law
Liechtenstein's Ground-Breaking Blockchain Business Law At a Glance
Liechtenstein's introduction of the world’s first blockchain business law represents an important milestone in the evolution of legal frameworks to support blockchain business.
Women Taking on the Mantle of Leadership in Blockchain and Crypto Law
Women cryptocurrency and blockchain lawyers are taking the helm in several major law firms as they are leading blockchain practice groups in at least a half-dozen reputable law firms, such as McDermott Will & Emery, Morrison & Foerster, and Goodwin Procter.
How Blockchain Can Uphold Creators' Rights and Copyright Law
Blockchain shows its versatility once again by becoming the perfect enforcer for copyright law, ensuring that authors receive their due credit and royalties.
China Gears Up for its Digital Currency and Implements New Crypto Law
As a part of its plans for releasing its central bank digital currency (CBDC) soon, China has implemented a law to govern cryptographic password management.
China’s Cryptography Law Piques Local Interest and Stirs Global Market Reaction
The recent passing of China's Cryptography Law, which will come into effect in 2020, has peaked local interest as searches for blockchain on WeChat surged ten-fold.
Oxford Law Researchers Call for Strict Cryptocurrency Regulation to Avoid Another Financial Crisis
Researchers at Oxford University Law Faculty claim that crypto market regulation is mandatory to prevent systemic risk in times of financial crisis.
India Considers New Law to End Crypto Trading Despite Numerous Overturns by the Supreme Court
The Indian government is planning to bring in a new law to ban cryptocurrency trading, following the prohibition of banks and financial services to provide services related to crypto.
BlockFi to Sell $160 Million in Bitcoin Mining Machine
BlockFi aims to offer $160 million in loans secured by 68,000 Bitcoin mining equipment. November saw the crypto lender declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Defaulted loans may be undercollateralized.
Ripple Co-Founder Jed McCaleb Dumps 28 Million XRP Tokens amid SEC Lawsuit
Jed McCaleb, Ripple’s co-founder and its former Chief of Technology Officer, has seemingly resumed the sale of his XRP reserve, cashing out 28 million XRP.
Crypto Lawyers Dispute SEC Chief's Jurisdiction Claims
Lawyers for the cryptocurrency industry have challenged recent comments made by the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, in which he claimed that all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin fall under the agency's jurisdiction. The lawyers argue that the SEC must prove its case in court for each token individually before it can claim jurisdiction over them.
Instagram Influencers Sued by Investors for Falsely Promoting Crypto Tokens
Instagram influencers Kim Kardashian and American boxer Floyd Mayweather have been sued by investors accusing celebrities of falsely promoting crypto tokens to mislead investors.
Facebook, Google, Twitter Face $600 Million Class Action Lawsuit Over Cryptocurrency Ad Ban
The trio of Facebook, Google and Twitter have been slammed by a $600 million class-action lawsuit by a group of companies and individuals backed by Sydney based JPB Liberty
Lawsuit against Ooki DAO Takes New Twist as CFTC Commissioner Dissents Ruling
The regulator said Ooki DAO offered digital asset margin trading, which they’re not permitted by law to do.
Senate Banking Committee to Develop Bipartisan Regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrencies
The Senate Banking Committee, led by Sherrod Brown and Tim Scott, may regulate crypto in the upcoming Congress.
Property or Not? Bitcoin Thieves Released Because “Bitcoin is Not Property”
A Russian Court recently ruled a Bitcoin theft case as innocent, stating that Bitcoin was not considered a property. The victim sought restitution, after being robbed of 100 Bitcoins.
Texas Authorities Slap “Bitcoin Pope” and Forex Birds with Cease and Desist Order for Fraudulent Investment Scheme
An emergency cease and desist order has been issued against the “Bitcoin Pope” trader, under allegations of fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
Bitcoin Cash advocate Roger Ver sued for $20.8 million
Genesis sued Roger Ver for $20.8 million in unpaid crypto options. GGC International sued Ver in New York State Supreme Court on Jan. 23. BCH has not reacted to the lawsuit.
CFTC Files First Lawsuit Against DAO
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has filed its first lawsuit against a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO).
Washington DC Lawyers Can Now Accept Cryptocurrency Payments for Legal Services
Lawyers working within the metropolitan area of Washington DC can now accept cryptocurrency payments for legal services so long as the fee agreement is reasonable and fair, and the lawyer is able to safeguard their digital assets, the District of Columbia Bar stated in an ethics opinion.
Bithumb CEO Summoned by South Korean Authorities Following Police Raid on Offices
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bithumb Holdings, Lee Jung-hoon has been summoned by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Intelligent Crime Investigation Unit following the unit's incessant raid on the exchange.
Terra Co-Founders to Face Fraud Charges in South Korea
As reported by a local media site, Munhwa, an organized group of LUNA and UST investors is planning to file a legal complaint against Terra CEOs Do Kwon and Daniel Shin for alleged fraud.
U.S. Judge Approves SEC's Motion to Extend its Discovery Period For Lawsuit with Ripple
SEC's request to extend the facts discovery period for the ongoing Ripple case has been granted by Judge Sarah Netburn.
The creator of the nonfungible token collection Bored Ape Yacht Club
Yuga Labs agreed with the maker of a copycat collection of the blue-chip Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs.
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried to Appear in court remotely
According to a Feb. 18 court filing, Sam Bankman-Fried has days to provide documentation to Voyager Digital's unsecured creditors committee.
CoinFLEX to Sue Robert Ver to Recover $84m Outstanding Debt
CoinFLEX is facing bankruptcy fears after its big longtime crypto investor Roger Ver who failed to repay a debt now totals $84 million dollars. The exchange said they are taking legal action against Roger Ver.
Paradigm Challenges SEC's Authority in Lawsuit Against Binance
Paradigm, a venture capital firm, has filed an amicus brief in the SEC's ongoing lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The brief criticizes the SEC's approach, arguing that the agency is overstepping its regulatory boundaries. Paradigm emphasizes that the SEC's actions could have far-reaching implications for securities law.
‘Big Four’ Tech Amazon, Google, Apple & Facebook Grilled During US Antitrust Hearing
In an antitrust hearing with the Judiciary Committee of US Congress, the CEOs of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google testified, as a continuation of an unfinished legal conversation with lawmakers.
More than 75% Salvadoran Distrust in Bitcoin as Fiat Money, Poll suggests
A poll shows that more than three-quarters of Salvadorans are sceptical towards the implementation of Bitcoin across the country, according to Reuters, citing a survey released Thursday.
NSA’s Mass Phone Tapping and Data Collection was Illegal Says United States Federal Court
The NSA’s controversial phone data collection program first brought to light by former NSA agent Edward Snowden has been called illegal by a US Federal Court.
Singapore to Charge Income Tax on NFT Trading, says FM Lawrence Wong
In Asia, Singapore extends tax charging on NFT transactions, local media reports.
Ripple CTO Advocates for Community Consensus on XRP Ledger's AMM Feature Integration
Ripple's CTO, David Schwartz, stresses the importance of community consensus for integrating the Automated Market Maker (AMM) feature on the XRP Ledger. Through discussions on X (formerly Twitter), Schwartz outlines a methodical approach to addressing concerns and urges validators to support the amendment only after achieving community agreement. The AMM feature, seen as a significant stride in decentralized finance on XRPL, was introduced in rippled version 1.12.0 alongside a potential clawback feature aimed at legal liability protection for developers. Schwartz's engagement exemplifies a balanced approach to evolving XRPL while preserving its decentralized character.
Kik Survives Legal Battle With the SEC, Kin Crypto to Continue Trading on Exchanges
The Kin Foundation has disclosed that both itself and the cryptocurrency has survived the dispute with the US SEC.
Coin Center Sues IRS For Unconstitutional Tax Reporting Rules
Coin Center, a Washington DC-based non-profit research and advocacy centre, has filed a lawsuit against the United States Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a tax reporting requirement it wants to pass into law.
Turkey’s Crypto Law heading to Parliament after President Erdogan’s Approval
Turkey's President confirms that drafting a crypto law is completed. The president further reveals that the draft will be tabled in the Parliament for mainstream implementation in the nation.
Wyoming lawmakers pass bill prohibiting courts from forcing disclosure of digital asset
Wyoming, a crypto-friendly state, enacted a measure banning private key disclosure. If Governor Mark Gordon approves, it will take effect July 1.
SEC to Make a Move on Suing Ripple over XRP Cryptocurrency as Christmas Holidays Kick In
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse revealed that a lawsuit may be in the works against his fintech company for XRP cryptocurrency sooner than later.
CipherTrace Life Hack for Criminal Investigations: How to Know if Cryptocurrency Was Utilized
CipherTrace blockchain analytics firm has revealed guidelines that could help law enforcement identify that cryptocurrency was used for illicit activities.
Brad Garlinghouse Stated that Ripple does not Lag behind Bitcoin's Energy Usage FUD
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently responded to allegations related to the company's role in spreading the fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) of Bitcoin's energy use.
WhaleFin is being sued by Atletico Madrid for unpaid sponsorship
Atletico Madrid is suing WhaleFin for €20 million over a terminated €40 million sponsorship deal, claiming financial losses and potential reputational damage.
Legal Battle between Ripple Labs and SEC Seek End Game
The Ripple-SEC legal case has entered into the summary judgment phase. Both parties are seeking a speedy close to the lawsuit.
Lawyers Speak on Motions Dealing With Potential conflicts
James Bromley represents FTX's debtors in bankruptcy. Bromley attacked former CEO Sam Bankman-social Fried's media attacks on his law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell, which represented FTX and Ryne Miller.
Bitzlato crypto firm taken down
Europol: 46% of Bitzlato assets were unlawful. U.S. and European authorities confiscated $19.5 million in cryptocurrencies from crypto wallets.
Germany's Largest Bitcoin Seizure: 50,000 BTC Confiscated in Piracy Probe
German authorities seized 50,000 Bitcoins linked to a piracy website, with suspects transferring the digital currency to police wallets, causing uncertainty in cryptocurrency enforcement.
Former FTX CEO ordered not to contact current or former employees
Sam Bankman-Fried cannot contact FTX or Alameda personnel or utilise Signal as part of his bail terms.
Trump’s Proposed Capital Gains Tax Cuts Could Benefit Ethereum 2.0 Stakers
President Donald Trump has proposed a capital gains tax cut which may greatly benefit United States cryptocurrency traders—particularly those planning to stake on Ethereum 2.0.
Hong Kong Brokers Seek SFC Clearance Before Virtual Asset Trading Law
Regional brokers and investment managers have sought licensing guidance ahead of new regulations. Retail investors may trade digital assets with high market capitalization and liquidity. Digital asset trading is confined to experienced investors and traders with at least $1 million in bankable assets.
Ripple Files Lawsuit Against YouTube Over Cryptocurrency Investment Scam
Ripple crypto firm has hit YouTube with a lawsuit accusing the streaming platform of failing to take action against crypto scams that impersonate the cryptocurrency company.
China to Strengthen Artificial Intelligence Development with New Legislation
China has included a draft AI law in its legislative agenda for the State Council in 2023, which will be reviewed by the National People's Congress.
Terraform Labs co-founder defends against SEC allegations
Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, has defended himself against allegations of fraud from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kwon’s lawyers have requested the dismissal of the lawsuit, claiming that the SEC's allegations are unfounded and that US law prohibits regulators from asserting jurisdiction over the digital assets in question. The lawyers also argued that the SEC failed to prove Kwon’s involvement in the collapse of Terra’s stablecoin, UST.
XRP Slides by 10% as United States SEC Poised to Sue Ripple for Securities Law Violation
XRP has slid below the $0.50 level and is down by 9%, as news that the US Securities and Exchange Commission will sue Ripple has broken out.
XRP Holders File Motion to Intervene in Ripple Case as SEC Blamed for Causing "Multi-Billion-Dollar Losses"
On behalf of XRP holders, attorney John E. Deaton has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit opposing Ripple Labs and the SEC.
A Colombian court recently hosted its first legal trial in the metaverse
The metaverse hosted Colombia's Magdalena Administrative Court's February 15 session. Maria Quinones, the court's Magistrate, called it "realer than a video call."
Crypto Firm BitGo Files $100m Lawsuit against Galaxy Digital for Breaching Acquisition Deal
Last month, Galaxy scrapped a plan to acquire BitGo for $1.2 billion. In its lawsuit, BitGo demands $100 million for damages following Galaxy’s termination of the merger deal.
Tether Intervenes on Terrorism Funding, Freezing 32 Cryptocurrency Addresses
Tether has frozen 32 cryptocurrency addresses tied to terrorism funding in Israel and Ukraine, manifesting the growing partnership between crypto firms and global law enforcement to combat digital-financed crime.
Craig S Wright Challenges Cypherpunk Interpretation of Bitcoin
Dr. Craig S Wright criticizes the cypherpunk movement for misinterpreting Bitcoin's goals, emphasizing on Twitter and his blog the importance of legal frameworks in cyberspace. He highlights the growing global regulations due to cybercrime, and explores blockchain technology's potential and the necessity of legal adherence for its evolution across various sectors.
Tether Criticizes UN Report for Overlooking USDT Traceability and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Tether rebuts a UN report accusing USDT of facilitating illicit activities, underscoring its traceability and law enforcement collaboration, and highlighting USDT's positive impact on developing economies.
XRP Investors Looking to Join XRP Case Trigger Different Reactions from The SEC and Ripple
While the Securities and Exchange Commission has opposed XRP holders' motion to intervene, Ripple seems to think it should be approved by the court.
Coinbase and Brian Armstrong Named as Defendants in a Securities Lawsuit
Coinbase Global Inc, Coinbase Inc, and Brian Armstrong have been named defendants in a class-action lawsuit. Three leading exchanges are accused of without sharing the required risks involved in trading as many as 79 different tokens.
Coinbase Backs Lawsuit against US Treasury over Tornado Cash Sanctions
A group of crypto users are challenging the US Treasury Department's sanctions of Tornado Cash in court. Coinbase is backing the legal action.
Coinbase Sued For Failing to Grant Wallet Access During Volatility
The lawsuit against Coinbase was filed by George Kattula on behalf of the aggrieved users of the exchange who claimed the firm did not grant them access to their crypto wallets during periods of price volatility.
Has Judgement Finally Come for 2017 ICOs? Class Action Lawsuits Name Binance, BitMEX and Block.One Among Host of Crypto Defendants
Crypto Giants Binance, BitMEX, along with Executives CZ, Arthur Hayes Named Among Defendants in 11 Class Action Suits For Violating Securities Laws.
Ukraine’s Largest Bank Privatbank Suspends Money Transfers to Crypto Exchanges amid Martial Law
Other local banks in Ukraine have also imposed restrictions authorized by the country’s central bank under the current martial law.
US District Judge Rules in Favor of Custodial Arrangement for bZx DAO Members
A US district judge has ruled that bZx DAO transactions are custodial due to the ability for developers to upgrade a smart contract where the key is held by a single developer, as highlighted in a class-action lawsuit against bZx DAO and others. This may impact DeFi platforms that use multisigs and require them to obtain custody licenses to comply with the law.
Nigeria Passes Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency Law
The Nigerian government will soon legalize Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Punch Newspapers of Nigeria announced the news on December 18 after interviewing House of Representatives Committee on Capital Markets Chairman Babangida Ibrahim. If passed, the local Securities and Exchange Commission might consider cryptocurrencies and other digital monies as investment capital.
Celebrities asked to dismiss second amended complaint in class-action lawsuit
Kim Kardashian, Floyd Mayweather, and others claim investors "suffered no damage from just hanging onto the tokens" in their dismissal request.
Microsoft's OpenAI Investment Faces EU Merger Regulation Scrutiny
The European Commission is investigating Microsoft's investment in OpenAI, a significant partnership since 2019, under the EU Merger Regulation, as part of a larger plan to control tech giants' influence in the AI field, focusing on potential anti-competitive impacts.
Binance Sues Bloomberg Businessweek's Publisher for Defamation in HK
Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao, sued Bloomberg’s Hong Kong media partner- Bloomberg Businessweek's publisher, for allegedly misleading publications resulting in damaging Binance’s reputation.
Mango Labs Sues Avraham Eisenberg for $47 Million
Mango Labs, the firm behind Mango Markets, has sued exploiter Avraham Eisenberg. The Jan. 25 complaint says Einseberg misused its platform for millions of dollars in cryptocurrency in 2022.
3AC Co-Founder Reappears, Blames Liquidators for 'Baiting'
Su Zhu, Three Arrows Capital co-founder, has revealed fresh details behind the collaboration between the prominent hedge fund firm and its liquidators.
To Criminalize or Not to Criminalize Bitcoin and Crypto? Moscow Reconsiders
The State Duma is discussing its legislative plans regarding Bitcoin and cryptocurrency usage and has been reported to seemingly have a change of heart regarding digital assets adoption in Russia.
SEC Withdraws Lawsuit Against Debt Box Amid Misleading Evidence Controversy
The SEC has withdrawn its lawsuit against Debt Box, accusing it of a $50 million fraudulent scheme, paving the way for future charges and a significant shift in crypto firm regulatory landscape.
Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Tether and Bitfinex Affirmed, Plaintiff Drops Appeal
Tether and Bitfinex have won a lawsuit against Shawn Dolifka and Matthew Anderson, despite allegations of misleading statements about USDT reserves, underscoring the importance of transparency in the cryptocurrency sector.
New York Files Lawsuit Against Coinseed Crypto Platform for Allegedly Defrauding Thousands of Investors
New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, has filed a class-action lawsuit against Coinseed crypto platform and the company’s executives for defrauding investors more than $1 million to enrich themselves between 2017 and 2018.
Judge Dismisses Antitrust Suit Against Apple Over Apple Cash
US District Judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit targeting Apple, where Venmo and Cash App users claimed Apple Cash had an anti-competitive edge.
Ripple Blasted by Investor Tetragon for Playing “Word Games” in $175M Stock Buyback Lawsuit
Along with the heat Ripple is currently facing from the Securities and Exchange Commission, one of its leading investors has also turned against it.
Yuga Labs Files Lawsuit Against Artist Producing BAYC Copycat Collection
Yuga Labs, the blockchain startup behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection has filed a lawsuit against digital artist Ryder Ripps and several associates for producing a copycat version of Bored Apes
Consensys Files Lawsuit Against SEC Over Ethereum Regulation
Consensys, a software development firm, has filed a lawsuit against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its commissioners, claiming the SEC plans to regulate Ethereum as a security, highlighting the ongoing debate on cryptocurrencies' regulatory classification and potential industry impact.
Elon Musk Sued by Twitter Investors for Delayed Disclosure
A group of investors sued Elon Musk to save himself about $156 million for failing to disclose that he had purchased more than 5% of Twitter shares by March 14.
Ripple Fires Back at SEC over Its Legal Complaint of XRP as Pretrial Looms
Ripple has fought back against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s legal complaint against XRP, hinting that the agency was overreaching.
Romanian Programmer Confesses to Orchestrating BitClub Crypto Scam Worth $722 Million
Silviu Catalin Balaci, a 35-year old Romanian citizen living in Germany, has owned up to helping create BitClub Network, a crypto mining Ponzi scheme that siphoned off investors’ funds worth $722 million.
SEC Finalizes Lawsuit Against the Founder and CEO of Fraudulent ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed that it has received a final judgment in a US district court action against Eran Eyal, the CEO and founder of Shopin token offering for carrying out an allegedly fraudulent ICO.
Crypto Miner Sphere 3D Sues Partner over Alleged Bitcoin Spoofing Attack
Sphere 3D, a crypto miner, has filed a lawsuit against Gryphon Digital Mining, its partner, after an alleged spoofing attack led to the irregular transfer of Bitcoin. Gryphon CEO allegedly wired BTC to a fraudster posing as Sphere 3D's CFO. Sphere 3D accuses Gryphon of violating their contractual duties and putting the company's assets at significant risk.
New York Attorney General Letitia James Sues CoinEx
CoinEx was sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James for selling bitcoin without registering.
Silvergate Bank Voluntary Liquidation Sparks Controversy in Crypto Industry
The recent announcement of Silvergate Bank’s voluntary liquidation has led to a heated debate in the crypto industry, with some lawmakers labeling the sector as “risky” and “volatile.” Crypto executives and commentators have criticized these remarks and suggested that government investigations and legal attacks hastened the bank’s collapse. As Silvergate winds down, some crypto firms are seeking alternative banking partners amid concerns of regulatory crackdowns and proposed tax law changes.
ConsenSys Sued For IP Theft by Blockchain Startup from its Own Incubator
BlockCrushr, a Canadian blockchain firm has accused ConsenSys of stealing its intellectual property after it took part in a ConsenSys’ startup accelerator program.
Coinbase and Venmo Users Angered by Privacy Issues—Fintech Firm Faces Second Class Action Lawsuit
A second lawsuit has been filed against the fintech company Plaid, for violating user data privacy agreements they hold with major financial accounts that use Coinbase and Venmo.
Golden Gate University Establishes Blockchain Law for Social Good Center to Aid Regulation
The Golden Gate University School of Law has teamed up with Algorand Foundation to set up Blockchain Law for Social Good Center to eliminate regulatory scepticism.
Binance Faces Lawsuit in Canada for Selling Crypto Derivative Products Without Registration
Binance faces a class-action lawsuit in Canada for allegedly violating securities laws by selling crypto derivative products to retail investors without proper registration, highlighting the significant presence of retail investors.
Here is Why Tether Blacklisted Five TRON Addresses
Tether has blacklisted five new addresses on the TRON blockchain, highlighting its efforts to maintain network integrity and security. The largest address lost over $1.2 million USDT, aiding law enforcement and users in recovering stolen funds.
Court Denies XRP Holders’ Request to Take Part in SEC-Ripple Case
The court has denied the motion to intervene filed by XRP investors looking to take part in the Ripple case.
Russia Restricts Anonymous Cash Deposits to Online Wallets
The Russian Government has put strict limits on anonymous deposits made to online wallets. While it is not a complete ban, the initiative by lawmakers is promoted as a step to deter illegal activity such as money laundering and illicit drug transactions and could affect up to 10 million users.
XRP Community Files New Motion to Intervene in the Ongoing Ripple-SEC Court Case
The XRP community has filed a new motion to intervene in the ongoing court battle between blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Ripple XRP Continues Consolidating Its Value Above $0.6 New Support Level
Technical indicators show that XRP is likely to consolidate its price inside a range of the $0.60 support level and the 0.65 resistance level.
The Philippines SEC seeks to bring cryptocurrencies under its scope
The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has suggested new cryptocurrency regulations to improve its control.
Former Coinbase Product Manager Seeks to Dismiss SEC Charges of Insider Trading
Ten lawyers from five law firms filed a move to dismiss an SEC insider trading lawsuit against two brothers, calling the regulator "wrong" and lacking government authorisation.
India Passes Controversial Crypto Tax Laws, Effective on April 1
India’s parliament on Friday passed a law designed to tax digital assets including cryptocurrencies. Users will begin paying capital gains taxes of 30% on crypto transactions from 1st April 2022.
Binance faces investor backlash and Bitcoin withdrawals following CFTC lawsuit
Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao, denies market manipulation allegations made by the CFTC. However, investors withdrew over 3,400 BTC from Binance within 24 hours of the lawsuit announcement, leading to a decrease in Binance's total Bitcoin balance while competing exchanges saw an increase.
Blockchain Association Rejects Court's Securities Ruling on Private Blockchains
A U.S. lawyer called it "absurd" for a court to declare digital assets on centralized databases securities.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Sues Google and YouTube Over Fraudulent Bitcoin Scam Videos
Legal team for Steve Wozniak, co-founder of tech powerhouse Apple, announced a lawsuit against YouTube and their parent company Google alleging that the media companies failed to take down fraudulent videos that impersonated Wozniak to drive Bitcoin funds.
Genesis settles with the SEC, agreeing to a $21 million penalty
Genesis Global Capital, LLC settles with the SEC, agreeing to a $21 million penalty for unregistered securities offerings through its Gemini Earn program.
Only in Crypto: John McAfee Admits "Copy-Pasting" PIVX Whitepaper, Wants to Sue them Nonetheless
McAfee’s crypto project “Ghost” was found to have plagiarised its entire whitepaper from another crypto firm, but instead of being apologetic, the entrepreneur threatens to sue PIVX, the project in question, for causing reputational damage.
The US SEC Charges DeFi Money Market and Founders with Fraudulent $30 Million Offerings
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has issued its first case involving the decentralized finance market by charging the founders of DeFi Money market for raising $30 million through fraudulent offerings.
Twitter Bitcoin Hack Demonstrates That Crypto Fraud is Easier to Track Than Fiat
Cryptocurrency regulation was the hot topic during an ongoing panel hosted by the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists.
Texas lawmakers propose gold-backed state digital currency
Two Texas lawmakers have introduced bills proposing a state-based digital currency backed by gold, with each unit of the currency representing a fraction of a troy ounce of gold held in trust. The bills are set to take effect in September 2023, but have yet to be passed or presented for a vote. This move comes despite objections from several U.S. lawmakers who are against the introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
US Crypto Tax Law Study
Indiana and Maine universities publish a study examining US cryptocurrency tax law. The paper proposes a new tax framework for cryptocurrency losses, which would prevent taxpayers from using them against other capital gains.
How Does Cryptocurrency Regulation News Affect the Bitcoin Price? Bank Of International Settlements Research Reveals
New research conducted on behalf of the Bank for International Settlements indicates that contrary to popular belief, the Bitcoin price and other cryptocurrency prices respond very positively to news of coming regulations,when they are clear.
Former Ethereum Adviser Steven Nerayoff Files $9.6B Lawsuit Against US Government
Steven Nerayoff, an early adviser to the Ethereum network, has filed a lawsuit against the United States government for false charges and mistreatment. The lawsuit, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeks $9.6 billion in damages for an extortion case. Nerayoff alleges that federal agents were aware of the baseless charges and engaged in harassment and intimidation tactics.
Sushi Chef Addresses SEC Subpoena
Jared Grey, head chef of Japan-based DAO, Sushi, stated that no one associated with Sushi has violated U.S. federal security laws in response to a subpoena from the SEC. Grey is cooperating with the SEC and stated that it is unknown whether further subpoenas will be issued to others linked with Sushi.
Bitfinex and Tether's Appeal Rejected by New York Judge
Judge Cohen reportedly decided to give a 90-day extension to the case, which will give the New York Attorney General’s office to continue investigating. Judge Cohen also dismissed Bitfinex and Tether’s motion to appeal after the ruling.
NFT Co-Founder Faces Lawsuit Over Crypto Wallet Dispute
Rebase co-founder Edmond Truong is being sued by Krzysztof Gagacki, who claims to be a co-founder of the nonfungible token (NFT) project. Gagacki alleges that Truong misappropriated $2 million into a separate wallet owned and controlled by him without his consent, ousting Gagacki from the firm and causing damage to his reputation.
Safeheron Discovers Security Flaw in MPC Wallets
Safeheron has identified a security flaw in MPC wallets when used with Starknet-based apps like dYdX and Fireblocks. The flaw allows attackers to bypass the security protection of private keys in MPC wallets, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions.
Federal Judge Refuses to Consolidate Class-Action Lawsuits Against FTX Exchange
A federal judge has denied a request to consolidate five proposed class-action lawsuits against the bankrupt crypto exchange FTX. The plaintiffs, including Julie Papadakis, Michael Elliott Jessup, Stephen Pierce, Elliott Lam, and Russell Hawkins, accuse former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and other executives of misappropriating assets. While all the plaintiffs are pursuing Bankman-Fried, the cases also involve various other defendants, including outside auditors and exchange promoters. The judge pointed out that not all defendants had the opportunity to respond yet, and there's no need to consolidate before hearing their side.
Biden Appointed SEC Chair Gary Gensler is not Going to Save Ripple's XRP Token
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is celebrating President-elect Joe Bidens Decision to appoint Gary Gensler to SEC chair—but this will not make the lawsuit against XRP go away.
ShapeShift Settles with SEC for Operating as Unregistered Crypto Asset Dealer
ShapeShift AG has settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for operating as an unregistered dealer of crypto asset securities, agreeing to a cease-and-desist order and a $275,000 penalty.
Spain Strengthens Crypto Oversight to Settle Tax Debts
Spanish Ministry of Finance is implementing legislative reforms to increase cryptocurrency monitoring, enabling seizure of digital assets for tax debt resolution, aligning with EU regulations.
Telegram Tells US Investors to Leave TON Blockchain Project and Take 72% Refund
Telegram now says US investors won’t get 110% refund and tells them to leave its blockchain TON project.
Crypto Bank Custodia Files Lawsuit against Federal Reserve for Delaying Master Account Application
Wyoming state-based digital asset bank Custodia has filed a lawsuit against the authority for unlawfully delaying a decision on its applications for a master account.
Elliptic Debunks Claims of Substantial Crypto Funding to Hamas
Elliptic, a blockchain analytics firm, refuted claims of significant cryptocurrency funding to Hamas, following a wave of reports and a letter from US lawmakers to the White House. The firm highlighted the lack of substantial evidence supporting the alleged $130 million crypto funding between August 2021 and June 2023. Despite historical endeavors by Hamas to solicit crypto donations, recent analysis reveals that the amounts garnered remain minuscule compared to the figures cited in misinformed reports.
US Supreme Court Rules Against SEC’s Ability to Fine Crypto and Blockchain Firms
The US Supreme court has limited the amount in punitive fines that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can impose on cryptocurrency and blockchain firms, in a historic ruling yesterday.
Japan to Introduce Corporate-friendly Crypto Tax Law in 2023
The Japanese government proposes a new crypto tax law that will be introduced in 2023 for companies.
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Bitcoin Dark Web Chemical Weapon Purchase
A 45-year-old man from Columbia, Missouri pled guilty yesterday in a US federal court to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of attempting to acquire a chemical weapon—via the dark web using Bitcoin.
Lawsuit: Ex-Employee Accuses Celsius Network of Financial Fraud Involvement
In its lawsuit, Jason Stone, a former manager at Celsius Network, has accused the crypto lending firm of engaging in fraudulent deals, including price manipulation of Celsius's token.
Terraform Labs Sues US SEC for Illegally Issuing a Subpoena on its CEO
Terraform Labs, the Singapore-based blockchain startup behind the Terra protocol has filed a lawsuit against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly issuing an illegal Subpoena on its Chief Executive Officer.
TikTok Crypto Influencers Mislead Viewers
More than one-third of cryptocurrency influencers on TikTok have posted misleading videos about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to a recent study. Many of these influencers fail to provide disclaimers warning users about the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies. Moreover, many are pushing services and investments for their own profit, without disclosing the payments they receive. The potential financial risks for unwary investors are high, with one in three misleading videos on TikTok mentioning Bitcoin. Viewers are advised to do their own research before making any investments.
Craig S. Wright Explores 'Code is Law' Paradigm in Digital Governance Debate
Dr. Craig Wright's blog post on "Open-Source Development" rekindles debate on "Code is Law" principle, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach balancing code precision with legal considerations.
$1 Billion Worth of Bitcoin Moved from US Law Enforcement Seized Wallets
Over 50,000 Bitcoin, valued at $1 billion, were transferred from multiple wallets linked to US law enforcement seizures. Approximately 9,861 BTC was sent to Coinbase, while the rest were internal transfers. The BTC was seized from the Silk Road marketplace, one of the first darknet markets to accept Bitcoin payments.
XRP Price Slumps as SEC’s Ripple Lawsuit Worries India’s Crypto Exchanges
US lawsuit against Ripple blockchain company worries crypto exchanges in India.
SEC Revokes License of ParagonCoin Crypto Startup
ParagonCoin, a crypto startup backed by rapper The Game, had its license revoked by the SEC for violating securities laws by failing to file periodic reports. The startup had held a $70 million initial coin offering in 2017, and in 2021, was found liable for more than $12 million in a class-action lawsuit. Meanwhile, other rappers like Snoop Dogg and Eminem are entering the Web3 space with NFTs and new startups.
SEC Pushes Back against Ripple’s Lack of Fair Notice Argument
The SEC has filed a motion to dismiss Ripple’s lack of "due process and fair notice" defence, which pinpoints that the fintech firm had not been warned beforehand that XRP was in violation of securities laws.
Secret Network to Restructure as Nonprofit with 'Transparent Operation'
Two Secret Network-promoting groups argued publicly before the vote.
SEC Accused by Ripple of Using Improper Intimidation Tactic to Extract XRP Info During Discovery
The SEC is appealing to foreign regulators to obtain information on Ripple and XRP, invoking the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to justify their demand.
Cryptopia Users Win New Zealand Ruling Over Locked Cryptocurrency as High Court Declares them "Property"
Clients of Cryptopia exchange will finally get their funds back after a New Zealand high court classifies the rules that they are entitled to their funds.
Poloniex and Bittrex Added to Ongoing Class-Action Lawsuit Facing Tether and Bitfinex Over Bitcoin Price Manipulation
Two US cryptocurrency exchanges Bittrex and Poloniex have been added to a class-action lawsuit that alleges billions of unbacked Tether stablecoin were used to manipulate Bitcoin prices. The two US exchanges have been added as defendants in an ongoing lawsuit against Tether and Bitfinex. Poloniex and Bittrex have been summoned to appear to the court because of their alleged involvement in the manipulation of Bitcoin price during the bull run in 2017.
AI Companies Respond to Copyright Infringement Claims
Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt have responded to a lawsuit brought by artists who claim that their work was used without permission to train generative AI systems. The companies argue that the resulting AI-generated images are dissimilar to the artists’ work, and that the lawsuit lacks specific information about the allegedly misused photos.
FTX CEO Describes 'Pure Hell' Leading Up to Exchange's bankruptcy case
CEO John Ray testified for FTX bankruptcy judge John Dorsey on a request to appoint an independent examiner.
FCC Targets AI-Generated Voice Scams Under New Proposal
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposes making AI-generated robocalls illegal under the TCPA, aiming to combat fraud and misinformation. The initiative follows incidents like misleading robocalls in New Hampshire, with broader measures to protect consumers and enhance enforcement tools for law enforcement.
US Supreme Court Steps In On Coinbase Customer Contract Dispute
The US Supreme Court is set to decide on a contract dispute between Coinbase and its customers, potentially impacting user agreement drafting and enforcement in the digital currency trading sector.
China Clarifies its Stance on Bitcoin: Legal if the Crypto Does Not Act as Alternative to Fiat
China has not always been friendly towards cryptocurrencies, however, the country has not completely banned Bitcoin, according to the Beijing Arbitration Commission.
Coinbase is challenging the U.S. Treasury over the recent tornado cash sanctions
Coinbase is suing the U.S. Treasury for listing Tornado Cash on the SDN List, arguing it violates digital privacy and regulatory authority in the cryptocurrency sector.
SEC Charges FTX Auditor Prager Metis Over Independence Violations
The SEC has charged Prager Metis with violations of auditor independence laws, drawing attention due to its previous engagement with cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which filed for bankruptcy in 2022. The legal action emphasizes the crucial role of auditor independence in ensuring financial transparency and investor protection.
VARA Issues New Guidelines for Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai
VARA's "Full Market Product Regulations" comprise four mandatory and activity-specific rulebooks for running VASPs.
Indonesian Scholarly Body Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) Says Crypto as Commodity or Digital Asset is Haram
The Ulema Council (MUI) has spoken against the engagement with digital currencies for Muslims in Indonesia, saying the nascent asset class is haram.
Australian Business Icon Dick Smith Threatens The Guardian With Lawsuit Over Bitcoin Scam Ads
Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith is threatening The Guardian with legal action after it hosted ads linked to fake news of Smith supporting a Bitcoin and crypto scam.
Former FTX CEO faces 12 criminal charges
District Judge Lewis Kaplan released a 12-count superseding indictment against Sam Bankman-Fried.
Ripple Files Response to SEC’s Lawsuit, Demands to Know Why Bitcoin and Ethereum Are Not Securities
Ripple drags BTC and Ethereum into the SEC lawsuit over XRP's status, demanding an explanation as to why the two leading cryptos are not classified as securities.
Argentina's Proposed Crypto Disclosure Law Promotes Disclosure
Crypto holders would have to submit an affidavit detailing their holdings under the measure. Voluntarily declaring crypto assets within 90 days of the law's implementation would result in a 2.5% capital gains tax. Next parliament will debate the measure.
Bitmain Responds to Former Co-Founder Claims of Holding 36% Company Stock as Baseless
Bitmain recently released an official statement in which it disputed the claims of Micree Zhan, the former CEO, over the ownership of a majority stake of the company.
CEO Sues Board Members for Seizing Control of Crypto Miner
Layer1 Technologies CEO John Harney sued two board members for profiting from mining activities.
Charity Commission investigating Effective Ventures Foundation over ties to FTX
The Charity Commission for England and Wales began the probe because crypto exchange FTX is a "major sponsor" of Effective Ventures Foundation.
Creditors, Borrowers, and US Trustee Object to Celsius delaying reorganization plan
Celsius received objections from the unsecured creditors committee, Withhold account holders, the U.S. Trustee, and borrowers to extend the restructuring plan deadline.
A cryptocurrency mining rights bill prohibit the discrimination of crypto
The Montana Senate approved a law to protect cryptocurrency miners from discrimination.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Running Illegal Bitcoin ATMs and Money Laundering
Kais Mohammad has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of operating an illegal Bitcoin ATM business that laundered over $25 million.
Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao Face Class-Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Market Manipulation Targeting FTX
Binance and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, are facing a class-action lawsuit filed by plaintiff Nir Lahav, accusing them of unfair competition and SEC law violations. The lawsuit alleges that Binance manipulated the cryptocurrency market to harm competitor FTX, leading to a significant decline in FTX's utility token, FTT. The case brings into focus the broader implications of regulatory efforts in the crypto industry.
Yuga Labs Facing More Lawsuits Over NFTs
Rosen, a global legal firm, has encouraged BAYC and APE investors to join a class action lawsuit against Yuga Labs for securities law violations.
UK Launches Global Crypto Law Review as it Considers Legal Reforms
The Law Commission of England and Wales will explore legal proceedings from other countries to create its own crypto-based legal reforms
Finblox Raises Withdrawal Limit, Exploring Lawsuit against 3AC
Finblox has increased its limits for crypto withdrawals. Crypto staking platform raised the cap from $1,500 monthly to $3,000 daily. Finbox also plans to recover its funds from Three Arrows Capital through legal actions.
Russian Man Charged For Offering $1 Million in Bitcoin to United States Employee to Install Malware in Company’s Network
Russian citizen arrested and charged for trying to recruit an employee to plant malware on a company’s computer network in Nevada, US.
Many Lawmakers and Witnesses Call for hearing exploring the crash of the crypto market
At a Senate Banking Committee meeting dubbed "Crypto Fall," financial professionals and politicians discussed how to address the crypto market crash.
Nvidia Agrees to Pay $5.5 Million to SEC Fine for Failure to Crypto Mining Disclosures
The SEC said it found that Nvidia misled investors in 2017 and 2018 on how cryptocurrency contributed to the profits in its gaming business.
BAYC Copycat NFT Collection's Founder Files Opposition being filed
Despite the objections, Yuga Labs expects the 10 trademark applications to be approved.
US States Challenge CBDC as Legal Tender
Four U.S. states - Utah, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee - have filed bills to exclude Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) from their legal definitions of money, reflecting rising state-level resistance and concerns over privacy and federal overreach.
Malaysian Authorities Shut Down Illegal Bitcoin Miners For $600K Power Theft
Malaysian police have shut down two illegal Bitcoin mining operations which had been siphoning power continuously for the past three years.
US Lawmakers Want STABLE Act to Force Stablecoin Issuers to Secure Bank Charters
US lawmakers have introduced a new bill to Congress seeking to impose federal control over the entire stablecoin industry and would mandate issuers to secure bank charters.
Coin Center Files Lawsuit against Treasury over Tornado Cash Sanctions
Backing a second lawsuit, Coin Center sues the Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) over its sanctions on the Ethereum mixer, Tornado Cash.
Kazakhstan plans to reduce tax fraud and unlawful business operations
The obligation will gather "information on the revenue of digital miners and digital mining pools for tax purposes" starting Jan. 1, 2024.
South Korean Police Raid Bithumb Crypto Exchange Headquarters On Fraud Allegations
South Korean Police have raided the headquarters of Bithumb cryptocurrency exchange as part of an investigation into fraud.
Terraform Labs Co-Founder Argues Against SEC Lawsuit
Terraform Labs co-founder, Do Kwon's lawyers have argued in court against the SEC's lawsuit for illegally offering unregistered securities. The lawyers claim the SEC's acquisitions are unfounded and that the stablecoin in question is a currency, not a security. Additionally, Kwon's arrest and subsequent extradition remain uncertain.
UK Court Recognized Cryptocurrency as Property in Freezing Order
In a property ownership tussle, UK high court found itself in the second attempt to recognize cryptocurrency as property. This time round, the court imposed a freezing order to crypto firm directors who failed to prove that they were not owners of the disputed cryptocurrencies.
KuCoin User Linked to Memecoin Scams
Crypto exchange KuCoin confirms a user's address is responsible for launching thousands of memecoin scams but will not freeze assets without official notice from law enforcement. The wallet address has been marked as a fake phishing wallet by blockchain explorer Etherscan.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Criticizes Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton's Regulatory Approach
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse criticizes former SEC Chair Jay Clayton for his aggressive regulatory approach, citing hypocrisy based on a 2020 lawsuit against Ripple. The ongoing legal tussle and recent developments highlight the broader regulatory uncertainties in the crypto industry.
Coinbase Sued over $350M in Damages Due to Patent Infringement
The digital currency exchange platform Coinbase Global Inc. has been sued by Veritaseum Capital LLC over patent infringement in Delaware federal court
EU Lawmakers Urged to Speed Up Passage of Crypto Law
Controversial provisions of the MiCA framework aim to simplify the rise of crypto businesses across the EU's 27 member nations.
How much money will Sullivan & Cromwell make from the FTX cryptocurrency
A story claims FTX's notorious legal team would profit hundreds of millions from the exchange's bankruptcy lawsuit.
INTERPOL Creates a Global Police Force in the Metaverse to Combat Digital Crimes
Interpol to create a new metaverse unit as it looks to combat online crime in grand style
South Korea Targets Crypto Major Shareholders with Proposed Financial Law Amendment
South Korea is taking steps to scrutinize the criminal records of major shareholders in cryptocurrency businesses. A proposed amendment to the Special Financial Information Law aims to bring the crypto market under a regulatory framework similar to traditional finance. If passed, the law would require existing crypto businesses to report details about their major shareholders within three months.
OpenAI Dismisses NYT Copyright Lawsuit as Baseless Amid Rising Legal Challenges
OpenAI has dismissed a copyright lawsuit by The New York Times, which alleges unauthorized use of its content for AI chatbot training, as "without merit." The case highlights significant challenges in AI and copyright law.
Token Taxonomy Act that Will Exempt Cryptocurrencies from Securities Laws Reintroduced in US Congress
A crypto bill suggesting that certain cryptocurrencies should be exempted from securities laws has been reintroduced to US Congress for review.
Police Search of South Korean Coinbit Crypto Exchange Finds 99% Trade Volume Manipulation
Coinbit, the third-largest crypto exchange in South Korea, has found itself in trouble with the authorities for alleged arbitrage manipulation of the transaction volume.
Trial between Hermes and NFT Artist Mason Rothschild set to go ahead
Hermès and digital artist Mason Rothschild's lawsuit is a "momentous turning point for Web3 and digital products."
SEC Denies Holding Bitcoin and Ethereum Documents in XRP Case
The lawsuit between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple continues to unfold.
Stablecoins to be Issued by Licensed Banks and Trust Companies in New Japanese Law
In a move to protect investors, Japan’s parliament has passed a bill classifying stablecoins as digital money that must be connected to the nation’s currency, yen, or another legal tender.
Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen File for Motion to Dismiss SEC Lawsuit
Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and CEO Brad Garlinghouse have filed for a motion to dismiss lawsuits they have received over XRP.
Floyd Mayweather Promoted 2017 ICO Was a Fraud, Co-Founder Pleads Guilty
The $25 million 2017 Centra Tech ICO court case has finally resulted in a verdict against one of the co-founders who pleaded guilty to fraud yesterday. The other founders are still awaiting trial.
U.S. sanctions: Customers suing Compass Mining
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
Crypto-Friendly Revolut under Pressure after UK Regulators Find Audit Flaws
Revolut has been flagged as being at risk of not meeting auditing requirements.
Ripple and YouTube Agree on Settling for Lawsuit over XRP Scam Videos
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has revealed that the lawsuit Ripple has served Youtube with has been settled.
US SEC Wins Lawsuit Against Kik’s $100 Million Unregistered ICO
US Judge Alvin Hellerstein rules in favor of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the regulator's lawsuit against Kik’s 100 million 2017 ICO.
Prometheum's License Approval: Republican Lawmakers Challenge SEC and FINRA Decisions
Prometheum Ember Capital's designation as the first digital asset SPBD has raised concerns among Republican House Committee members.
Ripple Faces Trademark Lawsuit in Australia for 'PayID' Infringement
Ripple Labs is facing a lawsuit by New Payments Platform Australia (NPPA) for allegedly violating intellectual property rights for the branding of ‘PayID’.
Facebook Sues Bangkok 'LeadCloak' Software Developer Over Alleged Crypto Scams and Bogus COVID-19 Data
Facebook has sued a Bangkok software engineer whose firm offered software designed to bypass ad review systems and push deceptive ads to run on the media platform.
U.S. Blockchain-organisation BBA Publishes Crypto Toolkit Guidelines for Regulatory Consideration
The Boston Blockchain Association (BBA) has published a toolkit that will guide Massachusetts lawmakers in their efforts to create crypto laws.
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried Restricted from Using encrypted messaging apps
Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried to stop using encrypted chat applications as a condition of his $250-million bail release.
How the New Crypto Law in India Could Play Out
After the celebration seen in India’s Supreme Court as the verdict was given against the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its action of restricting financial institutions from providing banking services to cryptocurrency-based businesses, interested parties are wondering how the recent news will play out.
What are the New Amendments in Japan’s Crypto Laws to be Enforced Next Month?
Japan will be enforcing new cryptocurrency-related regulations in May, as two of the pieces of legislation were passed by the Japanese House of Representatives last year. The Payment Services Act (PSA) and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) were originally scheduled to come into effect in April, however, there has been a delay and the final enforcement date has been officially pushed to May.
FINRA Identifies Widespread Violations in Crypto Communications
A recent FINRA review reveals over 70% of crypto-related retail communications from member firms contain potential violations of regulatory guidelines, including false or misleading claims.
Spanish Lawmakers Receive Bitcoin in Cryptocurrency Education Campaign
All 350 Deputies of the Spanish Congress have received Bitcoin as part of an educational campaign aiming to teach legislators about the uses and functions of crypto.
Indonesian Religious Group Nahdlatul Ulama in East Java tagged crypto as Haram
A religious Islamic organization in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama in East Java, has issued a fatwa on the status of digital currencies under the Sharia Law saying the new digital assets are "haram" which means forbidden in Islam.
Musk Requests Dismissal of $258 Billion Dogecoin Pyramid Scheme Lawsuit
Elon Musk and his legal team have requested the dismissal of a $258 billion lawsuit accusing him of operating a pyramid scheme to promote the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. Musk's lawyers dismissed the lawsuit as a "fanciful work of fiction" in a federal court hearing on March 31.
China Passes Civil Code Which Will Allow its Citizens to Inherit Cryptocurrency
At the Thirteenth National People’s Congress held in Beijing China, the parliament passed a new civil code that protects the civil rights of inheritance, marriage, property, personality, and contract infringement. According to Lixin Yang, a professor at Renmin University of China, the civil code states that “When a natural person dies, the legacy is the personal legal property left by she/he.” Personal legal property in this case also means “internet property” including virtual currencies. Chinese citizens will be able to leave their cryptocurrency and virtual assets to their heirs, coming into effect on January 1, 2021.
Panama Congress Passes Crypto Regulation Bill
Panama’s legislature voted 38 in favor, 2 abstentions, and none against a bill to legalize the use of cryptocurrencies on Thursday.
Stablegains Sued for Allegedly Misleading Investors
Stablegains, a DeFi yield platform that closed in May, is being sued in California.
Chamber of Digital Commerce Joins Forces to Counter SEC's Lawsuit Against Binance.US
The Chamber of Digital Commerce has spearheaded a collective effort to defend Binance.US against the SEC's lawsuit. The chamber, along with Binance.US and other industry stakeholders, is challenging the SEC's regulatory approach, marking a significant collaborative resistance within the cryptocurrency sector.
India’s Crypto Bill Hearing Postponed by Supreme Court
The Indian supreme court has set a new date to hear the crypto case, which was originally scheduled for July 23. The purpose of the hearing was to address the writ petitions against the central bank’s crypto restriction.
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried Used VPN
Sam Bankman-Fried used a VPN on Jan. 29 and Feb. 12, according to a U.S. Attorney. His attorneys maintain he was only watching football.
Former US Head of Treasury Lawrence Summers Backs Cryptocurrency
In an interview with CEO of the digital currency company Circle —Jeremy Allaire, Former US head of Treasury Lawrence Summers advocates for cryptocurrency’s benefits.
XRP Pushes above Critical Level as Ripple Faces Lawsuit Heat
Against all odds, the current bull market has also benefitted XRP, sending it above the $0.50 level.
Google Privacy Lawsuit: Google Chrome Incognito Records and Shares Private User Data
Google is being sued in a class-action lawsuit, filed on June 2, for the invasion of privacy and sharing users' data, even when they are browsing in private mode.
Canadian Court Extends Rare Order, Freezes up to $20M in crypto to 'Freedom Convoy'
In Canada, Ontario Superior Court has ordered to freeze millions of dollars and cryptocurrencies linked to organizers of the Ottawa 'Freedom Convoy' protest by obtaining a so-called Mareva injunction.
BitBoy Crypto to Launch Class Action Lawsuit Against Celsius
BitBoy Crypto is taking the cessation of withdrawals by crypto lending platform Celsius more personally and has threatened to file a class-action lawsuit against the embattled lender.
US Congressman Set to Implement the Cryptocurrency Act of 2020
Paul Gosar of the House of Representative introduced the “Crypto-Currency Act of 2020,” on March 9, a bill that is set to choreograph a wide range of digital assets to be liable to the appropriate regulatory bodies and agencies assigned to it.
Paraguay To Introduce Bitcoin law, Draft Leaks details
Reportedly, a leaked draft copy shows the detail of the proposing Bitcoin law in Paraguay. The South-American country is expected to be another country worldwide to propose Bitcoin law after El Salvador, promoting Bitcoin as Fiat Money.
SEC Arguments against Ripple for XRP Case Are Weak, says Law Official
With the pretrial for the SEC lawsuit against Ripple Labs looming, a joint letter has been presented by both parties to lay out arguments for the case.
Bitfinex Tackles Phishing Incident: No Customer Funds Affected
Bitfinex has resolved a phishing incident causing partial customer information exposure, confirming no loss of funds or sensitive data compromise, and ensuring ongoing security measures.
DCG's subsidiary Genesis Capital slapped with new class
Genesis Capital, a DCG subsidiary, faces a class action lawsuit. Digital asset lending clients filed the complaint. Genesis violated securities laws by providing unregistered securities.
Reasons Behind XRP's Surge to Top $1.90
XRP has been on a tear lately, rallying by more than 65% on a seven-day period to hit $1.90.
Twitter Sued Amid Musk's Plans to Lay Off 50% of Employees
Elon Musk may have to battle a new class action lawsuit over alleged Twitter staff layoff
Unlicensed Bitcoin Exchange Operator Faces Up to 5 Years in Prison in the US
William Green, a 46-year-old American citizen of New Jersey has been indicted on one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business through his website, Destination Bitcoin.
United States DoJ Files to Freeze Assets of OneCoin Money Launderer and Recoup $400 Million
The United States Department of Justice has filed to freeze the assets of OneCoin Money Launderer Mark Scott, and Recoup $400 Million.
People's Bank of China Seeks to Prohibit the Creation of Digital Tokens
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) is calling for public opinion or feedback in line with its plans to revise its extant banking laws
How Bitcoin will react to US Government Shutdown
The impending US government shutdown threatens to delay the SEC's approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF, amongst other financial repercussions. The scenario also underscores the growing frequency of federal shutdowns and the persistent concerns of credit rating agencies over the US's fiscal policymaking, all of which could have broader implications for both traditional and crypto financial markets.
China Revamps AML Law, Targets Crypto Crimes
China is set to implement significant revisions to its Anti-Money Laundering Law by 2025, marking the first major overhaul since 2007. The amendments focus on including cryptocurrency transactions to combat rising crypto-related money laundering crimes.
Banks Holding Cryptocurrencies Face Strict New Regulations in European Parliament
The European Parliament must approve a new crypto exposure policy for banks.
Legal Team of Samuel Bankman-Fried Seeks to Question Involvement of FTX Lawyers in $300 Million Loans
Samuel Bankman-Fried's defense team has submitted a letter to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, seeking permission to question the involvement of FTX lawyers in the issuance of loans worth up to $300 million from Alameda Research to Gary Wang. The request comes after an October 1 court ruling provisionally barred any mention of FTX lawyers' involvement without prior permission. The defense aims to establish Bankman-Fried's good faith and lack of criminal intent in the ongoing money laundering case.
California Governor Signs Digital Financial Assets Bill, Tightening Crypto Regulations from July 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Financial Assets Law on October 13, 2023, initiating a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency activities in the state from July 1, 2025. The law necessitates licensure from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for individuals and businesses dealing in digital assets. This regulatory shift, contrasting Newsom’s earlier stance in 2022, aligns with broader national trends towards formalizing digital asset transactions to curb fraud and enhance consumer protection.
Sphere 3D Sues Gryphon Digital Mining Over Alleged Spoofing Attack
Sphere 3D has filed a lawsuit against Gryphon Digital Mining over an alleged spoofing attack that resulted in the irregular transfer of Bitcoin. Gryphon's CEO allegedly wired 18 BTC in January to a fraudster posing as Sphere 3D's chief financial officer through a spoofing attack.
Teenage Twitter Hacker Mastermind of Bitcoin Scam Pleads Not Guilty
17-year old Graham Ivan Clark, the alleged teenage mastermind of the notorious Bitcoin hack involving high profile individuals has pleaded not guilty
Former FTX CEO's attorneys agree to pay for security expert to assist
SBF's lawyers sent a short letter to Judge Kaplan agreeing to employ a tech expert for the fraud case.
OpenSea NFT Marketplace Faces Legal Action for Alleged Lack of Security
An NFT collector is suing OpenSea. After being phished, the investor alleges he was locked out for almost three months. $500,000. Theft is a major environment concern. NFT launched a stolen goods policy on Aug. 11, 2022. OpenSea failed to aid several Twitter users whose NFTs were taken.
CryptoZoo, Logan Paul Sued for $5M Over his allegations
A class action complaint alleges Crypto Zoo, Logan Paul, and other executives "fraudulently" retained consumer monies and failed to fulfil promised advantages.
XRP Not a Security According to Hogan
Jeremy Hogan, partner at Hogan & Hogan, argues that Ripple’s XRP does not fit the definition of an investment contract and is therefore not a security. The SEC lawsuit against Ripple claims that the company illegally sold XRP as an unregistered security, but Hogan argues that the SEC has not demonstrated an implied or explicit investment contract.
Eddy Alexandre Pleads Guilty to Commodities Fraud
After pleading guilty to stealing $248 million from investors, EminiFX CEO Eddy Alexandre might serve 10 years in jail.
SEC Alleges Fraud Against SafeMoon Amidst System Flaw Exploit
The US SEC has accused decentralized finance project SafeMoon of fraud following a system flaw in March that resulted in a loss of 8.9 million BNB. The breach was linked to a vulnerability in SafeMoon's smart contract, allowing malicious transfers of 32 billion SFM tokens. Insider involvement is suspected.
Singapore High Court Upholds DeFiance Capital's Claim Against Three Arrows Capital
Singapore's High Court upheld DeFiance Capital founder Arthur Cheong's trust relationship over assets disputed in bankruptcy proceedings, establishing investors' rights in cryptocurrency assets and trust law.
Shanghai High Court Pilots Blockchain Technology to Record Hearings for Court Reform
Shanghai’s high court has started using blockchain technology to record hearings as part of its court record reform pilot. During the meeting on the reform of court records, participants took part in observing the whole process of the court trial of a dispute over the equity transfer contract heard by the Shanghai Minhang District People’s Court.
Crypto Escrow Company Promises Bitcoin, Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Client Over $3 Million
Jon Barry Thompson, the executive of Volantis Market Making cryptocurrency escrow company, has pleaded guilty in a crypto escrow scam worth $3.25 million.
Former Tmon CEO faces arrest for taking bribes to promote Terra Classic
According to South Korean authorities, advertising raised the price of Terra Classic token LUNC.
Ooki DAO Seeks Legal Defence against CFTC Drawing on Community Support
With the lawsuit from the CFTC now filed, the DAO has opened a public forum for discussion such that its members will explore the best avenues to respond to the lawsuit.
Ethereum Co-Founder Buterin’s Ether Sales More Like a Security Offering than XRP, Attorney Argues
In the Securities and Exchange Commission's lawsuit against Ripple Labs, many XRP proponents have argued that the cryptocurrency bears resemblance to Ethereum (ETH) and should therefore receive a similar regulatory treatment.
Anthropic's Updated Terms of Service: Enhanced Copyright Protection for AI Outputs
Anthropic revises commercial terms of service to provide enhanced copyright protection for Claude API users, addressing ongoing legal challenges in the AI industry.
Former SEC Commissioner Says Incoming SEC Chair Gary Gensler Could Withdraw Lawsuit against Ripple
Gary Gensler, who has been tapped by President Joe Biden to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as chairman, is awaiting the Senate floor’s final vote.
US CFTC Charges Crypto Futures Exchange Digitex for Registration and Trading Violations
The CFTC has filed civil charges against Digitex exchange and its CEO for running a fraudulent crypto futures platform and over other multiple violations.
Bitfinex and Tether Claim Lawsuit Allegations of Market Manipulation are Baseless
BitFinex and Tether have officially spoken out against what they are describing as a baseless lawsuit, designed to undermine the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
BitMEX Founder Ben Delo Surrenders and Will Face Trial on Charges of Failing to Implement AML Programs
Ben Delo has surrendered himself to US authorities to clear his name in court and defend against the charges.
SEC Refuses to Hand over Documents on Bitcoin and Ether to Ripple in XRP Case
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has refused a request from Ripple to access documents pertaining to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
JP Morgan Chase to Pay $2.5 Million to Settle Class Action Lawsuit Over Wrongfully Incurred Crypto Charges
JPMorgan Chase has settled a lawsuit over unannounced changes made to the fee structure applied to crypto transactions using its credit cards in 2018. The American bank agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding its decision made in 2018 to treat cryptocurrency purchases with Chase credit cards as cash advances, ensuing in higher fees. However, JPMorgan is not admitting to any wrong-doing as part of the deal.
BitBoy Crypto accused of threatening class-action lawsuit lawyers
Lawyers representing a class-action lawsuit against BitBoy Crypto and other FTX influencers for promoting FTX crypto fraud without disclosing compensation claimed that BitBoy Crypto's Ben Armstrong made multiple threats against them, including voicemails with vulgarities and warnings of protesters and danger to their families.
IRA Financial Trust Files Lawsuit against Gemini for $36m Crypto Hack
IRA Financial Trust said it has filed a lawsuit against Gemini crypto exchange for its alleged role in breaching customers’ retirement accounts.
Teenage Bitcoin Scammer Behind 2020 Massive Twitter Hack Gets Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison
Graham Ivan Clark, a Florida teenager, will serve three years of probation after receiving a jail term of three years in prison.
Binance.US Sued for Selling Unregistered LUNA Securities
Binance.US has been sued in a class-action lawsuit for the sale of unregistered security tokens from the Terra blockchain protocol.
Attorney Batting for XRP Investors to Join SEC Case to Refile Motion to Intervene
The opportunity for XRP holders to join the lawsuit opposing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs may not be gone after all.
Did Coinbase CEO Steal a Blockchain Startup's Work? This Lawsuit Alleges so
Brian Armstrong is currently being accused of stealing the works of blockchain startup MouseBelt Labs, both of whom invested in Knowledgr, an academic research platform designed to reward participants in cryptocurrencies.
Australia Evaluates Mandatory AI Rules in High-Risk Areas
Australia is considering mandatory regulations for AI development in high-risk areas, balancing innovation with public safety, ethical concerns, and global alignment in AI governance.
UK Supreme Court Denies AI's Claim to Inventorship in Landmark Case
The UK Supreme Court's decision not to acknowledge AI as an inventor highlights the importance of human involvement in patent applications, setting a precedent for future AI-related patent disputes.
BitMEX's Greg Dwyer Pleads Guilty for Role in Money Laundering Case
Greg Dwyer has pleaded guilty to money laundering charges associated with BitMEX in a US court in Manhattan.
Coinbase Legal Chief Urges Swift US Crypto Legislation Amid Israel-Hamas Tensions
Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, emphasized the importance of preventing cryptocurrency misuse and advocated for sensible crypto legislation in the US amidst geopolitical unrest involving Israel and Hamas. Grewal highlighted Coinbase's proactive measures like KYC checks and law enforcement partnerships to curb illicit activities on its platform. The discourse also spurred reactions from the crypto community regarding asset seizures and the role of other crypto exchanges like Binance.
South Korea and U.S. Set for High-Level Crypto Regulatory Talks in January
South Korea's FSS Chief, Lee Bok-hyun, is set to meet with SEC Chair Gary Gensler in January to discuss cryptocurrency market regulation in light of global market changes.
Allegations of fraud against Compass Mining after company cuts ties with Russian
Compass Mining customers are suing for $2 million for fraud. The firm terminated connections with Russian hosting provider Bit River and didn't restore clients' Bitcoin machines. It cut connections with Bit River over non-applicable US sanctions.
Coinbase Calls for Judicial Intervention on SEC's Inaction
Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, has filed a formal response with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, urging a mandamus order to compel the SEC to act on Coinbase’s rulemaking petition within 30 days, highlighting the SEC's prolonged inaction and the pressing need for regulatory clarity surrounding digital assets.
Terraform Labs CEO Sends Millions to Law Firm Before Collapse
Terraform Labs CEO, Do Kwon, sent millions to a South Korean law firm right before the company's collapse. Prosecutors believe Kwon's actions were deliberate and prove his awareness of the impending collapse and anticipated legal problems. Kwon is currently facing extradition to both the United States and South Korea, and prosecutors suspect he converted illegal funds from Terra to Bitcoin. Prosecutors have identified over $314 million in illicit assets associated with Kwon and his associates.
Crypto Groups Mobilize Support for Grayscale Spot Bitcoin ETF Lawsuit Fight
The groups have faulted SEC’s decision to disapprove applications of spot Bitcoin ETFs, yet the regulator had allowed similar, riskier products to enter the market.
Law Firm Pleads with Shaquille O Neal to Acknowledge Legal Complaint
The Moskowitz Law Firm has made a public plea to Shaquille O’Neal to acknowledge its legal complaint on behalf of FTX investors regarding his previous endorsement of the now-defunct crypto exchange. The firm has been standing outside TNT studios in Atlanta all week to serve him, but his security guards have not allowed them in. O’Neal is the only one among the FTX celebrities who has not yet been served.
Kazakhstan Blocks Coinbase, Citing Digital Asset Law
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information has blocked Coinbase due to legal conflicts with digital asset regulations, revisiting previous restrictions on other financial platforms.
Telegram Appeals Federal Court Injunction to Stop Gram Distribution
Telegram has filed an appeal to yesterday’s ruling by a United Stated federal court in favour of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which has prohibited the issuance of Gram tokens for the time being.
Russia’s Central Bank Will Ban Crypto Issuance and Trading in Upcoming “Digital Financial Assets” Bill
Alexey Guznov, head of the legal department at Bank of Russia, says that the new version of the delayed bill on “Digital Financial Assets” will include a ban on issuance and selling of cryptos in the country.
Tezos Settles Class-Action Lawsuit Over 2017 $232 Million ICO to the Tune of $25 Million
Tezos Foundation has settled for $25 million in a class-action lawsuit over its 2017 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) which raised $232 million.
Tokyo District Court Ordered Japan’s First Bitcoin Seizure
The Tokyo District Court has set a legal precedent for the cryptocurrency industry in Japan, by issuing the first Bitcoin seizure.
Coinbase User Sues IRS for Illegal Seizure of Crypto Records
James Harper, a Bitcoin researcher, is suing the IRS, its commissioner, and nearly a dozen of its agents for violating his Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights—his right to privacy and right to due process—with their infamous Letter 6137 in July last year.
Judge Considers Dismissing Shaquille ONeal and Naomi Osaka from FTX Lawsuit
A federal judge in Florida is considering dismissing Shaquille O’Neal and Naomi Osaka from the FTX lawsuit due to uncertainty about whether they were served. The judge reprimanded other celebrity defendants for not following proper procedure in requesting a conference extension. A consolidation request by some plaintiffs against FTX was denied, and lawyers for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried noted the possibility of pushing back the criminal trial scheduled for October 2023.
Will Hong Kong's Status as an International Digital Financial Hub be Affected by the National Security Law?
2020 has been quite a year for Hong Kong, marked by months of political unrest, the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a sweeping new national security law that China imposed on the city. The national security law, unanimously passed by China’s ruling Communist Party, sets up against secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.
US Law Firms Had Data Stolen and Encrypted by Hackers Demanding Crypto Ransoms
There has been a recent report of an online breach in five United States law firms as it has been compromised by hackers demanding two 100 Bitcoins (over $933,000 at the time of this report) from each firm. The ransom demanded by the hackers was expected to be paid in parts, one to allow access to the data and another to delete the hackers' copy of the data instead of selling it.
Hong Kong’s National Security Law Triggers Exodus of Wealthy Society’s Capital, Is Gold Being Dumped for Bitcoin?
Hong Kong’s rich and affluent are reportedly moving large amounts of gold out of the major financial hub following Beijing’s imposed national security law. According to well-known Bitcoin bull Max Keiser, Bitcoin is a better way to export your fortune.
Ukrainian Security Department And Law Enforcement Uncover a Crypto Mining Farm in a Railway Subdivision in Lviv
According to a report, Ukrzaliznytsia has uncovered a hidden cryptocurrency mining farm in the Lviv railway subdivision, which has been making use of the country’s electricity without paying for it. This secret mining company was discovered by Ukrzaliznytsia's security department, in conjunction with law enforcement officials.
India’s Government Plans to Bring Back Law to Ban Cryptocurrencies
A report revealed that the Finance Ministry is now inviting other ministries to have a discussion of its earlier draft on the crypto ban introduced a year ago.