A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Washington has indicted 51-year-old Francier Obando Pinillo, a pastor, on charges of orchestrating a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that defrauded church members of millions of dollars. Pinillo faces 26 counts of fraud allegedly committed between November 2021 and October 2023.
Charges Against Pastor Pinillo
Pinillo, the leader of a Spanish-speaking church called Ministerio Apostolico Profetico Tiempos de Poder, is accused of creating a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called Solano Fi. He claimed that the investment idea came to him in a divine dream, using this narrative to persuade church members and the public to invest.
Using platforms like Facebook and Telegram, where his group had over 1,500 members, he extended his reach beyond the church to lure more investors.
False Promises and Manipulation
Pinillo promised investors monthly returns of 34.9% with zero risk. He assured them that their funds would be securely invested in cryptocurrencies and could be withdrawn at any time. However, the Solano Fi platform only allowed users to view their supposed balances without the ability to withdraw funds.
According to the indictment, Pinillo used the funds for personal expenses instead of investing them. When confronted by victims, he offered various excuses, including technical glitches on the platform or market downturns. In some cases, he convinced investors to recruit new members to "unlock" their funds, perpetuating the fraudulent scheme further.
Response from U.S. Authorities
The FBI conducted the investigation, and the charges were prepared by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy J. Kelly and Dan Fruchter. U.S. Attorney Vanessa Ruth Waldref highlighted that cryptocurrencies provide fraudsters with new ways to evade law enforcement, allowing them to transfer funds to foreign accounts, making recovery difficult.
Waldref also cautioned against blindly trusting projects endorsed by religious authorities. She stressed the importance of conducting due diligence before investing, especially in cryptocurrency-related ventures.
How to Spot Crypto Fraud?
Investors can protect themselves by watching for red flags such as:
Too-good-to-be-true offers, promising unrealistic returns.Unverified smart contracts.Lack of transparency.High-pressure sales tactics that push for immediate decisions.
If convicted, Pinillo faces up to 20 years in prison. This case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and the importance of staying informed and cautious when handling financial resources.

#CryptoFraud , #CryptoScamAlert , #CryptoCrime , #FraudAlert , #CryptoCommunitys

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$BTC
The cryptocurrency world, once a haven for decentralized finance, is now increasingly a battleground for sophisticated criminals. As the value of crypto fluctuates, it attracts both legitimate investors and those with malicious intent. Recent events highlight a worrying trend: the use of advanced technologies like AI by criminals to exploit crypto investors.
One example is the Hong Kong police's dismantling of a crypto crime syndicate. These criminals used AI to create fake personas of wealthy, single women to lure victims into romantic relationships. Deepfakes and sophisticated chatbots were used to manipulate emotions and gain trust, ultimately defrauding victims of their crypto holdings. This case demonstrates how the digital world can be a breeding ground for deception, where the lines between reality and artificiality blur.
Furthermore, the attempted kidnapping of a Canadian crypto forum moderator highlights the growing risk to individuals perceived to possess significant crypto wealth. These attacks, driven by the ease of accessing and transferring cryptocurrencies, pose a serious threat to both physical and financial security. The anonymity and speed of crypto transactions make them attractive targets for criminals seeking quick and untraceable gains.
According to Jameson Lopp, there have been nearly 200 violent crypto crimes between 2014 and 2024. This data underscores the increasing prevalence of criminal activity targeting the crypto ecosystem. These crimes range from sophisticated hacking and phishing attacks to physical assaults and kidnappings, demonstrating the evolving nature of threats faced by crypto investors.
Given the escalating risks, it's crucial for crypto investors to take proactive security measures:
* Verify Information: Be highly skeptical of unsolicited communication, especially those involving romantic interests. Independently verify the authenticity of profiles and communication channels.
* Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your crypto accounts, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access your funds.
* Diversify Your Portfolio: Avoid concentrating your crypto holdings in a single asset or exchange. Diversification can mitigate losses in case of hacks or scams.
* Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest security threats and best practices. Follow reputable crypto news sources and engage with the community to learn from others' experiences.
* Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities and crypto exchanges. This helps law enforcement agencies track down and apprehend criminals.
The crypto landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the threats faced by investors. By understanding the evolving nature of crypto crime and taking proactive steps to enhance their security, investors can navigate the challenges and minimize their exposure to risks. Global collaboration among law enforcement agencies is crucial to effectively combat these threats and ensure the long-term sustainability of the crypto ecosystem.
This paraphrase aims to be concise and informative while maintaining the key points of the original text.#scamriskwarning #ScamAwareness #Crypto #CryptoCrime #BinanceSquareFamily

The crypto space, once a Wild West of decentralized finance, is increasingly becoming a battleground for sophisticated criminals. As the value of cryptocurrencies fluctuates, the allure of easy gains attracts both legitimate investors and those with malicious intent. Recent events highlight an alarming trend: the convergence of advanced technologies, like AI, with traditional criminal tactics to exploit crypto investors.
The Rise of AI-Powered Romance Scams
The Hong Kong police's dismantling of a crypto crime syndicate underscores the chilling sophistication of modern-day scams. These criminals employed AI-generated personas of wealthy, single women to lure unsuspecting victims into romantic relationships. Leveraging deepfakes and sophisticated chatbots, they manipulated emotions and trust, ultimately defrauding victims of substantial crypto holdings. This case serves as a stark reminder that the digital world can be a breeding ground for deception, where lines between reality and artificiality blur.
The Threat of Crypto-Fueled Kidnappings
The attempted kidnapping of a Canadian crypto forum moderator highlights the escalating risks faced by individuals perceived to possess significant crypto wealth. These attacks, driven by the perceived ease of accessing and transferring cryptocurrencies, pose a severe threat to both physical and financial security. The anonymity and speed of crypto transactions make them attractive targets for criminals seeking quick and untraceable gains.
The Growing Landscape of Crypto Crime
According to Jameson Lopp, there have been nearly 200 violent crypto crimes between 2014 and 2024. This data underscores the increasing prevalence of criminal activity targeting the crypto ecosystem. These crimes range from sophisticated hacking and phishing attacks to physical assaults and kidnappings, demonstrating the evolving nature of threats faced by crypto investors.
Precautions for Crypto Investors
Given the escalating risks, it's crucial for crypto investors to adopt a proactive approach to security:
Verify Information: Be highly skeptical of unsolicited communication, especially those involving romantic interests. Verify the authenticity of profiles and communication channels independently.Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your crypto accounts, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access your funds.Diversify Your Portfolio: Avoid concentrating your crypto holdings in a single asset or exchange. Diversification can mitigate losses in case of hacks or scams.Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest security threats and best practices. Follow reputable crypto news sources and engage with the community to learn from others' experiences.Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities and crypto exchanges. This helps law enforcement agencies track down and apprehend criminals.

The crypto landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the threats faced by investors. By understanding the evolving nature of crypto crime and taking proactive steps to enhance their security, investors can navigate the challenges and minimize their exposure to risks. Global collaboration among law enforcement agencies is crucial to effectively combat these threats and ensure the long-term sustainability of the crypto ecosystem.

#scamriskwarning #ScamAwareness #Crypto #CryptoCrime #BinanceSquareFamily

Incident in Phuket: Crypto Debt Leads to Violent Robbery
Thai police have launched an investigation into two Russian nationals accused of assaulting and robbing their compatriot over a cryptocurrency debt. The incident occurred at a hotel in Karon, Phuket.
According to the local newspaper Khaosod, a 31-year-old man was attacked over a $120,000 debt linked to previous cryptocurrency transactions in Russia. The attackers, who were known to the victim, forced him to attempt unlocking his crypto wallet. When he refused, violence ensued.
Assault and Suspects’ Escape
One of the suspects, identified as Andrei, allegedly threatened to kill the victim if the debt was not paid. The victim was repeatedly punched, kicked, and eventually lost consciousness after being struck on the head. The attackers then stole $20,000 in cash and fled, leaving the victim tied up in the bathroom.
Investigators revealed that one suspect remained in Thailand, while the other, Dmitri, fled to Dubai. Arrest warrants have been issued, and Thai authorities are collaborating with immigration and police agencies to apprehend the suspects.
Cryptocurrencies as Targets of Violent Crime
Rising Value of Cryptocurrencies Attracts Criminals
The Phuket incident is part of a growing trend where cryptocurrencies play a role in severe criminal activities. The year 2024 saw numerous violent incidents linked to digital assets, ranging from kidnappings to extortion.
In July, a 29-year-old tourist in Kyiv was kidnapped and murdered as criminals attempted to seize his 3 bitcoins. Authorities described the event as a calculated plan that ended with the victim's death after the forced transfer of cryptocurrency failed.
Case in Costa Rica: Armed Robbery of Bitcoins
A similar case occurred in August on a beach in Costa Rica, where 11 Israeli tourists were robbed of a significant amount of bitcoins. The attackers, disguised as police officers, used firearms during the assault, raising concerns about the involvement of organized crime groups with police training.
Cryptocurrencies: Valuable Targets That Attract Danger
As cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, incidents of violence and crime associated with these digital assets are on the rise. This trend underscores the need for enhanced security measures and better protection for investors on a global scale.

#CryptoCrime , #Bitcoin❗ , #CryptoSafety , #cybercrime , #CryptoScamAlert

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A Crime That Shocked the Crypto Community
On December 25, 2024, seven suspects, including an officer from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), were arrested in Karachi, Pakistan, on suspicion of kidnapping crypto trader Mohammed Arsalan. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $340,000. Authorities confirmed that another police officer involved in the crime is still at large.

How the Kidnapping Unfolded
Forced Transfer of Life Savings
Arsalan, a 30-year-old trader, was abducted from the Manghopir area. The kidnappers forced him to transfer $340,000 from his Binance account to several wallets under their control. He was released hours later near Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum.
Arsalan shared details of his ordeal on Facebook, including screenshots of his Binance withdrawal history. He claimed that $277,000 was moved through decentralized exchanges to a specific wallet before being transferred to Binance. While his claims have not been independently verified, the evidence provided is being used in the ongoing investigation.

The Suspects and Their Capture
Who Was Behind the Crime?
The Anti-Violence Crime Cell (AVCC) identified and arrested seven suspects, including known repeat offenders. Those detained included Mohammed Rizwan Shah, Tariq Hasan Shah alias Amir, Muzamil Raza, and others. The arrests were conducted across Karachi under the leadership of SSP Aneel Haider Minhas.
While the arrests have been made, the exact timeline of the crime and evidence linking each suspect to the incident remain unclear. According to AVCC, some of the suspects had previously been involved in similar crimes.
Troubling Questions
Suspicious Circumstances and Abuse of Power
Arsalan's account raises several unanswered questions. He stated that a man named Hamid had contacted him before the incident, offering to trade U.S. dollars. Despite Arsalan's reservations, a meeting took place, which eventually led to his abduction. The kidnappers then forced him to unlock his Binance account and transfer the funds.
The investigation revealed that the kidnappers used an unmarked police vehicle and possessed technological skills to reset Arsalan's phone and manipulate his crypto accounts.
Involvement of Police Officers
Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon described the incident as an isolated case of individual misconduct, emphasizing that the police do not tolerate illegal activities. However, critics demand a thorough internal investigation to restore public trust in law enforcement's integrity and transparency.
Impact on Crypto Trader Security
A Wake-Up Call for Regulatory Measures
Arsalan expressed devastation over losing his life savings and vowed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. His case highlights the urgent need for better protection of crypto traders in Pakistan.
The lack of regulation and security education around digital assets makes traders vulnerable to crimes like this. Observers hope this incident will serve as a catalyst for stronger legislative action and improvements to the legal framework for protecting digital assets.

#CryptoCommunity , #CryptoNews , #CryptoCrime , #CryptoFraud , #CryptoSecurity

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India has joined forces with tech giants Google and Facebook to address the growing number of scams known as "pig butchering" schemes. These scams use cryptocurrencies both as bait to lure victims and as a tool to launder stolen funds.
Targeting Vulnerable Groups: Youth and Financially Insecure Individuals
According to the 2024 annual report from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, these scams primarily target unemployed youth, homemakers, students, and financially vulnerable individuals. Fraudsters exploit their trust, promising quick profits and high returns on investments.
Victims lose significant sums of money, often including borrowed funds. These scams are frequently promoted through advertising campaigns on Google and communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Collaborative Efforts to Detect and Prevent Fraud
India’s Cyber Crime Coordination Center has partnered with Google and Facebook to identify and remove harmful ads, uncover fraudulent digital lending apps, and track phishing campaigns linked to these scams.
Additionally, cryptocurrency exchanges have been integrated into the Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System, enabling faster detection and blocking of suspicious transactions. This platform connects law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and crypto platforms to prevent the illicit flow of funds.
Training Officers and Investigating Crypto Crimes
Nationwide specialized training programs are equipping Indian police officers with the skills to track cryptocurrency transactions, seize digital assets, and analyze blockchain evidence. These measures aim to strengthen investigative capabilities in combating cryptocurrency fraud.
India as a Target for International Scammers
With high cryptocurrency adoption at the local level, India has become a major target for scammers often operating from abroad, particularly from regions like Southeast Asia. Authorities are stepping up oversight of the currently unregulated crypto sector.
In 2023, India’s Financial Intelligence Unit mandated that cryptocurrency exchanges register as reporting entities to operate in the country.
Crackdowns on Major Fraud Cases
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), the country’s economic intelligence agency, has tackled several high-profile cryptocurrency scams. In June 2024, it froze assets worth over $3 million linked to the Highrich crypto Ponzi scheme, which promised returns of up to 15% on fake investments.
A few months later, the agency uncovered another fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme, causing losses of up to $800,000.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Crypto Sector
Through partnerships with tech giants, specialized training programs, and strict enforcement measures, India is strengthening its fight against cryptocurrency scams to protect its citizens and stabilize the crypto industry.

#IndiaCrypto , #Facebook , #Google , #CryptoNewss , #CryptoCrime

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The Health Sector #cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) in the United States has announced that at least one healthcare institution in the U.S. has been hit by the Trinity ransomware, a new threat targeting critical infrastructure.
The Threat of Trinity Ransomware and How It Works
A U.S. government agency issued a warning regarding the Trinity ransomware, which targets victims and extorts them for #CryptocurrencyPayments in exchange for not leaking sensitive data. This ransomware uses various attack methods, including phishing emails, malicious websites, and exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Once it infiltrates a system, the ransomware scans the victim's computer, collects sensitive information, and encrypts files using advanced encryption algorithms, rendering them unreadable. #hackers then leave a message in the computer informing the victim that their data has been encrypted and demanding a ransom in exchange for a decryption key.
Hackers’ Demands: 24-Hour Deadline for Payment
In the ransom note, victims are warned that they have only 24 hours to pay the ransom in cryptocurrency, or their data will be leaked or sold. HC3 noted that there are currently no available decryption tools for Trinity ransomware, leaving victims with few options for recovery.
"Victims have 24 hours to contact the cybercriminals, and if they fail to do so, the stolen data will be leaked or sold," HC3 reported. The ransomware primarily targets critical infrastructure, including healthcare providers.
Attacks on Healthcare Institutions
The Trinity ransomware has already affected seven organizations, with healthcare facilities being one of its primary targets. HC3 reported that at least one healthcare entity in the U.S. was recently impacted by this ransomware, raising concerns about cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.
Crypto Ransom Payments Reached $1 Billion in 2023
According to the Chainalysis 2024 #cryptocrime Report, ransomware attackers received approximately $1.1 billion in cryptocurrency payments in 2023. These ransoms were paid by high-profile institutions and critical infrastructure, with attacks ranging from small criminal groups to large syndicates.
The report also revealed that 538 new ransomware variants were created in 2023, with major corporations like BBC and British Airways being among the primary targets of these attacks.
#cyberattacks

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#BinanceSquareCreatorAward
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to community service after being
found guilty of involvement in a cryptocurrency theft in Scotland.
John Ross Rennie was convicted of aiding and abetting a home invasion
in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, during which Bitcoin valued at
approximately £110,000 was stolen.

The incident occurred in March 2020 when Rennie and his accomplices
entered a home and threatened the victim with a machete. They forced
the victim to transfer the Bitcoin to a designated wallet.
Rennie, while not directly involved in the physical assault, was
identified as the technical mastermind behind the operation,
providing guidance on the cryptocurrency transactions.

As a result of his involvement, Rennie was sentenced to 150 hours of community
service. Additionally, authorities seized 23.5 Bitcoin
from his possession. The case marked a significant milestone in
Scotland as the first instance of stolen cryptocurrency being traced
and recovered.

The stolen Bitcoin was subsequently converted into cash, with the
proceeds amounting to approximately £110,000. The incident
highlighted a growing trend of criminals targeting cryptocurrency
holdings through violent home invasions.

In a separate but related case, another home invasion
occurred in the same area, involving the assault of a female occupant
with a Toblerone chocolate bar. The perpetrators, who were believed
to be part of the same criminal group, threatened the victim and
demanded access to her cryptocurrency.

The use of violent tactics to obtain cryptocurrency has become
increasingly prevalent. In July 2023, a gang led by Remy Ra St. Felix
was responsible for a series of brutal home invasions targeting
victims in the United States. The gang employed extreme methods of
violence and intimidation to coerce their victims into surrendering
their crypto assets.

How can Crypto owners protect themselves from these types of physical
threats?
#Scotland #cryptocrime #CryptoSafetyMatters

Binance participated in the @Acferreira ACFE Hong Kong Anniversary Conference to discuss strategies for combating crypto crime and improving compliance across the industry.$ETH
The session focused on the challenges crypto startups face with regulatory frameworks, Binance's investment in compliance technologies, and its role in preventing illicit activities.$XRP
Binance emphasized the importance of collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to create a secure and sustainable crypto ecosystem.$SOL
For more details, check the full article here.

#Binance #CryptoCompliance #ACFEConference #CryptoCrime #RegulatoryStandards #BlockchainSecurity #CryptoIndustry #FinancialCrime #ComplianceInnovation

Detectives from Scottsdale, in collaboration with U.S. Secret Service agents, arrested a man on December 11 for charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering. The suspect allegedly stole $300,000 worth of cryptocurrency from two unsuspecting passengers.
Fake Uber Driver as a Trap
According to Fox10 Phoenix, Nuruhussein Hussein pretended to be an Uber driver in Scottsdale, Arizona. The thefts reportedly occurred in March and October when Hussein lured victims waiting outside the W Hotel, posing as their ordered Uber ride.
First Incident: Hussein allegedly asked to borrow a passenger's phone, claiming his device was broken.Second Incident: He offered to resolve issues with the Uber app after the victim questioned why the app showed the driver hadn’t arrived yet.

Stealing Cryptocurrency from Coinbase
Hussein reportedly used the opportunity to access the victims' Coinbase accounts while holding their phones. The stolen cryptocurrency was transferred from phone to phone and moved to cold storage (offline wallets).
Court documents do not specify how Hussein knew the names of the passengers waiting for their Uber.
Threatening the Victims
When one victim grew suspicious, Hussein allegedly threatened them, saying: “Calm down, or something bad will happen.”
Arrest and Charges
Hussein was arrested by Scottsdale detectives and U.S. Secret Service agents on December 11. The judge set a $200,000 cash bond and ordered electronic monitoring if Hussein were to secure his release.
The court imposed restrictions, including:
No internet usage,No international travel, due to concerns that Hussein might destroy evidence or flee to Ethiopia, where he allegedly travels frequently.
Hussein is scheduled to appear in court again on December 18.
Rising Cases of Cryptocurrency Robberies
According to GitHub, there have been at least 19 cases of offline crypto thefts worldwide in the past year. This compares to 17 cases in 2023 and 32 in 2021.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2014, when an unknown attacker attempted to extort 1,000 bitcoins from computer scientist and cryptographer Hal Finney. At the time, the stolen amount was valued at $400,000.
Recent Case in Australia
In the latest recorded incident on December 3, thieves in Melbourne, Australia, crashed through a shopping center window and stole a Bitcoin ATM. Police later found the ATM pried open and burning in a park.

#cryptofraud , #cryptocrime , #CryptoNewss , #cybersecurity , #Cryptoscam

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Fraudsters stole $21.6 million from more than 40,000 investors to fund their lavish lifestyle, which allegedly included $100,000 spent on sex workers.
Five People Sentenced for Cryptocurrency Fraud
Five individuals have been sentenced to prison for their role in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme worth $21.6 million (€20 million). The stolen funds were reportedly spent on a shark tank, private jet rides, sex workers, and luxury cars.
The fraudsters obtained funds from around 40,000 investors through various investment schemes, including EXW Wallet and the EXW cryptocurrency token, according to a report by the Austrian news outlet Heute on October 23.
Sentences for the Fraudsters
Two of the defendants were sentenced to five years in prison, two received 30-month sentences, and one was sentenced to 18 months. Five others were acquitted, while several members of the group are still evading authorities.
The trial at the Klagenfurt Regional Court was the largest fraud trial in Austrian history, according to Heute. The sentences were handed down on October 23, following a two-month trial and more than 300 hours of hearings.
A Life Like a Hollywood Movie
The fraudsters lived a lavish lifestyle, hosting parties at some of Dubai's most luxurious clubs, traveling between cities on private jets, and even purchasing a shark tank for a villa in Bali, as reported by BehindMLM. Additionally, over $100,000 was spent on sex workers, according to a July 12 article by BehindMLM.

Cash Transported in Plastic Bags
The fraudulent operation was based in Dubai, but some of the stolen cash was transported to Austria, where many of the defendants originated. The funds were reportedly carried in plastic bags.
Austrian prosecutors charged eight individuals involved in the EXW fraud in September 2023, with several more charged in the following months. The lack of an extradition treaty between Austria and the United Arab Emirates complicated the prosecution, but some defendants voluntarily surrendered while others fled.
The EXW Fraudulent Investment Scheme
The EXW Wallet was launched in late 2019, promising daily returns on investments in EXW tokens ranging from 0.1% to 0.32%. However, the fraudulent scheme collapsed a few months later in 2020.
Some of the convicted individuals were also involved in promoting real estate projects and are under investigation for a separate cannabis-related fraud, where an estimated 17,000 victims were defrauded of $17.2 million (€16 million).
#cryptofraud , #CryptocurrencyScams , #cryptocrime , #CryptoNews🚀🔥

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Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, a 35-year-old man from Springfield, Virginia, has been convicted by a federal court for financing the terrorist organization ISIS using cryptocurrency.
Sent $185,000 in Cryptocurrency to Syria
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Chhipa sent $185,000 worth of cryptocurrency to ISIS members in Syria between October 2019 and October 2022.

Evidence revealed that the funds were used to:
Finance the escapes of ISIS women from prison camps.Support ISIS fighters.
Chhipa raised the money through social media accounts, electronic bank transfers, and in-person cash collections. The funds were then converted into cryptocurrency and sent to Turkey, where they were smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.
Collaboration with a UK-born ISIS Member
Chhipa's main accomplice was a UK-born ISIS member living in Syria. This conspirator also helped raise funds for:
Prison escapes.Terrorist attacks.
“During the conspiracy, the defendant sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.”
Facing Up to 100 Years in Prison
Chhipa was convicted on five counts:
Conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.Four counts of providing or attempting to provide support to ISIS.
If sentenced to the maximum penalties, he faces up to 100 years in prison, although actual sentences for federal crimes are typically lower.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2025, where the judge will determine the length of his imprisonment based on federal sentencing guidelines and legal factors.
Other Cases Involving Cryptocurrencies and Terrorist Financing
The DOJ recently charged Maximilian Pilipis, operator of the AurumXchange crypto exchange, for money laundering connected to the darknet marketplace Silk Road.
The exchange allegedly processed transactions linked to Silk Road accounts.AurumXchange operated without a license from 2009 to 2013, violating AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations.
These cases highlight how cryptocurrencies can be exploited for illegal activities, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.

#CryptoNewss , #BTC☀ , #moneylaundering , #cybercrime , #cryptocrime

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Man Sent Cryptocurrency to IS Group: Amin Rahman Sentenced
In a significant ruling, Amin Rahman has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in financing terrorism through cryptocurrency. Rahman, a resident of the UK, was found guilty of sending over £16,000 worth of cryptocurrency to the Islamic State (IS) group.
Using the Monero app, Rahman transferred these funds in an attempt to support the terrorist organization. Monero is known for its privacy features, making it a popular choice for illicit transactions due to its ability to obscure the origins, amounts, and destinations of cryptocurrency payments.
Rahman's actions were uncovered through diligent investigation by security agencies, who traced the transactions back to him. The authorities emphasized the growing use of cryptocurrencies in financing illegal activities and the need for robust regulations to combat such misuse.
During the trial, it was revealed that Rahman had made multiple transactions over a period of time, carefully orchestrating the payments to avoid detection. However, the sophisticated nature of modern forensic techniques allowed investigators to piece together his activities.
This case underscores the challenges that law enforcement faces in the digital age, where technology can be both a tool for progress and a means for criminal activity. The successful prosecution of Rahman serves as a warning to others who might consider using cryptocurrencies for illegal purposes.
Authorities continue to call for enhanced international cooperation and stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As cryptocurrency adoption increases globally, ensuring that these digital assets are not exploited for harm remains a critical priority.
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#CryptoCrime #TerrorismFunding #ISFunding #CryptoRegulatio n $BTC $ETH $BNB

Deniss Zolotarjovs, a 33-year-old Russian national, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to his involvement in a cybercrime group that extorted victims and laundered cryptocurrency . Zolotarjovs, who was arrested in Georgia in December 2023, is accused of playing a key role in the group's operations, which included stealing sensitive data and demanding ransom payments in cryptocurrency .
Charges and Allegations
Zolotarjovs faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and Hobbs Act extortion . He is alleged to have been a member of the Karakurt extortion gang, which compromised company systems, stole data, and demanded ransom payments in cryptocurrency . The group also operated a website that leaked or auctioned off stolen data .
Investigation and Extradition
The investigation into Zolotarjovs' activities was led by the FBI, which used cryptocurrency tracing, communication analysis, and data obtained from search warrants to link him to the extortion and money laundering activities . He was extradited to the US from Georgia, marking the first time a member of the Karakurt group has been brought to the US to face charges .
Implications
This extradition demonstrates the commitment of international law enforcement agencies to combating cybercrime and holding perpetrators accountable ¹. It also highlights the growing concern about cryptocurrency-related crimes and the need for increased cooperation between countries to prevent and investigate such offenses.
#cryptocrime #cryptoregulation #DOGSONBINANCE #BNBChainMemecoins #TelegramCEO