Alexey Pertsev, co-founder of the cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash, was released from prison on Feb 7, 2025, after being incarcerated since his conviction in May 202412. Pertsev, a 31-year-old Russian national, was sentenced to 64 months (5 years and 4 months) in prison by a Dutch court for money laundering charges related to his involvement with Tornado Cash.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ignited a firestorm by admitting that 58% of U.S. military aid allocated to Kyiv has mysteriously disappeared. In a series of explosive interviews and statements, Zelensky revealed Ukraine received just $75–76 billion of the $177 billion Congress approved for its defense against Russia, leaving a staggering $102 billion unaccounted for.

Financial influencers, or "finfluencers," have emerged as pivotal figures in disseminating financial information and advice, especially among younger demographics like Gen Z. TikTok and Instagram are their main playgrounds. This report delves into the activities, business models, and methodologies of finfluencers, and examines the regulatory frameworks.

Spanish authorities, in coordination with Europol and the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU), have dismantled a massive crypto money laundering network run by two Ukrainian brothers. The operation led to 23 arrests, €27 million in cryptocurrency seizures, and the freezing of USD 25.5 million in USDT. The criminal syndicate laundered an estimated €75 million, adapting its methods from cash smuggling to crypto transactions.

In an important move fulfilling his campaign promise, President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road darknet marketplace. This decision has been met with widespread approval within the cryptocurrency community, which had long advocated for Ulbricht's release, viewing his life sentence as excessively harsh for a non-violent offense.

The U.S. CFTC is pursuing a $338.7 million penalty against Yukom Enterprises and its operators, Yossi Herzog and Lee Elbaz, for orchestrating a global binary options fraud. Elbaz, the former CEO of Yukom, is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence for wire fraud, while her boss, Yossi Herzog, remains on the run.

Some analysts label Tether as one of the most significant scams in history. Over recent years, Tether has faced scrutiny from regulators and law enforcement, raising serious compliance concerns. In the EU, the stablecoin is at risk of being delisted from crypto exchanges due to its failure to secure a MiCA license. Despite these challenges, Tether remains a highly successful and profitable.

In a law enforcement operation spanning six countries, Europol and law enforcement agencies dismantled an underground banking network linked to drug trafficking and organized crime. The multi-year investigation resulted in nine arrests, the seizure of luxury assets, and an unprecedented €27 million in cryptocurrencies, marking a milestone in the fight against financial crimes in the digital age.

Donald Trump’s nomination of Paul Atkins as SEC Chair could radically reshape the future of the world’s leading financial regulator, driving the SEC towards a laissez-faire stance that prioritizes deregulation, reduced enforcement, and a pro-business agenda. Atkins’ tenure would likely redefine the regulatory landscape not only in the United States but globally, given the SEC’s influence over international markets.

The gaming industry in Curaçao is under the spotlight again. This time, it’s not just the gaming companies in question but key figures behind regulatory reform, including former Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) chair Mario Galea. A damning 400-page report submitted by financial forensic investigator Luigi Faneyte accuses Galea and others of fraud, embezzlement, and creating a corrupt licensing system.

OpenAI has initiated a tender offer allowing current and former employees to sell shares worth approximately $1.5 billion to SoftBank Group. The offer, led by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, is set to conclude by December 24, 2024. This move follows SoftBank's previous $500 million investment in OpenAI's recent funding round, which valued the company at $157 billion.

Tether (USDT) has allegedly become a favored tool for Mexican drug cartels to launder millions, according to unsealed court records. USDT’s connection to narcotics proceeds has even driven its price down in Mexico as law enforcement uncovers the cryptocurrency’s deep ties to global trafficking networks. Unsealed court records expose Tether’s role in laundering millions for Mexican drug cartels.