Iran’s central bank acquired over $500 million in Tether’s USDT stablecoin last year in a systematic effort to support its national currency and bypass international sanctions, according to research from blockchain intelligence firm Elliptic. The operation, which involved routing funds through a network of cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges, aimed to create a ‘sanctions-proof’ financial mechanism. However, the transparency of blockchain technology ultimately enabled enforcement actions, including the freezing of millions in assets, highlighting the dual-edged nature of digital currencies in geopolitical finance.
about Iran's Central Bank Used $507M in USDT to Evade SanctionsElliptic
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekBitunix Partners with Fireblocks & Elliptic for Institutional-Grade Security
In a significant move to fortify its platform, cryptocurrency exchange Bitunix has announced strategic partnerships with two industry leaders: Fireblocks for institutional-grade custody and Elliptic for advanced compliance monitoring. These collaborations, integrating Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology and real-time blockchain analytics, represent a major upgrade aimed at building a secure, transparent, and institution-ready ecosystem. The initiative underscores Bitunix’s response to ongoing security challenges in the crypto sector and its commitment to protecting its over 3 million users globally.
about Bitunix Partners with Fireblocks & Elliptic for Institutional-Grade SecurityMaryland Man Jailed for Helping North Korea Infiltrate US Tech Firms
A Maryland man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in a sophisticated scheme that placed North Korean IT workers inside U.S. technology firms, granting foreign operatives unauthorized access to sensitive government systems, including those tied to national defense. The case, involving over $970,000 in fraudulent earnings, underscores a broader and financially motivated campaign by Pyongyang to fund its weapons programs through cyber fraud and digital asset theft, posing a significant threat to corporate and national security.
about Maryland Man Jailed for Helping North Korea Infiltrate US Tech FirmsNvidia Earnings, Bitcoin Slump, China-Japan Tensions
US stock futures indicate cautious optimism as markets brace for a pivotal week featuring Nvidia’s earnings report and long-delayed economic updates, while Bitcoin’s dramatic reversal wipes out all 2023 gains and escalating China-Japan tensions trigger sharp declines in travel and consumer stocks. The convergence of these developments creates a complex landscape for investors navigating traditional finance and cryptocurrency markets simultaneously.
about Nvidia Earnings, Bitcoin Slump, China-Japan TensionsChina’s $15B Bitcoin Hack Reveals US Government Involvement
A shocking technical report from China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center reveals that the 2020 LuBian Bitcoin hack, involving $15 billion in stolen cryptocurrency, may have been a state-level operation with US government involvement. The stolen Bitcoin remained dormant for four years before being seized by the US Department of Justice, raising questions about when the US actually gained control of the funds. Blockchain analysis shows the wallets in the DOJ indictment exactly match those from the 2020 hack.
about China's $15B Bitcoin Hack Reveals US Government InvolvementChina Accuses U.S. of Illegally Seizing $13B in Bitcoin
Chinese cybersecurity authorities have launched explosive allegations against the U.S. government, claiming the seizure of 127,271 Bitcoin worth approximately $13.2 billion was unlawful and originated from a 2020 mining pool hack rather than criminal proceeds. The China National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) directly challenges the U.S. Department of Justice’s narrative, describing the operation as a state-level ‘black-eats-black’ hacking scheme that marks a significant escalation in cryptocurrency tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
about China Accuses U.S. of Illegally Seizing $13B in BitcoinCrypto Tracing Busts Global Child Abuse Network
Blockchain intelligence has helped dismantle one of the world’s largest child sexual abuse material networks, leading to the arrest of its alleged administrator in Brazil. International authorities used crypto tracing to identify a Peruvian national who allegedly used mixers and multiple wallets to hide financial tracks. The network served over 350,000 users worldwide with memberships starting at just $10, demonstrating how cryptocurrency tracking is becoming a crucial tool in combating transnational digital crime.
about Crypto Tracing Busts Global Child Abuse NetworkRipple Acquires Palisade to Expand Crypto Custody Services
Ripple has strategically acquired digital asset wallet provider Palisade, marking a significant expansion of its custody capabilities beyond traditional banking institutions. This move positions the blockchain infrastructure firm to serve fintechs, corporates, and crypto-native companies with enhanced wallet-as-a-service technology. The acquisition represents Ripple’s continued investment in building comprehensive institutional crypto infrastructure, having deployed approximately $4 billion through M&A activities to date.
about Ripple Acquires Palisade to Expand Crypto Custody ServicesBunni DEX Shuts Down After $8.4M Hack, Cites Audit Costs
The decentralized exchange Bunni has announced its permanent closure following a devastating $8.4 million hack in September, marking another casualty in 2025’s escalating cryptocurrency security crisis. Founders cited insurmountable recovery costs, including six to seven-figure audit expenses, as the primary reason for shutting down rather than attempting a secure relaunch. While users can still withdraw their assets, the platform’s demise underscores the critical vulnerabilities facing DeFi protocols and the enormous financial barriers to proper security implementation.
about Bunni DEX Shuts Down After $8.4M Hack, Cites Audit CostsChen Zhi Moves $1.7B Bitcoin Amid $14B DOJ Seizure
In a dramatic escalation of one of cryptocurrency’s largest enforcement actions, wallets linked to alleged international scammer Chen Zhi have moved approximately $1.7 billion in Bitcoin from recently sanctioned addresses, even as the U.S. Department of Justice pursues the largest forfeiture in its history—$14 billion in BTC from the same operation. The coordinated movements by the fugitive businessman’s network highlight the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between global law enforcement and sophisticated crypto criminals, raising fundamental questions about how authorities obtained the massive Bitcoin trove while Chen remains at large.
about Chen Zhi Moves $1.7B Bitcoin Amid $14B DOJ SeizureNorth Korea Uses EtherHiding Malware in $2B Crypto Heists
Google’s Threat Intelligence Group has exposed North Korea’s deployment of EtherHiding malware, a sophisticated tool that leverages blockchain smart contracts to enable untraceable cryptocurrency theft. The rogue state has pilfered over $2 billion in 2025 alone, primarily through the massive $1.46 billion Bybit exchange breach, marking the first documented use of this advanced malware by a nation state and presenting unprecedented challenges for cybersecurity defenses.
about North Korea Uses EtherHiding Malware in $2B Crypto HeistsNorth Korea’s $2B Crypto Theft Spurs Secure Altcoin Demand
North Korean hackers have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency during 2025 alone, marking a record year for state-sponsored cyber theft that now funds up to half of the country’s missile development budget. These massive breaches, including a $1.46 billion heist at Dubai’s Bybit exchange, have created unprecedented volatility across crypto markets while representing approximately 13% of North Korea’s GDP. Amid the chaos, security-focused projects like Mutuum Finance are attracting significant investor attention as safe havens in turbulent times.
about North Korea's $2B Crypto Theft Spurs Secure Altcoin Demand