Tag Archives: DOJ

ETH Staking Data Published; USDC Transfer Protocol Launches; OFAC Adds Public Keys to SDN List; DOJ Targets Crypto Market Manipulation

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Christopher Lamb and Amos Kim on May 1, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • ETH Staking Data Published, USDC Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol Launches• IRS Modifies 2014 Virtual Currency Guidance• OFAC Adds 20 Cryptocurrency Public Keys to SDN List• DOJ Actions Target Crypto Market Manipulation and Money Laundering ETH Staking Data Published, USDC Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol Launches By Joanna F. Wasick New data reflects that the … Continue Reading

CBDC Pilot Announced; Ethereum Upgrade Completed; U.S. Treasury Department Addresses DeFi Risks; Studies Analyze Crypto Taxation, Crime; Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Keith R. Murphy, Christopher Lamb and Lauren Bass on April 17, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Montenegro Announces CBDC Pilot, BIS Compares CBDCs to Stablecoins• Ethereum Network Completes ‘Shanghai’ Upgrade• U.S. Treasury Publishes DeFi Risk Assessment; Banque De France Analyzes DeFi• Study Analyzes 2022 Crypto Tax Compliance Across Various Countries• EU Report Analyzes Cryptocurrency Use on Darknet Markets• Hackers Drain Millions from Crypto Exchanges and DeFi Protocol … Continue Reading

DOJ, CFTC and SEC Bring Separate Actions for the Same Conduct: Alleged Digital Asset Manipulation and Fraud Scheme on Mango Markets Platform

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds and Sydney Park on March 1, 2023 Posted in Enforcement

Mango Markets is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to purchase and borrow cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency-related financial products. Mango Markets is run by the Mango Decentralized Autonomous Organization (Mango DAO), which has its own crypto token named MNGO. Holders of MNGO tokens can vote on changes to Mango Markets and other issues related to … Continue Reading

PoS Principles Published; Crypto Market Analysis and POC Announced; Court Interprets NFTs Under Howey; SEC, CFTC and DOJ Continue Crypto Enforcement

By Robert A. Musiala, Amos Kim, Christopher Lamb, Keith R. Murphy and Joanna F. Wasick on February 27, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue:• Proof of Stake Alliance Publishes Analysis, Advocates for Industry Standards• BIS Analyzes Crypto Market Data, Digital Asset PoC and Consultation Announced• U.S. District Court Denies Motion to Dismiss Claims that NFTs Are Securities• SEC and CFTC Actions Pursue Crypto Misrepresentation and Fraud Actions• DOJ and New York State Actions Target Crypto Fraud … Continue Reading

Data Published on Crypto Exchange Volume, NFT Royalties, Crypto Crime; Crypto Adoption Continues; DOJ and CFTC Bring Multiple Enforcement Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Amos Kim, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Christopher Lamb on January 13, 2023 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue:• New Data Published on 2022 Crypto Exchange Trading Volume, NFT Royalties• Blockchain Development Firm Integrates Avalanche with Major Cloud Provider• Governments of El Salvador and Nigeria Take Steps Toward Crypto Adoption• DOJ Enforcement: NFT Rug Pull, Insider Trading, Crypto Fraud and Theft• CFTC Action Alleges Digital Asset Market Manipulation on DeFi Exchange• … Continue Reading

Crypto Payment Products and NFT Initiatives Launch; Crypto Market Data Published; DOJ Brings Charges Alleging Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme

By Robert A. Musiala and Christopher Lamb on December 16, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: New Crypto Payment Products Launch, Reports Publish Crypto Market Data By Robert A. Musiala Jr. A recent press release announced that MetaMask, the popular Ethereum (ETH) Network crypto wallet provider, will integrate its self-custodial wallets with a major U.S. fintech firm. According to the press release, the integration will allow U.S. MetaMask … Continue Reading

DOJ Seizes Over $3 Billion in Historic Crypto Dark Web Fraud Case

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Carlos Ortiz, Shade Quailey and Michelle Tanney on November 21, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On November 7, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it had seized more than $3.36 billion worth of bitcoin as part of a continuing investigation into a 10-year fraud involving the Silk Road dark web marketplace. This seizure signifies the DOJ’s second-largest cryptocurrency seizure and financial seizure in history, and it demonstrates … Continue Reading

Crypto Products Launch; FSB, OECD Address Crypto Regulation and Tax; US Exchange Fined $24M; DOJ and SEC Actions Continue; Major Hacks Reported

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, Keith R. Murphy, Sydney Park and Joanna F. Wasick on October 14, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

In this issue:• New Crypto Products Launch in Custody, Cloud Collaborations and Stablecoins• FSB Proposes International Crypto Regulation Framework, Solicits Comments• OECD Publishes Crypto Tax Framework; Acting Comptroller Addresses Crypto• Major US Crypto Exchange Fined Over $24M for FinCEN and OFAC Violations• DOJ Targets Crypto Money Laundering; SEC Reportedly Investigating Yuga Labs• October Sees Most … Continue Reading

New Crypto and NFT Products Launch; Treasury Publishes FSOC Digital Asset Report; SEC Brings Enforcement Actions Against Crypto Promoters, Fraudsters

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Lauren Bass, Shade Quailey and Sydney Park on October 7, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Crypto Products Launch, Reports Detail CBDC Pilots and Bank Crypto Exposure• DAO Governing DAI Stablecoin Invests in US Treasuries and Corporate Bonds• Digital Collectibles + Physical Consumables: Brands Embrace Hybrid NFT Model• Treasury Releases Report on Digital Asset Financial Stability Risks/Regulation• SEC Brings Enforcement Actions Against Crypto Promoters and Fraudsters Crypto … Continue Reading

Crypto and NFT Firms Make Announcements; Treasury Interprets Crypto Reports; Crypto Enforcement Actions by CFTC, SEC, IRS, DOJ and States

By Robert A. Musiala, Maya Rivera, Keith R. Murphy, Alex Karambelas, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on September 30, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: Exchange Reaches Agreement to Sell Assets; New Crypto Products Launch Reports Provide New Data on Cryptocurrency Adoption and Exchange Activity Auction House Launches NFT Market; Startup Launches NFT Cloud Database US Treasury Further Interprets Reports Related to EO on Digital Assets CFTC Enforcement Action Targets DAO; SEC Targets Crypto Market Making IRS … Continue Reading

NFT Initiatives Launch; OFAC Adds Crypto Public Keys to SDN List; Treasury Dept. Publishes Crypto Reports; Crypto Enforcement and Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass, Jordan R. Silversmith and Keith R. Murphy on September 23, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Non-Fungible Marketing: Brands Continue to Launch NFTs• OFAC Adds Crypto Public Keys to SDN List Related to Russian Group• US Department of the Treasury Publishes Digital Asset Reports and RFC• Republican Senator Criticizes SEC Approach to Crypto Markets• DOJ and SEC Target Crypto Fraud and Unregistered ‘Crypto Asset Securities’• Cryptocurrency Market … Continue Reading

Ethereum Moves to PoS; Firms Launch Crypto, NFT Initiatives; EO Crypto Energy Impact Report Published; Crypto Addressed by OFAC, DOJ, SEC, U.S. Senators

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Jordan R. Silversmith and Keith R. Murphy on September 16, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Ethereum Network Completes Transition to Proof of Stake Consensus• Crypto Exchange, Bitcoin Futures ETF Launch; Crypto Adoption Data Published• Major Coffee and Scotch Brands Launch NFT Initiatives• OFAC Adds Crypto Public Keys to SDN List, Addresses Tornado Cash Sanctions• Major U.S. Exchange Backs Lawsuit Challenging OFAC Tornado Cash Sanctions• Office of … Continue Reading

NFT Initiatives Launch Across Markets; US Banking Regulators Address Crypto; DOJ and Congress Target Crypto Fraud; FBI Cites Risks as DeFi Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Christina Gotsis, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on September 9, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Government, NFT, NFTs

In this issue: • NFT Initiatives Launch in Ticket Sales, Social Media and College Football• US Banking Regulators Publish DeFi Analysis, Address Crypto in Speeches• DOJ Targets Crypto Fraud, House Subcommittee Addresses Consumer Risks• FBI Cites DeFi Hacking Threats as Hacks Continue; Reports Identify ISIS NFT NFT Initiatives Launch in Ticket Sales, Social Media and … Continue Reading

Combatting Fraud and Corruption in the NFT Market

By George Stamboulidis, Christina Gotsis, Jordan R. Silversmith and Robert A. Musiala on August 30, 2022 Posted in NFT

On Oct. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of a National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team to tackle investigations and prosecutions of criminal misuses of cryptocurrency. As the non-fungible token (NFT) market continues to expand, DOJ’s heightened focus on cryptocurrency has begun to encompass NFTs. Just as with any other market, a … Continue Reading

NFT Endorsements Scrutinized; Bank Crypto Guidance Issued; DOJ, CFTC and SEC Bring Crypto Enforcement Actions; Research Finds Crypto Insider Trading

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Keith R. Murphy, Kayley Sullivan and Lauren Bass on August 19, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: NFTs Expand on Social Media, Celebrity NFT Endorsements Scrutinized Federal Reserve Addresses Crypto; Senator Inquires About Bank-Crypto Relations DOJ, CFTC and SEC Crypto Enforcement Targets Tax Evasion, Fraud and ICOs US and Foreign Law Enforcement Target Cryptocurrency Money Laundering DeFi Stablecoin Hacked; Research Finds Evidence of Crypto Insider Trading NFTs Expand on … Continue Reading

New NFT Initiatives Launch Across Industries; Banking Agencies Publish Crypto Guidance; Enforcement Agencies Bring Crypto Actions; Crypto Hacks Reported

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on August 5, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • New NFT Initiatives Announced in Jewelry, Automobile and Liquor Industries• US Banking Agencies Publish Notices on Crypto Firms and Deposit Insurance• Multiple Agencies Target Cryptocurrency Fraud and Regulatory Violations• Nomad Bridge Hacked, Stolen Crypto Valued at Approximately $200 Million• Multiple Hacks Reported Across Various Sectors of the Cryptocurrency Market New NFT … Continue Reading

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Decreases; Crypto Addressed by CFTC Chair; Congress Addresses Crypto Tax, Accounting; Crypto Enforcement and Crimes Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Keith R. Murphy, Christina Gotsis and Lauren Bass on July 29, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: Bitcoin Network Mining Difficulty Continues Downward Trend Amid Heat Wave CFTC Chair Addresses Crypto; Proposed Bill Would Simplify Crypto Tax Rules Congress Members Criticize SEC Bulletin on Crypto Accounting Treatment DOJ, SEC and OFAC Continue Cryptocurrency Enforcement Actions Reports Show Hackers Turning to Cryptojacking and DeFi to Siphon Crypto Bitcoin Network Mining … Continue Reading

SEC and DOJ Bring Parallel Crypto Insider Trading Cases; SEC Alleges Nine Tokens Are Securities

By John J. Carney, Kevin Edgar, Jonathan A. Forman, Adam Gale, Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Michelle Tanney on July 25, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

Significant parallel actions commenced this week by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) bring crypto fraud enforcement into the spotlight, with the SEC alleging that multiple tokens listed on Coinbase are securities. In its first insider trading case of “crypto asset securities,” the SEC charged a former Coinbase product manager, his … Continue Reading

Crypto Platforms Achieve Foreign Approvals; DOJ Seizes Crypto Ransomware Funds; CFTC Adds Crypto Firms to RED List; Crypto Fraud and Threats Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Keith R. Murphy, Maya Rivera and Lauren Bass on July 22, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In this issue: • Foreign Regulators Approve Crypto Platforms; Ethereum Approaching PoS• DOJ Seizes $500K in Ransomware Crypto; CFTC Adds Crypto Firms to RED List• Fraud, Mixers, Ransomware and the Darkweb: Cryptocurrency Threats Continue Foreign Regulators Approve Crypto Platforms; Ethereum Approaching PoS By Keith R. Murphy According to recent reports, several major cryptocurrency platforms have … Continue Reading

Financial and Crypto Firms Explore Integration; NFT Market Expands; FATF/Basel Publish Crypto Guidance; DOJ/CFTC Bring Crypto Actions; DeFi Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Keith R. Murphy, Lauren Bass, Joanna F. Wasick, Christina Gotsis and Alex Karambelas on July 8, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFT

In this issue: Financial Firm Launches Crypto Group, MakerDAO Votes to Integrate with Bank NFT Market Continues to Expand with Brand Activations and Infringement Suit FATF and Basel Committee Publish New Guidance on Cryptocurrencies DOJ, CFTC Bring Multiple Enforcement Actions Against Crypto Fraud Schemes North Korean Lazarus Group Suspected in Recent DeFi Hack Financial Firm … Continue Reading

DOJ Calls on International Partners to Improve Investigative Efficiency in Response to President Biden’s Executive Order on Risks Involving Digital Assets

By Carlos Ortiz, Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, John J. Carney, Christina Gotsis, Veronica Reynolds and Kayley Sullivan on June 30, 2022 Posted in Blockchain

In June 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a report (Report) recommending increased cooperation among international law enforcement agencies to combat threats and crime related to the use and proliferation of digital assets and to address obstacles unique to the asset class. Specific actions recommended by the Report include expanding U.S. relationships with international … Continue Reading

New Crypto Products Launch, Draft Digital Assets Bill Released, Regulators Address Stablecoins, DOJ Publishes Crypto Report, Hacks and Scams Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Maria Luevano, Veronica Reynolds, Alex Karambelas and Lauren Bass on June 10, 2022 Posted in Uncategorized

In this issue: • Fintech and Crypto Firms Announce Myriad New Crypto Product Launches• Senators Release Digital Assets Bill, Crypto Activists Send Letter to Congress• NY DFS and Japan Address Stablecoins, BIS Addresses Crypto ‘Fragmentation’• DOJ Calls for International Cooperation in Fight Against Crypto Crime• CFTC Sues Crypto Exchange, NY AG Issues Investor Alert, UST … Continue Reading

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