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Crypto

October 25, 2023

Binance UK CEO Resigns Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Binance UK CEO Jonathan Farnell has stepped down amidst increasing scrutiny from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Hired in 2021 for a compliance-centric role and later elevated to oversee Binance's UK operations, Farnell's exit leaves Ilir Ergis Laro as the sole representative of Binance in the UK. Before the FCA's recent regulatory changes, Farnell was instrumental in aligning Binance with the UK's regulatory framework.

April 23, 2023

Class Action Lawsuit Against Delisted Crypto Company Eqonex, Binance Group, And Changpeng Zhao!

In February 2022, Eqonex had reportedly become the first crypto company to receive a listing on NASDAQ via a SPAC construction. Eqonex filed for judicial administration with the High Court of Singapore to restructure its debt. In February 2023, the company received a notice from Nasdaq that the company's shares would be delisted on March 1, 2023. On 22 April 2023, the U.S. law firm Rosen Law announced a class action lawsuit against the former Binance affiliate.

June 21, 2022

Interesting! The Ambitious Binance Project With EQONEX!

In March 2022, the Nasdaq-listed crypto exchange operator EQONEX Limited entered into a strategic partnership with the Binance Group, making it a sort of subsidiary. Under the terms of the strategic alliance, Lithuanian Bifinity UAB provided a $36 million loan and has the right to nominate key management positions and Board members. Consequently, Jonathan Farnell has been appointed CEO, Almira Cemmell Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and Daniel Ling was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Compliance Report: Sergey Mendeleev, Garantex, and Exved – The Rising Role of Crypto in Russia’s Sanctions Evasion Strategy

Sergey Mendeleev, a prominent figure in Russia's cryptocurrency scene, has played a central role in the establishment and operation of two key platforms—Garantex and Exved. These platforms have been instrumental in facilitating cross-border payments and crypto transactions, potentially serving as important tools for Russia’s sanctions evasion strategy. Mendeleev's growing influence in this space, coupled with Russia's evolving regulatory framework, positions him as a key player in Russia.

Russia’s New Crypto Strategy for Sanctions Evasion

Russia’s new crypto laws, allowing mining and international payments in digital currencies, are part of a broader strategy to evade Western sanctions and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. This move, led by the Central Bank of Russia (CBR), opens up new compliance risks for global financial institutions dealing with Russian entities. The new laws are set to take effect in September for cross-border payments and in November for crypto mining.

Secretive Cyprus Funds Used to Obscure Megayachts and Real Estate Linked to Sanctioned Russian Banker

A recent OCCRP investigation revealed that Cyprus-registered RAIFs were used to hide megayachts and real estate linked to sanctioned Russian banker Andrei Kostin. These secretive funds, managed by Inveqo, allowed clients to avoid disclosing their ownership, raising concerns about the effectiveness of sanctions and regulatory enforcement. The case highlights the challenges of ensuring transparency and preventing financial crime in the global investment landscape.

First-Ever Crypto Seizure in Scotland Under New UK Law

Crypto has undoubtedly become mainstream, particularly in the cybercrime sphere. In a first for Scottish law enforcement, £110,000 in cryptocurrency has been confiscated from John Ross Rennie following a violent robbery. Under new UK rules, police can now seize crypto assets without needing to make an arrest, highlighting a growing focus on tackling digital crime as incidents involving cryptocurrency continue to rise.

Former Lebanon Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh Charged with Financial Crimes

It was a long-expected move. The powerful former Lebanon Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh has been arrested and charged with embezzling $42 million in public funds, part of a broader $110 million fraud case. His detention comes amid ongoing domestic and international investigations into financial misconduct during his controversial three-decade tenure. In 2022, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) froze assets worth €120 million tied to Salame.