Two Cryptocurrency Exchanges were recently taken down by authorities. The PM2BTC and Cryptex sites were seized.
Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/wvRelrVSOcE
This is important for two reasons:
First, it disrupts illegal money laundering, in this case, hundreds of millions of dollars that were heading to Russia.
These two crypto exchanges were on track to move money in excess of a billion dollars to criminal organizations.
Second, it showcases how tools to detect and track illicit cryptocurrency activity are becoming more sophisticated!
Chainalysis is a leader in this space and they are getting better at tracking illicit crypto transactions, which helps global law enforcement partners target offending services.
Overall, this is improving the legitimacy and reputation of the cryptocurrency industry and it keeps the pressure on global criminal activities.
Congratulations to the US Secret Service and its partners for this major takedown!
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Dept of Justice press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-russian-nationals-charged-connection-operating-billion-dollar-money-laundering-1
Chainalysis Report: https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/ofac-sanctions-russian-exchange-cryptex-uaps-fraud-shop-2024/
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Another great money laundering takedown!