Breaking News: SANCTIONS – Market Insights, Analysis & Latest Updates

Ransomware extortion drops 35% in 2024 amid crypto exchange crackdowns and increasing refusal to pay: Chainalysis

Ransomware payments reduced by 35% to $813 million in 2024, with more victims resisting payments amid effective law enforcement actions and international cooperation.

theblock.co • 05/02/2025 - 13:00 PM

Illicit use of blockchains represents just 0.4% of total crypto volume, TRM Labs finds

Crypto crime is declining, particularly on TRON, which sees increased law enforcement efforts, while some crime areas, like ransomware, show growth, emphasizing a need for collaboration.

theblock.co • 16/01/2025 - 19:07 PM

SANCTIONS

US imposes sanctions on North Korea’s crypto laundering network

U.S. sanctions target individuals and an entity laundering cryptocurrency for North Korea, linked to illicit financial activities supporting WMD programs and significant crypto hacks.

theblock.co • 18/12/2024 - 03:51 AM

The Daily: US appeals court rules OFAC exceeded its authority in Tornado Cash sanctions, WalletConnect launches its first airdrop season and more

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) ”overstepped its authority” by sanctioning crypto mixer Tornado Cash, reversing a lower district court decision. WalletConnect has launched its first airdrop season and eligibility checker, allocating 50 million of the total supply of 1 billion WCT tokens to over 160,000 users, including builders and contributors. A Brazilian lawmaker has introduced a bill to create the Strategic Sovereign Bitcoin Reserve, allocating up to 5% of the nation’s $372 billion financial assets to the cryptocurrency via a phased acquisition strategy. The following article is adapted from The Block’s newsletter, The Daily, which comes out on weekday afternoons.

theblock.co • 27/11/2024 - 18:43 PM

US appeals court says Treasury 'overstepped' authority in Tornado Cash sanctions

A U.S. appeals court ruled on Tuesday that OFAC exceeded its authority by sanctioning Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer. The court reversed the district court decision, arguing that Tornado Cash’s smart contracts are not “property” and therefore cannot be sanctioned. Coinbase’s Paul Grewal called the ruling a “historic win” for crypto.

theblock.co • 27/11/2024 - 02:18 AM

US prosecutors are investigating Tether, US Treasury weighs potential sanctions: WSJ

U.S. investigators are examining Tether for potential anti-money laundering violations and sanctions related to its stablecoin, amid allegations of misuse for illegal activities.

theblock.co • 25/10/2024 - 18:26 PM

Top SEC enforcement official Gurbir S. Grewal steps down

SEC Enforcement Director Gurbir S. Grewal is stepping down, with Sanjay Wadhwa as acting director, after filing major crypto enforcement actions, raising industry skepticism of SEC's regulation approach.

theblock.co • 02/10/2024 - 19:50 PM

Top SEC enforcement official Gurbir S. Grewal steps down

Gurbir S. Grewal, SEC Enforcement Director, departs after 21 years. Deputy Director Sanjay Wadhwa becomes acting director, while Grewal leaves a controversial legacy in cryptocurrency regulation.

theblock.co • 02/10/2024 - 19:50 PM

SANCTIONS

Coin Center Executive Director Jerry Brito plans to depart the organization at the end of the year

Jerry Brito and Robin Weisman are stepping down from Coin Center, with Brito's role transitioning to Peter Van Valkenburgh in 2025, amidst ongoing legal battles in Washington.

theblock.co • 30/09/2024 - 22:09 PM

Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm to face trial as US judge rejects dismissal

A judge ruled Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, will face trial on money laundering charges. Storm claims First Amendment protection; trial begins December 2.

theblock.co • 27/09/2024 - 04:42 AM

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