  • Over $8.8 million represented proceeds from known ransomware payments.
  • Nearly $4.7 million originated from Darknet drug markets.

Timur Shakhmametov, also known as “JokerStash” or “Vega,” faces charges as an accomplice to money laundering, with specific accusations related to selling data from around 40 million payment cards annually. This operation made him a key figure in one of the largest carding markets in history, widely advertised on cybercrime forums.

Authorities eventually shut down Cryptex, an illicit cryptocurrency exchange connected to the domains Cryptex.net and Cryptex.one. The platform bypassed Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, making it a haven for criminals. Investigations revealed that Cryptex processed $1.4 billion in Bitcoin transactions, with 31% tied to criminal activity. Furthermore, 28% of Bitcoin sent from Cryptex was funneled to US-sanctioned entities or Darknet markets.

Authorities Target Firms Aiding Crypto Crime

This development adds to the thread of US authorities combating Russia-related cybercrime, particularly where crypto is used to evade sanctions. In March, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) expanded its sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals and entities within the country’s financial and technology sectors.

In April, the US Treasury also warned of Russia using Tether (USDT) stablecoin to evade sanctions and fund military operations. This culminated in authorities freezing all US assets and property interests of thirteen entities and two individuals.

Russian criminals allegedly use crypto to circumvent Western restrictions, procuring deals and facilitating transactions considered unlawful. Other cited crimes include converting Russian rubles into USDT and paying foreign suppliers, effectively circumventing detection.

Read more: 8 Best Crypto Wallets to Store Tether (USDT)

This report, as enabled by blockchain analytics, shows that the scale of crypto use for illicit financing, including terrorism, is substantial. It fuels the argument on the necessity and scope of stringent crypto regulations.

Some lawmakers advocate aggressive regulatory measures, while others argue for a balanced approach to avoiding stifling innovation in the digital asset sector.

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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XRP Price Eyes 20% Move With Golden Pocket Appearance

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The XRP price is gearing up for another bullish move upward, as a crypto analyst has predicted a 20% surge in the near future. This optimistic forecast is backed by the formation of a key technical pattern called the Golden Pocket and indicators including strong support levels and a critical resistance zone.  

Golden Pocket Signals XRP Price Surge

According to TradingView analyst TehThomas, the XRP price is currently trading within a well-defined Ascending Channel, setting the stage for a potential 20% move upwards. In the 4-hour time frame, XRP has continued to respect this Ascending Channel, forming higher highs and higher lows — a key indicator of a sustained uptrend.

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Interestingly, the most notable development in XRP’s price action is the appearance of a Golden Pocket on its chart. A Golden Pocket is a key Fibonacci retracement area that is often used to identify potential support and resistance levels. It represents a complete trend reversal for a cryptocurrency and a possibility of an aggressive uptrend.

The TradingView analyst has revealed that XRP’s current Golden Pocket aligns with an imbalance zone, an area of unfilled liquidity where prices typically revisit before resuming movement. 

XRP
Source: Tehthomas on Tradingview

In the chart, XRP’s Golden Pocket sits between the 0.618 – 0.65 Fibonacci retracement level — a well-known area where the price usually finds strong support before continuing the trend. Historically, XRP has reacted twice from this key level, indicating that buyers have been actively defending this area. 

TehThomas has predicted that as long as the XRP price can hold above the key Fibonacci retracement level, which also acts as a critical resistance, the cryptocurrency’s bullish structure will remain unchanged. Additionally, XRP could be primed for a massive rally toward the 0.618 Fibonacci extension level, which corresponds with the upper boundary of the Ascending Channel. 

If this bullish momentum continues, it means that the analyst expects the XRP price to see a rally to a target between the $2.8 to – $2.9 range. This represents a 29% price increase from XRP’s current price of $2.2. 

Short-Term Resistance Could Trigger Decline

TehThomas’s bullish outlook for the XRP price, the TradingView analyst noted that the 1-hour time frame presents short-term resistance, which could lead to a significant pullback before the next leg up. XRP recently faced a rejection at the imbalance zone, indicating that sellers are increasing activity at this level. 

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Previously, when the price struggled to break the imbalance zone, it highlighted a lack of liquidity to sustain a continued uptrend. A repeat of this could result in a retracement toward the Golden Pocket in the 4-hour timeframe. 

Notably, a confirmed breakout from the 1-hour imbalance timeframe could reinforce XRP’s bullish momentum, supporting its projected move toward upper levels of the Ascending Channel. However, a failure could shift this bullish structure, leading to a deeper correction toward lower support levels.

XRP
XRP trading at $2.2 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com

Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com



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Cronos (CRO) Jumps 7%, Tops Altcoin Gainers Today

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Cronos (CRO) has been gaining serious momentum in recent weeks after Trump Media announced a partnership with Crypto.com. The news helped drive CRO’s price above the $0.10 mark for the first time since early February, triggering a wave of bullish technical signals.

Indicators like RSI, BBTrend, and EMA alignment all point toward strong upward momentum, with CRO even becoming the top-performing altcoin in the past 24 hours. As traders eye key resistance and support levels, the question now is whether this rally has enough fuel to carry CRO toward $0.20.

CRO RSI Is Back To Neutral After Reaching Its Highest Levels In Years

Cronos has captured market attention in recent weeks, especially following the announcement of a partnership between Trump Media and Crypto.com.

This surge in interest drove CRO’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) to a peak of 89.64 just three days ago—its highest level in over a year—signaling intense buying pressure.

Since then, the RSI has cooled down to 61.2, as the price consolidates after its strong rally. Despite the slight RSI drop, Cronos remains the top-performing altcoin in the past 24 hours, with a 7% price increase, showing that momentum is still in its favor.

CRO RSI.
CRO RSI. Source: TradingView.

The RSI (Relative Strength Index) is a momentum indicator used to assess whether an asset is overbought or oversold. It ranges from 0 to 100, with levels above 70 typically suggesting overbought conditions, and levels below 30 indicating oversold territory.

With CRO’s RSI now at 61.2, the asset is no longer in an overbought state but still shows healthy bullish momentum. This suggests the price could continue climbing, especially if renewed interest or news catalysts emerge.

At the same time, the cooldown from extreme RSI levels may be giving the market room to build a more sustainable rally.

Cronos BBTrend Is Still Very Positive, But Down From The Recent Peak

Cronos has recently flipped its BBTrend indicator back into positive territory, currently sitting at 25.05—down slightly from a recent peak of 26.56 reached just yesterday.

This shift comes after five consecutive days of negative BBTrend values, suggesting a notable change in market momentum.

The move into positive territory indicates that bullish pressure has returned, aligning with the broader uptick in price and sentiment surrounding CRO following its recent surge in visibility and trading activity.

CRO BBTrend.
CRO BBTrend. Source: TradingView.

BBTrend, or Bollinger Band Trend, is a momentum indicator that helps identify whether an asset is trending upwards, downwards, or moving sideways.

A positive BBTrend value generally indicates bullish momentum, while a negative value points to bearish sentiment. The higher the value, the stronger the trend.

With CRO’s BBTrend at 25.05, the asset is showing strong bullish momentum, though the slight drop from yesterday’s peak could signal early signs of a cooldown or brief consolidation.

However, as long as the BBTrend stays above zero, the upward bias remains intact, supporting the possibility of further CRO price appreciation.

Can Cronos Rise 100% In The Next Weeks?

Cronos price recently climbed above the $0.10 mark for the first time since early February.

The EMA (Exponential Moving Average) indicators are painting a bullish picture, with short-term EMAs positioned above the long-term ones and maintaining a healthy distance between them—often a sign of strong upward momentum.

CRO Price Analysis.
CRO Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

If this trend holds, CRO could target the next resistance levels at $0.12, followed by $0.149 and $0.166.

In the case of a particularly strong rally, a move toward $0.20 is on the table. This would mark its highest price since the end of 2024, as conversations about a potential CRO ETF could gain more traction soon.

However, if bullish momentum starts to wane, CRO may pull back toward key support at $0.093. A break below that could accelerate the correction, with $0.082 and $0.068 as the next potential downside targets.

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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Argentine Judge Investigates Milei’s Assets for LIBRA Involvement

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Investigations against Javier Milei are proceeding after his involvement in the LIBRA scandal. Judge Sandra Arroyo Salgado is examining his assets and whereabouts during the pump-and-dump incident.

This judge is also investigating similar topics regarding key political allies, especially his sister Karina. At present, it’s unclear if she will file criminal charges, but this scandal is not ideal for anyone’s political career.

How Much Was President Milei Involved With LIBRA?

Since the LIBRA scandal rocked the meme coin market and Argentina’s political space last month, legal consequences have been falling on many of the perpetrators. Arrest warrants were issued for market maker Hayden Davis, and civil suits are active against its private backers.

Now, prosecutors are also investigating President Javier Milei’s assets to determine his LIBRA involvement:

“The LIBRA case would exemplify a crypto scam maneuver…a form of fraud. The promotion of this type of investment can undermine economic and financial systems over which the National Government is obligated to control and regulate their activities to prevent the movement of illicit and extra-systemic capital,” warned Judge Sandra Arroyo Salgado.

Specifically, Judge Arroyo Salgado is investigating Milei’s connections to LIBRA, looking at several avenues. She wishes to determine his entire itinerary during the period that he publicly promoted the token.

Additionally, she ordered an investigation into his assets alongside his sister and several other prominent political allies.

The LIBRA scandal was so massive that investigations against Milei began almost immediately. Several US enforcement agencies were informed that they could also pursue charges against him, but none rose to the opportunity.

By looking at his assets and whereabouts, Arroyo Salgado wishes to nail down definitive proof of his involvement.

President Milei, for his part, immediately denied any direct connection to LIBRA, but a subsequent televised interview only damaged his reputation further. According to a recent poll, most Argentinians have lost trust in their President.

Regardless of the odds of criminal proceedings, factors like this could impede his ability to pass legislation or enact policy.

Ultimately, it’s unclear what specific consequences Milei may face from the LIBRA debacle. He is a sitting head of state, and charging him with a criminal offense would be a dicey prospect in any circumstance.

Still, investigations against him are intensifying. If he did engage in political corruption with the LIBRA backers, it would leave telltale clues.

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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