Blockchain
Russian Court Jails Finiko Crypto Scam Exec for Three Years
A Finiko executive has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Russian court for her involvement in what is described as the largest crypto scam in the post-Soviet era.
According to Izvestia, Liliya Nurieva, the former head of networks at Finiko, received a four and a half year sentence from a court in Vakhitovsky, Kazan on May 17. However, the court stated that it would take into account the time she had already spent in pre-trial detention as “time served.”
Despite prosecutors’ requests for a six and a half year sentence, the judge rejected them. Nurieva, who had faced a possible 10-year imprisonment, reached a “pre-trial agreement” with prosecutors.
Nurieva’s defense attorney announced her intention to appeal the verdict. She was convicted of fraud and organized crime-related charges.
Finiko, initially presented as a crypto “investment fund” in 2018, allegedly defrauded citizens of around $1.1 billion, according to the country’s Central Bank. Much of this sum remains unrecovered.
The unraveling of the project began in 2021, leading to the flight of many Finiko figures abroad. After an international manhunt, Interpol detained co-founder Edvard Sabirov in the UAE in late 2022, while co-founder Kirill Doronin was arrested in mid-2021.
However, Nurieva is the first Finiko executive to be convicted and sentenced.
Finiko promised investors an “automated profit-generating system” with returns of “up to 30%” on investments of $1,000 or more. It also offered various lending and financial services with lucrative terms.
The company allegedly employed Ponzi scheme tactics, using funds from new investors to pay off older ones. By mid-2021, its platforms became unstable, with customers reporting delayed payments. In June of that year, payments ceased entirely, the value of its cryptocurrency plummeted, and Finiko offices nationwide abruptly closed.
During its peak, Finiko enjoyed popularity on social media, and initial estimates suggested nearly 10,000 individuals invested in its platforms.
Nurieva’s defense argued that she was unaware of Finiko’s fraudulent nature upon joining and had invested her own money in the company. It wasn’t until later interactions with senior executives that she realized the scheme’s illegitimacy.
Some Finiko investors attended the trial, with one, Lyudmila Yamshchikova from Kazan, expressing disappointment over halted payments, which she had relied on for mortgage payments and other financial obligations.
Source: cryptonews.com
The post Russian Court Jails Finiko Crypto Scam Exec for Three Years appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin)
Blockchain technology continues to drive innovation across industries, reshaping finance, infrastructure, and philanthropy. Today’s news roundup explores exciting developments in blockchain ETFs, tokenization funding, quantum-resistant chips, public blockchain initiatives, and impactful social projects. Here’s a deep dive into the latest blockchain headlines:
BlackRock ETF Embraces Blockchain with First Muni Bond Purchase
BlackRock’s blockchain-focused ETF has made its first foray into municipal bonds, signaling increased confidence in integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance. The ETF’s strategic investment demonstrates how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in bond markets.
By tokenizing municipal bonds, BlackRock aims to simplify trading and settlement processes while reducing associated costs. This development underscores the growing role of blockchain in transforming financial instruments and fostering greater market accessibility.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Plume Secures Funding for Tokenization Platform
Blockchain fintech company Plume has raised significant funding to advance its tokenization platform. The company’s innovative approach enables businesses to convert real-world assets into digital tokens, streamlining asset management and unlocking liquidity.
Tokenization is rapidly gaining traction as a game-changer in sectors such as real estate, art, and commodities. Plume’s success reflects a broader trend of investment in blockchain solutions that bridge the gap between traditional assets and decentralized technologies.
Source: Fortune
SEALSQ and Hedera Partner for Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Chips
SEALSQ and Hedera have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop quantum-resistant chips designed to secure blockchain infrastructure. These advanced chips will provide robust protection against future quantum computing threats, ensuring the integrity of blockchain networks.
As quantum computing capabilities evolve, safeguarding blockchain ecosystems becomes increasingly critical. This partnership highlights the importance of proactive measures in maintaining the resilience and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.
Source: The Quantum Insider
Deutsche Bank’s Public, Permissioned Blockchain Initiative
Deutsche Bank’s Layer 2 blockchain solution is set to go public and operate as a permissioned network, according to its tech partner. This initiative aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security, leveraging blockchain to streamline financial services and enhance operational efficiency.
The decision to adopt a public, permissioned model reflects a growing trend among enterprises seeking to harness the benefits of decentralization while maintaining control over sensitive data. Deutsche Bank’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other financial institutions exploring blockchain adoption.
Source: CoinDesk
KuCoin’s “Light Up Africa” Initiative Brings Hope to Thousands
Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin has made a significant impact through its “Light Up Africa” donation ceremony in Ghana, benefiting 36,000 children across the continent. The initiative combines blockchain technology with philanthropy to address energy poverty and support education.
By leveraging blockchain for transparency in charitable contributions, KuCoin sets an example of how the crypto industry can drive meaningful social change. The project demonstrates the potential of blockchain to empower communities and foster sustainable development.
Source: PR Newswire
Industry Implications and Key Takeaways
Today’s developments highlight the transformative potential of blockchain across multiple domains:
- Integration with Traditional Finance: BlackRock’s ETF underscores the synergy between blockchain and established financial systems.
- Tokenization Trends: Plume’s funding success reflects the growing demand for digital asset solutions.
- Quantum-Resistant Technologies: SEALSQ and Hedera’s partnership addresses emerging cybersecurity challenges.
- Enterprise Blockchain Adoption: Deutsche Bank’s public, permissioned network showcases the adaptability of blockchain in financial services.
- Social Impact: KuCoin’s philanthropic efforts illustrate blockchain’s capacity to drive positive societal outcomes.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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