Although the cryptocurrency market has experienced significant growth, recent events could negatively affect its development:
1. Arrest of key figures in the sector:
Polish police arrested Dmitry Vasilyev, former head of WEX, a major Russian cryptocurrency exchange, on charges of fraud and money laundering. This arrest, requested by the United States, could result in up to 20 years in prison for Vasilyev.
2. Dismantling of money laundering networks:
In the United Kingdom, the National Crime Agency dismantled an extensive network that used cryptocurrencies to launder billions of pounds for Russian mafias and oligarchs. The operation resulted in the arrest of 84 people and revealed the use of cryptocurrencies, especially Tether, to facilitate these illicit transactions.
3. Cryptocurrency-related scams and fraud:
In Spain, a minor was arrested in Cantabria for hacking computer systems of several sports federations and stealing over 500,000 personal data, obtaining cryptocurrencies worth more than 8,000 euros through the sale of such data.
Additionally, a massive scam campaign has been identified on social media that uses the image of Spanish public figures to promote fraudulent investments in cryptocurrencies, tricking victims into making initial deposits of €250.
4. Political instability and its impact on the market:
In South Korea, the declaration and subsequent revocation of martial law by President Yoon Suk-yeol caused Bitcoin to trade at 30% lower in the local market compared to other international markets, due to strict capital controls and high volatility.