Tag Archives: DOJ

Banks and Retailers Embrace Crypto, Bitcoin Environmental Costs Debated, New NFT Initiatives Launch, Various Agencies Address Crypto, DeFi Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Maria Luevano, Joanna F. Wasick, Keith R. Murphy, Teresa Goody Guillén and Alex Karambelas on May 6, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Banks and Retailers Venture Further into Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain• Congress Spars with Industry on Environmental Impact of Bitcoin Mining• New NFT Offerings Revealed by Entertainment, Social and Crypto Companies• FinCEN Director and NY DFS Address Cryptocurrency Risks• DOJ Targets Crypto Fraud, SEC Doubles Crypto Staff, JF Issues NFT Red Flags• Hackers … Continue Reading

SEC Signals Ramp-Up in Crypto Enforcement by Nearly Doubling Its Crypto Assets Cyber Unit Staff

By Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén, Veronica Reynolds, Adam Gale, John J. Carney, Jonathan A. Forman and Robert A. Musiala on May 5, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

On May 3, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the expansion of its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit (the Unit f/k/a the Cyber Unit) to 50 staff members, nearly double the Unit’s former size, including supervisors, investigative staff attorneys, trial counsel and fraud analysts. The Unit is a group within the Division of … Continue Reading

Crypto Payment Offerings Launch; Exchanges Achieve Foreign Approvals; Ukraine Legalizes Crypto; Regulators Issue Warnings; $28M in Bitcoin Seized

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick, Kayley Sullivan, Alex Karambelas and Jordan R. Silversmith on March 18, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: Payments Firm Unveils Crypto Services, Exchanges Achieve Foreign Approvals Blockchain Network Developments: Ethereum 2.0, Wallets, DAOs and Mining Crypto Legalized in Ukraine; New Crypto Sanctions Screening Tools Launch Regulators Issue Warnings on Crypto Retirement Plans, ATMs and Sanctions DOJ Extradites Individual Charged with Ransomware; $28M in Bitcoin Seized Payments Firm Unveils Crypto … Continue Reading

Executive Order Addresses Digital Assets; Banks and Restaurants Launch Crypto Initiatives; FinCEN Issues Alert; SEC, CFTC and DOJ Bring Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Alex Karambelas, Veronica Reynolds, Keith R. Murphy, Joanna F. Wasick and Lauren Bass on March 11, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency, FinTech, Government, Securities & Exchange Commission, Uncategorized

In this issue: President Biden Issues Executive Order Addressing Digital Assets Banks Join USDF ‘Stablecoin’ Consortium, Pursue Crypto Custody Offerings U.S. Restaurants Adopt Crypto; Swiss City Calls Crypto ‘De Facto’ Legal Tender Cryptocurrency Sanctions Compliance Activity Spikes Following Russian Actions SEC, CFTC and DOJ Bring Charges Alleging Cryptocurrency Fraud Schemes President Biden Issues Executive Order … Continue Reading

Financial Firms Continue Expanding into Cryptocurrency Markets; Crypto Donations Reach Ukraine; DOJ Crypto Enforcement Continues; SEC Probes NFTs

By Robert A. Musiala, Alex Karambelas, Keith R. Murphy and Teresa Goody Guillén on March 4, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: Traditional Financial Firms Expand Reach into Cryptocurrency Sphere Cryptocurrency Donations Pour In to Fund Ukrainian Government and Charities DOJ Secures Guilty Pleas and Charges Alleged Ponzi Scheme; SEC Launches NFT Probe… Continue Reading

CBDC Research Published, Crypto Products Launch, Report Addresses NFT Money Laundering Risks, UK Addresses DeFi Tax, DOJ Brings $4.5B Crypto Case

By Robert A. Musiala, Nicholas C. Mowbray and Alex Karambelas on February 11, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In This Issue: •CBDC Research Published, Fintech Firms and Banks Launch Crypto Initiatives •US Department of Treasury Guidance Notes NFT Money Laundering Risks •A Major US Banking Agency Prioritizes Crypto; Market Integrity in Focus; UK Updates DeFi Tax Guidance •DOJ Charges Couple for Laundering $4.5B in Crypto, UN Reports Crypto Threats… Continue Reading

DOJ Targets Cryptocurrency Fraud

By John J. Carney, Robert A. Musiala, Michelle Tanney and Kayley Sullivan on October 12, 2021 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement, Securities & Exchange Commission

Authorship credit: John J. Carney, Robert A. Musiala Jr., Michelle N. Tanney, and Kayley B. Sullivan On October 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) announced the creation of a National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (“NCET” or “Team”) to tackle investigations and prosecutions of criminal misuses of cryptocurrency, including crimes committed by virtual currency exchanges, … Continue Reading

Market Updates in CBDCs, Crypto Funds, BD-ATS Platforms and Stablecoins; DOJ and CFTC Enforcement Continues; DeFi Error Releases Millions in Crypto

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Kayley Sullivan, Lauren Bass, Keith R. Murphy and Jordan R. Silversmith on October 1, 2021 Posted in Banking, Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement, Global, Government, NFTs

In this issue: • CBDCs Explored by the U.K., New Zealand and Major Payments Network • New Products Launch in Crypto Funds, BD-ATS Platforms and Stablecoins • Fashion, Sports, Graphic Novels and Art: NFT Market Continues to Expand • Crypto Enforcement: DOJ and CFTC Target Sanctions and Registration Violations • DeFi Error Releases Millions in … Continue Reading

NFT Market Expands in Alcohol, Athletics and Art; Regulators Warn Against Crypto Risks; U.S. Agencies Target Crypto Fraud

By Lauren Bass, Kayley Sullivan and Veronica Reynolds on September 10, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, NFT, Platforms

In this issue: • Alcohol, Athletics, and Art: NFT Adoption Continues to Expand • US, UK and Thailand Regulators Warn of Crypto Risks, Act Against Exchange • DOJ and SEC Actions Target Crypto Fraud Scheme and Crypto Exchanges Alcohol, Athletics, and Art: NFT Adoption Continues to Expand By Lauren Bass To celebrate National Rum Day, … Continue Reading

Cryptocurrency and NFT Market Growth Continues, Regulators Across Globe Target Crypto Industry as Threats Continue, Global Blockchain Survey Published

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Lauren Bass, Teresa Goody Guillén, Keith R. Murphy and Joanna F. Wasick on August 27, 2021 Posted in Banking, Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Cybersecurity, Enforcement, Global, NFT, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: •Crypto Market Develops in DeFi, Payments, Compliance and Consumer Adoption • Market Navigation, Fashion Metaverse, Online Tutorials: NFT Adoption Continues • Crypto Compliance Addressed by CFTC, Thai SEC, South Korea and UK FCA • SEC, DOJ and Ontario Securities Commission Bring Crypto Enforcement Actions • Reports Released on Crypto Scams and Malware, … Continue Reading

Crypto Initiatives Announced in Exchanges, ETFs, Payments; NFT Initiatives Continue; Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Adjusts; Global Enforcement Actions Continue

By Keith R. Murphy, Lauren Bass, Veronica Reynolds, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on July 16, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cybersecurity, NFT

In this issue: • Cryptocurrency Exchanges, ETFs and Payment Initiatives Announced • Hollywood, Paradise and Banking: NFT Use Cases Continue to Expand • Bitcoin Network Mining Difficulty Adjusts in Wake of China Crackdown • DOJ, CFTC and SEC Target Crypto Fraud, Registration, Anti-Touting Violations • US Ransomware Task Force Announced, Crypto Crimes Continue Across Globe … Continue Reading

USDC Expands to New Blockchains, NFT Sales Continue, FATF Publishes Review of Crypto Standards, US and Global Crypto Enforcement Actions Continue

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Keith R. Murphy, Robert A. Musiala, Kayley Sullivan and Joanna F. Wasick on July 9, 2021 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFT

In this issue: • USDC Expands to 10 New Blockchains, Crypto Payment Initiatives Launch • NFT Sales Continue Across Sports and Art Markets • FATF Issues Review of Crypto Standards Amid Regulatory News in US and UK • Major Crypto Exchange Faces Global Scrutiny, Announces Compliance Efforts • DOJ Targets Unlicensed Crypto MSBs, Global Enforcement … Continue Reading

Ether-Backed Loans and Blockchain Solutions Announced; New Crypto Guidance from CFTC, WEF, Basel, Texas and El Salvador; DOJ Seizes Ransomware Bitcoin

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds, Teresa Goody Guillén and Joanna F. Wasick on June 11, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Supply Chain

In this issue: • Bank Offers Ether-Backed Loans, Auction and Property Sales Accept Crypto • Supply Chains Innovate with Blockchain, China Launches Copyright Blockchain • CFTC and WEF Comment on DeFi, Basel Addresses Cryptoasset Exposure • Texas Enacts New Blockchain Law, El Salvador Makes Bitcoin Legal Tender • DOJ Seizes Bitcoin from Ransomware Attack as … Continue Reading

Firms Enable Crypto Payments; Blockchain Deployed for Luxury Goods, A&D and Postal Services; NFT Hype Continues; Turkey Bans Crypto; DeFi Hacked for $80M

By Keith R. Murphy, Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on April 23, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Companies Enable Crypto Payments, Reports Address Market Developments • Blockchain Solutions Deployed for Luxury Goods, A&D and Postal Services • Charitable NFTs Raise Millions, Soccer Player Pelé Announces His First NFT • DOJ Actions Cite Crypto Use, Turkey Bans Crypto, DeFi Hacked for $80 Million Companies Enable Crypto Payments, Reports Address … Continue Reading

CBDC Initiatives Announced Across Globe, US Crypto Firms Pursue Licenses and Form Lobbying Groups, DOJ Targets Unlicensed Crypto MSB

By Veronica Reynolds, Teresa Goody Guillén and Joanna F. Wasick on April 9, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs

In this issue: • Central Bank Digital Currencies Explored in Thailand, Japan and Sweden • US Crypto Firm Seeks Clearing Agency License, New Lobbying Group Formed • DOJ Targets Unlicensed Bitcoin Money Transmitter, ICO Extortion Scheme Central Bank Digital Currencies Explored in Thailand, Japan and Sweden By: Veronica Reynolds According to a recent press release, … Continue Reading

Financial Firms Launch New Crypto Products, NFTs Trending, Crypto Exchange Acquires Broker-Dealer, SEC, DOJ, IRS and CFTC Actions Target Crypto Actors

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick, Keith R. Murphy and Robert A. Musiala on April 2, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • US Institutional Financial Firms, and Fintech Startups, Launch Crypto Products • Creative NFT Launches and Bitcoin Giveaways Continue To Trend • US Crypto Exchange Acquires Broker Dealer, SEC Action Targets Token Sales • US Enforcement Actions Target Cryptocurrency Darknet Activities and Fraud • DOJ and IRS Actions Target Crypto Tax Evaders, … Continue Reading

Crypto Exchanges Announce Market Developments, US Report Addresses Crypto Tax, New DOJ and SEC Enforcement, Reports Detail Crypto Crimes

By Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on February 5, 2021 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Financial Firms Announce Market Developments • US Report Covers Crypto Tax Issues, Israeli Ruling Says Tokens Are Securities • DOJ, SEC and Europol Bring Various Cryptocurrency Enforcement Actions • Reports Provide Insights on Cryptocurrency Crimes and Darknet Activities Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Financial Firms Announce Market Developments By: Veronica … Continue Reading

US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman Islands Announces VASP Regulations, Enterprise Developments in Telecom and Transport, DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin

By Joanna F. Wasick, Robert A. Musiala and Jordan R. Silversmith on November 6, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List in Canada • Blockchain Developments in Telecommunications, Transportation and Digital Identity • DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin from Silk Road, DOJ and CFTC Prosecute Crypto Fraud US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List … Continue Reading

DOJ and IRS May Soon Begin Enforcement Actions Against Virtual Currency Tax Fraudsters

By John J. Carney, Andrew Serrao, Robert A. Musiala, Jeffrey H. Paravano and Nicholas C. Mowbray on October 22, 2020 Posted in Tax

In the past several years, the use and prevalence of virtual currency have increased exponentially. The proliferation of digital assets has changed the way goods and services are exchanged and has allowed for faster and cheaper transactions. But with this new technology comes the increased risk of fraudulent activity – especially tax fraud. Recently, the … Continue Reading

Blockchain and Crypto Initiatives Launch in Foreign Markets, Guidance Issued on Ransomware and Crypto Derivatives, DOJ Indictment Alleges Crypto Tax Evasion

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on October 9, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Ransomware

In this issue: • Crypto Initiatives Launched by Foreign Banks, Exchanges, Apps, Gaming Firms • New Guidance on Ransomware, Crypto Derivatives; Crypto Tax Report Published • DOJ Charges Allege Crypto Tax Evasion, Interpol Cites Crypto Privacy Threats Crypto Initiatives Launched by Foreign Banks, Exchanges, Apps, Gaming Firms By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. According to a … Continue Reading

OCC Clarifies Status of Stablecoins, US Agencies Procure Blockchain Applications, Solutions Launch on Hedera Hashgraph and VeChain, DOJ Targets Darknet Markets

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds and Robert A. Musiala on September 25, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Food Supply Chain, Supply Chain

In this issue: • OCC Clarifies Status of Stablecoins, Registration Statement Filed for Network Token • US Government Procures Blockchain Solutions, Blockchain Patent Study Published • Hedera Hashgraph Transactions Pass Ethereum, VeChain Supports Food Traceability • DOJ Announces Major Enforcement Action Against Darknet Markets OCC Clarifies Status of Stablecoins, Registration Statement Filed for Network Token … Continue Reading

U.S. Crypto Exchange Approved as Wyoming Bank; Firms Integrate Blockchain for Data Management; Multiple Enforcement Actions by Treasury, SEC, DOJ and CFTC

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Marc Powers on September 18, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • U.S. Crypto Exchange Approved as Wyoming Bank, MSB Regulations to be Simplified • Auto, Mining and Financial Firms Integrate Blockchain for Data Management • OFAC, DOJ, IRS and FATF Take Various Actions Against Cryptocurrency Crimes • SEC Charges ICO Issuers, DOJ and CFTC Charge Defendants in Crypto Fraud Schemes • DOJ, … Continue Reading

Market Developments in Stablecoins, Crypto Loans, Metals/Minerals Supply Chains and More; NY DFS Publishes Crypto “Greenlist”; DOJ Seizes Crypto Used in Terror Scheme

By Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala and Joanna F. Wasick on August 14, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

In this issue: • Market Actors Focus on Stablecoins, Crypto-Backed Loans and Real Estate Transactions • Blockchain Announcements in Metals/Minerals, Shipping and Food Supply Chains • NY DFS Publishes Crypto Greenlist, European Guidance Addresses Accounting/Evidence • US DOJ Announces Massive Seizure of Cryptocurrency Related to Terrorist Financing Market Actors Focus on Stablecoins, Crypto-Backed Loans and … Continue Reading

Crypto Payment Products Show Gains, Blockchain Initiatives Announced for COVID-19 Data, Regulators Consider Blockchain Issues, Ethereum Classic Suffers 51% Attack

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on August 7, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

In this issue: • Announcements Provide Details on New Cryptocurrency Payment Products • Blockchain Use in COVID-19 Data, Food, Beverage Bottles and Wine Supply Chains • Regulators Consider Blockchain Issues in Tax, Banking, Securities and State Services • DOJ Targets Hackers and Darknet Vendors, Ethereum Classic Suffers “51% Attack” Announcements Provide Details on New Cryptocurrency … Continue Reading