Blockchain
Europol: Bitcoin is ‘most abused’ crypto by criminals
The Europol Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment recently highlighted that Bitcoin remains the most frequently exploited cryptocurrency in criminal activities. Despite Bitcoin’s dominance, there is a growing trend in the use of alternative cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins and privacy-centric coins like Monero, which are gaining popularity among cybercriminals due to their unique features.
Key Points from the Report
- Bitcoin’s Continued Use in Cybercrime:
- Predominant Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin remains the most commonly used cryptocurrency in illegal activities, including fraud and cybercrime. It is often converted into stablecoins like Tether (USDT) for stability. The report notes that the Tron blockchain’s low transaction fees have made it a preferred platform for USDT transactions.
- Stablecoins in Crime: Stablecoins, particularly those with blacklisting capabilities, provide law enforcement with the ability to freeze suspicious funds, adding a layer of security and traceability in combating financial crimes.
- Rise of Monero and Privacy Coins:
- Monero’s Popularity: Monero (XMR), known for its strong privacy features, is increasingly favored by criminals seeking anonymity. Unlike Bitcoin, which operates on a transparent blockchain, Monero employs advanced cryptographic techniques, such as ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions, to obfuscate transaction details.
- Usage in Illicit Activities: The anonymous nature of Monero makes it a preferred choice for illegal activities, including ransomware payments and dark web transactions, where the privacy of users is paramount.
- Evolving Money Laundering Techniques:
- Traditional and Modern Methods: The report also discusses evolving money laundering strategies. While traditional methods like using money mules and international bank accounts persist, newer tactics include the use of encrypted messaging apps for cash-to-crypto exchanges, which help bypass compliance checks and obscure the identities of the involved parties.
- Crypto Debit Cards: The resurgence of cryptocurrency debit cards is noted, as they enable quick conversion of cryptocurrency to fiat cash at ATMs, facilitating the rapid movement of illicit funds.
This report underscores the adaptability of cybercriminals in leveraging both established and emerging technologies to facilitate and conceal illegal activities. The continued use of Bitcoin, the rise of privacy-centric cryptocurrencies like Monero, and the evolving laundering techniques reflect the dynamic nature of cybercrime and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and preventing such activities.
Source: crypto.news
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Blockchain
Bybit Expands bbSOL Yield Opportunities Through Strategic DeFi Partnerships
Blockchain
This Week in Finance News: 11 Stories You Need to See
With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help finance journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.
The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.
- Prosperity or catastrophe: #Insurance2040 study reveals four possible futures for the industry
By 2040, technological innovation driven by customer centricity could pave the way to greater climate resilience and more personalized offerings by the insurance industry. Alternatively, insurance could become a luxury afforded only to the wealthiest few. - Cardinal Health announces two strategic additions to its portfolio
Cardinal Health will acquire a majority stake in GI Alliance (GIA), the country’s leading gastroenterology (GI) management services organization (MSO), from a combination of GIA physician owners and funds managed by affiliates of Apollo. Cardinal Health will also acquire the Advanced Diabetes Supply Group (ADSG), one of the country’s leading diabetic medical supplies providers, for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. - BlackRock Launches New BUIDL Share Classes Across Multiple Blockchains to Expand Access and Potential of BUIDL Ecosystem
This initiative represents the next step in the evolution of the tokenization market, by enabling BUIDL to be used within leading blockchain-based financial products and infrastructure across ecosystems. - Primo Brands Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Merger of Primo Water and BlueTriton Brands
“I believe Primo Brands is positioned to be a leader in the healthy hydration beverage category, thanks to the strength of its iconic, sustainably-sourced brands, its robust operations and extensive North American network, and its responsible operation of numerous springs across the country,” said Dean Metropoulos, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Primo Brands. - Jackson Hewitt Tax Services Expands Workforce, Offering Job Opportunities Nationwide for Upcoming Tax Filing Season
The week-long event will launch the combined hiring of 18,000 employees to prepare for the upcoming tax filing season. The Jackson Hewitt hiring events are open to the public and include on-site interviews. Qualified candidates could receive a job offer immediately. - PNC Bank to Double Planned Branch Openings to More Than 200 Across Six States This announcement brings the bank’s total investment to approximately $1.5 billion to open more than 200 new branch locations in 12 cities across the U.S. over the next five years, while completing the renovations of 1,400 existing branches during the same time period.
- Alchemy Pay Expands Virtual Card Functionality with Google Pay Support The new card BINs added will significantly enhance the capabilities of crypto cards, expanding their support for a broader range of payment scenarios and improving transaction success rates. This advancement is particularly impactful when paired with Google Pay, one of the most popular and widely used digital payment platforms, trusted by millions for its convenience and security.
- Finaya Unveils Nationwide Homeownership Platform
From providing rich and current information about home values and property conditions, to finding helpful repair and remodeling providers, to shopping for and securing the right insurance, the platform simplifies the homeownership process, making it more accessible, convenient and efficient. - GenAI predicted to inspire revenue growth in 76% of businesses, but only 4% qualify as “leaders” in AI and analytics
Kearney’s report confirms that businesses are not only aware of how big data, AI, and analytics will impact revenue generation and enhance business strategies, but they are investing to stay ahead of the curve, too. - GameAbove Sports Acquires Meaningful Ownership Stake in Brisbane Bullets with NBA Legend George Gervin as Part of Ownership Team
This move marks a significant milestone for GameAbove Sports, a CapStone Holdings Inc. company, as it expands its influence on international basketball ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. - Most US shoppers are encountering generative AI while shopping without realizing it
A survey of 700 online shoppers in the US shows 71% are unaware of having used generative AI while shopping online even though most had recently shopped at retailers currently using it. 41% of customers say they would feel comfortable using a generative AI tool from a brand they trust.
For more news like this, check out all of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire.
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