India’s NCB dismantled a major darknet drug network operated by a 35-year-old engineer, seizing 1,127 LSD blots, 131 grams of ketamine, and $82,027 in crypto assets. The suspect allegedly used Monero (XMR) to launder proceeds while distributing drugs nationwide. Despite Monero’s privacy features, blockchain analysts highlight that criminal transactions can still be traced retroactively. The bust follows a global trend of targeting crypto-linked cybercrime, with Chainalysis noting darknet markets received $2B in Bitcoin in 2024. While privacy coins like Monero are favored by criminals, experts emphasize they aren’t fully anonymous due to immutable ledgers.
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Cake Wallet Adds Overcollateralized dEURO Stablecoin
Cake Wallet introduced the decentralized stablecoin dEURO, backed by overcollateralization with assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Monero (XMR). Users must deposit crypto worth more than the dEURO they mint, providing a safeguard against de-pegging. The system includes automatic liquidations if loan-to-value ratios fall below set thresholds, ensuring stability. This addition strengthens Cake Wallet’s euro-denominated crypto offerings while prioritizing security and decentralization.
read moreEuropol Busts $540M Crypto Fraud Network
Spanish law enforcement, backed by Europol and international agencies, has taken down a major cryptocurrency fraud network responsible for laundering €460M ($540M) stolen from 5,000+ victims worldwide. Five suspects were arrested in Spain, and searches were conducted in Madrid and the Canary Islands. The criminal group operated a sophisticated scheme, luring investors with fake crypto opportunities via phone, email, and social media. Funds were laundered through front companies, fake identities, and crypto exchanges, with Hong Kong serving as a key hub. Europol warned that online fraud, accelerated by AI, is becoming a dominant threat. Bitcoin, Monero, and Tether were used extensively in the scheme, complicating investigations due to privacy laws and offshore banking.
read moreBest Bitcoin Mining Software: Boost Profits Now
As Bitcoin regains momentum, selecting the right mining software is crucial for profitability. This guide compares top platforms like Hive OS (ideal for large farms), SimpleMining (best for GPU owners), CGMiner (for AMD card experts), SMOS (mixed GPU support), Cudo Miner (beginner-friendly), and Awesome Miner (centralized management). Each solution offers unique features such as remote access, automated mining, and energy optimization. The article recommends choosing versatile software compatible with both ASICs and GPUs for flexibility, especially for large-scale operations. Key considerations include ease of use, fees, and hardware compatibility to ensure optimal mining performance.
read moreCrypto Crime Drops 51% Despite Market Surge: TRM Labs Report
TRM Labs’ 2024 crypto crime report reveals a significant decline in illicit transactions, now representing only 0.4% of total volume—a 51% drop year-over-year. While the crypto market grew to $10.6 trillion, illegal flows fell to $45 billion, driven by effective enforcement like the T3 FCU initiative targeting Tron-based USDT misuse. However, emerging threats persist, including rising DeFi hacks ($2.2B stolen, +17%), North Korean-linked thefts ($800M), and AI-powered scams using deepfakes and phishing. Stablecoins remain criminals’ top choice, though privacy coins like Monero are gaining traction. Sanctions against Russian/Iranian exchanges reduced restricted inflows by 33%, but terrorism financing (e.g., ISKP) and AI-driven fraud are escalating concerns for 2025.
read moreElliptic Joins IWF to Combat Crypto-Funded Child Abuse
Elliptic has joined forces with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat the financing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through cryptocurrencies. The partnership grants Elliptic access to the IWF’s real-time alerts on crypto transactions linked to CSAM, helping identify payment networks and wallet addresses. A 2024 IWF report revealed that over 60% of CSAM websites with payment options accept cryptocurrencies, with privacy coins like Monero gaining traction. While privacy tokens pose tracing challenges, Elliptic emphasizes that they are often used alongside traceable assets. The firm aims to enhance detection capabilities through asset-agnostic data solutions. The IWF plans to expand its blockchain industry partnerships, with Chainalysis also collaborating in this effort.
read more€250M Darknet Drug Market Busted in Global Raid
Authorities have dismantled Archetyp Market, one of the largest darknet drug platforms, handling over €250M in transactions using Monero (XMR). The main suspect, a German national, was arrested in Barcelona, with raids across Europe leading to seizures of digital evidence, crypto assets, and narcotics. Europol and multiple national agencies collaborated in the operation, which also uncovered servers in the Netherlands and arrested additional suspects in Sweden. Despite the success, TRM Labs warns that darknet traders are adapting by shifting to encrypted messaging apps and anonymous crypto exchanges. The case highlights law enforcement’s growing ability to track blockchain activity, though illicit markets continue evolving to evade detection.
read moreGlobal Raid Shuts Down Major Darknet Market Using Monero
A coordinated global law enforcement effort has taken down Archetyp Market, a major darknet platform facilitating drug trafficking via Monero (XMR). The operation, led by German and Spanish authorities, resulted in the arrest of its suspected German operator in Barcelona and the seizure of €7.8 million in assets. The marketplace, which generated over €250 million in sales, relied exclusively on Monero for transactions. Additional raids in Germany and Sweden targeted moderators and vendors, yielding more arrests and confiscated devices. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt cybercrime and digital money laundering networks.
read moreGlobal Crypto Adoption: Pros, Cons & Risks
Cryptocurrencies offer significant advantages, including low-cost global transfers, censorship resistance, and decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities. However, challenges such as lack of education, unclear regulations, and technological risks like hacking and volatility remain barriers to wider adoption. Despite these hurdles, cryptocurrencies continue to innovate, shaping the future of money with their permissionless and transparent ecosystem. The article emphasizes the need for better education and global regulations to mitigate risks and drive mainstream adoption.
read moreBisq: The Decentralized P2P Bitcoin Exchange Explained
Bisq is a decentralized P2P Bitcoin exchange that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies and fiat without relying on centralized intermediaries. Unlike traditional exchanges, Bisq operates as free software under a DAO governance model, ensuring no single point of failure. Users can trade securely with collateral deposits locked in multisig wallets, while maintaining privacy and avoiding financial surveillance. With support for multiple payment methods and cryptocurrencies, Bisq offers a censorship-resistant alternative to centralized exchanges. Since its launch in 2014, it has processed over 49,000 trades, signaling growing demand for decentralized financial tools.
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