Enforcement agencies have intensified actions against illicit cryptocurrency activities, with the EU sanctioning the Russian exchange Garantex and the U.S. targeting Nemesis operator Behrouz Parsarad. Despite these efforts, darknet marketplace revenues rose to $1.7 billion in 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating such ecosystems.
about Increased Sanctions Target Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Darknet MarketplacesMeta Financial Group, Inc.
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekNorth Korean Hackers Shift to DeFi for Money Laundering Strategies
North Korean hackers are shifting from traditional crypto mixers to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms for laundering stolen funds, adapting to increased regulatory scrutiny. The Lazarus Group has utilized high-volume transactions across decentralized exchanges and cross-chain bridges, complicating tracking efforts. This evolution in tactics highlights the ongoing challenge for authorities as cybercriminals refine their methods to evade detection.
about North Korean Hackers Shift to DeFi for Money Laundering StrategiesEthereum Foundation supports Tornado Cash developer with 1.25 million donation
The Ethereum Foundation has pledged $1.25 million to support Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev’s legal defense as he prepares to appeal his money laundering conviction in the Netherlands. Pertsev expressed gratitude for the donation, allowing him to focus on his appeal after being released from prison custody in early February. He was convicted in May 2024 and sentenced to over five years in prison.
about Ethereum Foundation supports Tornado Cash developer with 1.25 million donationUS Authorities Seize 31 Million in Crypto from Uranium Finance Hack
US authorities have seized $31 million in cryptocurrency linked to the April 2021 hack of Uranium Finance, a now-defunct decentralized finance platform. The attack exploited vulnerabilities in the platform’s smart contracts, allowing the hacker to steal $50 million before the site was shut down. Victims are encouraged to contact authorities for assistance.
about US Authorities Seize 31 Million in Crypto from Uranium Finance HackInfini Loses 50 Million in Exploit Linked to Developer Deception
Infini has suffered a $50 million loss due to an exploit allegedly executed by a developer who retained admin rights post-project completion. The attacker used Tornado Cash to fund a wallet, transferring nearly $50 million in USD Coin before converting it to Ethereum and moving the funds to a secondary address. Despite the theft, Infini’s founder stated that withdrawals were not paused and full compensation would be provided if necessary.
about Infini Loses 50 Million in Exploit Linked to Developer DeceptionTornado Cash Developer Released from Prison Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev was released from prison custody on February 7, 2025, and will remain under house arrest while preparing his legal appeal. He was found guilty of money laundering in May 2024, despite having no control over the funds processed by the Tornado Cash protocol. The case has raised concerns among privacy advocates and has implications for the regulation of privacy-preserving technologies.
about Tornado Cash Developer Released from Prison Amid Ongoing Legal BattlesTornado Cash Developer Released as TORN Price Sees Significant Surge
Tornado Cash’s governance token, TORN, surged 13% to $12.81 following the temporary release of developer Alexey Pertsev from Dutch jail after nine months. Pertsev, under house arrest and facing a 64-month sentence, expressed gratitude for support and donations that funded his legal battle. Despite a recent decline, TORN has seen a 32% increase over the past month and a staggering 617% rise year-over-year, although it remains 97.08% below its all-time high of $436.16.
about Tornado Cash Developer Released as TORN Price Sees Significant SurgeTornado Cash Co-Founder Released from Prison Amid Ongoing Legal Battles
Alexey Pertsev, co-founder of Tornado Cash, has been released from prison and is now under electronic monitoring as he prepares to appeal his money laundering conviction. His release has sparked a rise in the value of the TORN token, reflecting ongoing debates about the legal status of privacy-focused crypto developers. Pertsev emphasized the financial support he received for his legal defense and called for continued assistance in his fight for freedom.
about Tornado Cash Co-Founder Released from Prison Amid Ongoing Legal BattlesTornado Cash Developer Alexey Pertsev Released from Dutch Prison Pending Appeal
Alexey Pertsev, a developer of the crypto mixing protocol Tornado Cash, has been conditionally released from a Dutch prison as he appeals his five-year sentence for laundering over $2 billion. He will wear an electronic monitor and expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating this opportunity allows him to work on his appeal outside of confinement.
about Tornado Cash Developer Alexey Pertsev Released from Dutch Prison Pending AppealDeFi Group Calls for Legal Protection for Developers Against User Liability
The DeFi Education Fund has urged the US Department of Justice to reconsider holding developers of decentralized finance protocols liable for user actions, likening them to car manufacturers not being responsible for drivers. They argue that misplacing liability could stifle innovation and create harmful legal precedents. The group calls for clearer regulatory guidelines that distinguish between technology creators and users, emphasizing the need for a legal framework that accurately reflects custody and control in financial regulations.
about DeFi Group Calls for Legal Protection for Developers Against User LiabilitySupport Grows for Tornado Cash Co-Founder Amid Legal Challenges
Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm is receiving support from Paradigm, which has pledged $1.25 million for his legal defense, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which filed an amicus brief warning that his prosecution could hinder privacy-focused software development. Storm faces serious charges, including money laundering, with his trial set for April 2025, amid significant legal challenges to U.S. Treasury sanctions against Tornado Cash. Recent court rulings have questioned the government’s authority to regulate decentralized protocols, raising broader implications for financial privacy and software innovation.
about Support Grows for Tornado Cash Co-Founder Amid Legal ChallengesSui Network Exploit Results in 29 Million Dollar Token Theft and Laundering
A significant exploit in the Sui network resulted in the theft of 6.27 million SUI tokens, valued at $29 million, which were subsequently laundered through Tornado Cash. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in Sui’s tracking tools, complicating efforts to trace the stolen funds and raising security concerns within the cryptocurrency community. As the network aims for expansion into AI, gaming, and fintech by 2025, the need for enhanced security measures becomes increasingly critical.
about Sui Network Exploit Results in 29 Million Dollar Token Theft and Laundering