Money Laundering
Former Bitfinex Exec Applauds US Officials for the Big Break in the 2016 Exchange Hack and Ponders How the Bitcoin Theft May Have Happened
Phil Potter, former Bitfinex Chief Strategy Officer, joins “All About Bitcoin” to reflect on the 2016 Bitfinex hack as Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan are set to be arraigned in court tomorrow on money-laundering charges. Potter remembers the hack “like it was yesterday” and explains BitGo’s relationship with the exchange at the time.
Canadian Civil Liberties Association Exec: Emergencies Act Sets Dangerous Precedent for Canada
Canada invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time since it was passed in 1988 to quell the ongoing trucker protests. Abby Deshman, Director of Criminal Justice for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, says this "absolutely" sets a dangerous precedent in Canada because the Act gives "extraordinary power to the government ... especially the executive branch." Plus, she discusses the due processes involved in the expansion of money-laundering laws.
Why Canada's Enactment of the Emergencies Act Is 'Very Very Scary'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to address the continued protests across the country over COVID-19 measures. The move includes an expansion of money-laundering laws to include crypto transactions, adding that banks can immediately freeze or suspend bank accounts. "The Hash" resident Canadian co-host Jenn Sanasie says the government going after people's funds at this polarizing time is "very, very scary," especially as it hits close to home. The crew dissects this controversial measure on "The Hash."
Federal Judge Releases 'Razzlekhan,' Orders Other Bitfinex Hack Laundering Suspect to Remain in Jail
A federal judge has ordered Heather Morgan, one half of the couple accused of laundering 119,754 bitcoins (worth over $5 billion in today’s prices) of a 2016 Bitfinex hack, to remain in federal custody until trial. CoinDesk's Nikhilesh De discusses the latest development in the ongoing Bitfinex saga. Plus, what to expect from the upcoming Senate Banking Committee hearing on stablecoins.
Bitfinex Hack Laundering Suspects to Testify Before DC District Court
The Washington D.C. court convenes today for a hearing with Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, two suspects arrested on allegations they conspired to launder $3.6 billion in bitcoin from the 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. CoinDesk's Nikhilesh De discusses the details released so far and the possible outcomes. Plus, stablecoin hearings continue.
OpenSea Accounts of Couple Allegedly Tied to $4.5B Bitfinex Hack Have Disappeared
Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein's OpenSea accounts have disappeared, according to BuzzFeed News. The couple was arrested by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Tuesday on allegations they laundered $4.5 billion in stolen bitcoin during a 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. "The Hash" team discusses the latest in an ongoing saga, exploring the intersection of NFTs and money laundering.
‘Story of the Year:’ Feds Seize $3.6B Stolen Bitcoin In DOJ’s Largest Crypto Bust to Date
A Washington judge stopped a decision to grant bail to Ilya “Dutch” Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, two people charged with conspiring to launder $4.5 billion (120,000 BTC) stolen in a 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. “The Hash” panel discusses the latest in what “might be the story of the year.”
Judge Stays Release of Couple Suspected for Laundering $4.5B in BTC From 2016 Bitfinex Hack
A federal judge has halted the release of Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, two individuals suspected of conspiring to launder $4.5 billion from the 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. This comes as U.S. officials seized 94,000 BTC, worth over $3.6 billion tied to the hack. CoinDesk's Nikhilesh De discusses the latest in the Department of Justice's largest financial seizure ever.
US Treasury Department Warns of NFT Risk in Art-Related Money Laundering
In a study published Friday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury warned that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) may become a tool for money laundering in the high-value art market. CoinDesk Global Policy and Regulation Managing Editor Nikhilesh De discusses the latest crypto focus in Washington and the outlook for NFT-specific recommendations.
Fiat Remains Preferred Currency for Criminals Although Defi Protocols Are Becoming Popular Tools
As part of CoinDesk's Privacy Week, Avivah Litan, Vice President and Analyst at Gartner Research, discusses why cybercriminals can run, but can't hide in transparent cryptocurrency networks. Litan shares insights into criminal activity using fiat vs. crypto and the broader state of digital privacy. Plus, why have DeFi protocols become popular tools for money laundering. What's the one thing that criminals get wrong about crypto?