CRYPTOCRIME

#CryptoCrime
Hong Kong expands crypto enforcement capacity through academic collaboration, complementing its digital currency pilots with forensic infrastructure.
Hong Kong Customs partnered with the University of Hong Kong to create a forensic tool designed to trace virtual asset transactions, according to a June 12 report from the South China Morning Post.

Assistant Commissioner Mario Wong Ho-yin said the department had handled seven cryptocurrency-related money laundering cases between 2021 and May 2025, involving over HK$9 billion.
Crypto Fraud Cases Prompt New Law Enforcement Collaboration
Wong said these offenses crossed international borders and required collaboration among law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and the financial sector.
“These money laundering threats are characterised by a transnational and borderless nature, and no single agency can tackle this problem alone,” Wong said during a media briefing.
In one case, HK$1.8 billion moved through more than 1,000 transactions involving five companies and 18 local bank accounts. Two suspects allegedly moved HK$760 million using a cryptocurrency platform.
The partnership builds on earlier work with HKU, where Hong Kong Customs had used the university’s forensic tools to investigate copyright infringement cases. Professor Yiu Siu-ming of HKU’s School of Computing and Data Science said the risks tied to virtual assets would likely grow as adoption increases.
“Different issues will arise when so many products emerge, but current laws and regulations are not necessarily comprehensive. Another factor to note is the safety of these platforms,” he said.
“This will help us fulfil the evidence requirements from the court [when handling these cases]. Without the University of Hong Kong’s technical advice, it would be difficult for us to do so,” Wong added.

Hong Kong Broadens Digital Finance Strategy
The two parties have also begun training officers from both local and international agencies on how to investigate digital asset-related crimes. A recent three-day workshop included attendees from eight jurisdictions, including mainland China, India, and New Zealand.
The initiative coincides with Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a regulated hub for digital finance. The city’s e-HKD pilot program is now in its second phase, testing practical applications for a central bank digital currency, such as settlement and cross-border use.
Efforts to develop crypto transaction tracing tools support Hong Kong’s broader digital finance agenda. These developments reflect closer alignment between emerging payment systems and enforcement capabilities. The goal is to balance increased financial access with stronger systemic oversight.

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🔹 Russian entrepreneur arrested in New York for massive crypto-based money laundering scheme

U.S. authorities have arrested 38-year-old Iurii Gugnin, the founder of a U.S.-based crypto payment firm, who is accused of helping sanctioned Russian entities launder over $530 million. The funds were funneled through American banks and crypto exchanges, often using the stablecoin Tether (USDT).
Gugnin, who lived in Manhattan and operated the companies Evita Investments and Evita Pay, now faces 22 counts, including money laundering, fraud, and sanctions evasion.

🔹 Concealing Russian ties, fake companies, and doctored invoices

Investigators say Gugnin used shell companies, forged documents, and fake invoices to disguise the flow of funds to Russian institutions such as Sberbank, VTB, Sovcombank, Tinkoff, and the state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom.
He allegedly tampered with over 80 invoices and digitally erased any traces linking the transactions to Russia. This allowed him to bypass U.S. financial oversight and manipulate the data to make the transactions appear legitimate.

🔹 Also involved in exporting restricted technologies

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the scheme went beyond just laundering money. Gugnin also allegedly helped Russian clients obtain prohibited American technologies, including equipment subject to anti-terrorism export restrictions.
“The defendant turned a crypto company into a covert pipeline for dirty money, channeling over half a billion dollars through the U.S. financial system to aid sanctioned Russian banks and help Russian end users obtain sensitive U.S. technology,” said Matthew G. Olsen, U.S. Assistant Attorney General.

🔹 Searched for penalties online, linked to Russian and Iranian agents

Shortly before his arrest, Gugnin reportedly searched phrases like “how to know if the FBI is investigating you” and “money laundering penalties in the U.S.”, indicating he suspected he was under federal scrutiny.
He was also allegedly in direct contact with Russian intelligence agents and Iranian officials, both from countries that refuse to extradite their citizens to the U.S.

🔹 Lavish New York lifestyle despite illegal activity

Despite his criminal dealings, Gugnin lived the high life in New York — paying $19,000 per month for a luxury Manhattan apartment. In fall 2024, he was even featured in a Wall Street Journal article about elite renters in the city.

🔹 He faces an extremely severe sentence — possibly beyond life in prison

If convicted only of bank fraud, Gugnin could face up to 30 years in prison. However, if found guilty on all 22 counts, his combined sentence could exceed life imprisonment.
Gugnin has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail as he awaits further court proceedings.

#CryptoCrime , #MoneyLaundering , #CryptoFraud , #Tether , #russia

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Australian police have shut down a $21 million crypto-linked money laundering scheme in Queensland after an 18-month investigation.
🕵️‍♂️ What Happened?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) found a group using:
Fake businessesBank accountsCryptocurrency
to hide and move illegal money across the country.
🔍 What Did Police Find?
On June 5 and 6, 2025, police searched 14 homes and businesses in:
BrisbaneGold Coast
They seized:
🏠 17 properties🚗 Several vehicles💵 $30,000 in cash💻 $170,000 in crypto
Total seized so far: $21 million in criminal assets
🏦 How the Scam Worked
A security company mixed legal and illegal money.Around $190 million was changed into cryptocurrency.Money was picked up from secret locations across Australia.It was then flown to Queensland, passed through a sales company and car dealership, and washed clean.
👮 Who Was Charged?
Four people were charged:
PersonAgeLocationChargesMan from Heathwood32HeathwoodLaundered $9.5M in 15 months; refused to unlock phoneMan from Maudsland48MaudslandRan the security firm; laundered $10M+Woman (his wife)35MaudslandGeneral manager of the firmMan from West End58West EndLinked to car sales; faces 2 counts of laundering
The Heathwood man is in jail.The others got bail and will be in court on July 21 and August 1, 2025.
🗣️ Police Speak Out
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer called it:
“An elaborate and calculated scheme.”
He said money laundering is a big risk to Australia’s safety and economy.
👉 More arrests could happen as police keep looking into the full $190 million operation.
🔑 Key Takeaways
$21M in dirty money seized$190M might be involved4 people chargedMore arrests may come
$BTC
$ETH
$XRP

#AustraliaNews #CryptoCrime #MoneyLaundering #BitcoinLaundering #cryptochartes101

Source: AustraliaNews

🚨 The Rise of Crypto Kidnappings – When Digital Crime Turns Physical

As cryptocurrency surged in value, criminals found new ways to exploit it—not just through hacking, but through real-world violence. In recent years, crypto kidnappings have become a terrifying trend, where victims are abducted and tortured for their Bitcoin passwords.

✔️ Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, a wealthy crypto investor, was kidnapped in New York and held captive for 17 days in May 2025. His captors, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, tortured him, trying to force him to reveal his Bitcoin wallet containing $28 million.

✔️ David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, was kidnapped in France in January 2025. He and his wife were abducted by criminals demanding access to their crypto holdings.

✔️ Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium, faced an attempted kidnapping in Paris. His daughter and grandson were targeted by masked men who tried to force them into a van.

These crimes blur the line between digital fraud and physical violence, proving that crypto crime is no longer just behind a screen.

💰 The Scam – How Criminals Exploit Crypto’s Anonymity

🚨 Hackers and criminals now combine cybercrime with old-school kidnapping, forcing victims to hand over their crypto.

🚨 Some gangs break into homes to steal hardware wallets, bypassing digital security altogether.

🚨 Victims are often wealthy crypto holders, making them prime targets for ransom schemes.

For years, crypto crime was limited to online scams—but now, it’s spilling into the real world.

🔥 The Exposure – The Rise of Crypto Ransom Cases

✔️ Authorities arrested multiple suspects, uncovering organized crime rings behind these kidnappings.

✔️ Victims have spoken out, warning others about the dangers of flaunting crypto wealth.

✔️ Law enforcement is struggling to track stolen funds, as Bitcoin transactions remain difficult to trace.

The world of crypto is no longer just about digital security—it’s about physical safety too.

⚖️ The Aftermath – A Warning for Crypto Investors

🚨 Crypto holders must be cautious, as criminals now target them in real life.

🚨 Security measures must go beyond digital protection, including personal safety precautions.

🚨 Regulators are pushing for stricter tracking of crypto transactions, aiming to prevent ransom payments.

Crypto kidnappings aren’t just another scam—they’re a terrifying evolution of financial crime.

🔮 Lessons Learned – Can Crypto Ever Be Truly Safe?

🚨 Never reveal your crypto holdings publicly—it makes you a target.

🚨 Use multi-layered security—hardware wallets, cold storage, and physical safety measures.

🚨 Stay aware of emerging threats—crypto crime is evolving fast.

The story of crypto kidnappings isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a reminder that crypto’s greatest strength can also be its greatest weakness.

🔥 This is the complete story of Crypto Kidnappings—one of the most terrifying trends in crypto crime.

#CryptoKidnapping #BitcoinRansom #CryptoCrime
#CryptoHistory #Write2Earn 🚀🔥

It was a chilling pattern—crypto millionaires vanishing, their wallets emptied, their families left in terror. For years, the attacks seemed random, isolated incidents of violence in the digital gold rush. But in June 2025, investigators uncovered the truth: one man was behind it all.

1️⃣ The Rise of the Crypto Phantom

His name was Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old French-Moroccan with a taste for luxury and a mind for crime. He wasn’t just another hacker—he was a hunter, a man who tracked, kidnapped, and tortured crypto executives to steal their fortunes.

✔️ A Master of Disguise Bajjou used fake identities, encrypted messaging apps, and burner phones to stay ahead of the law.

✔️ A Network of Fear He built a team of criminals, operating across France, Morocco, and the U.S., targeting high-profile investors.

✔️ A Ruthless Strategy His victims were kidnapped, beaten, and forced to sign crypto transfers—or lose a finger.

2️⃣ The Kidnappings That Shocked the Crypto World

✔️ May 13, 2025—Pierre Noizat’s daughter and grandson were nearly abducted in Paris.

✔️ April 2025—David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, was kidnapped and tortured, losing a finger in the process.

✔️ Multiple Executives Targeted—Crypto leaders across Europe were attacked, threatened, and robbed.

For months, the crimes escalated, leaving the crypto community paralyzed with fear.

3️⃣ The Arrest That Ended the Nightmare

✔️ June 5, 2025—Bajjou was captured in Tangier, Morocco, after a global manhunt.

✔️ Interpol’s Most Wanted—He had been on the Interpol list since 2023, evading capture for years.

✔️ A Crime Syndicate Exposed—Authorities uncovered encrypted chats, revealing a network of criminals operating across borders.

4️⃣ The Fallout: Crypto Security in Crisis

✔️ Executives Hiring Bodyguards—Crypto millionaires are now investing in personal security.

✔️ Governments Cracking Down—France and Morocco are tightening crypto regulations to prevent future attacks.

✔️ A New Era of Crypto Crime—Physical violence is replacing cyber hacks, proving that wealth without protection is a target.

#CryptoCrime #BitcoinKidnapping #CryptoSecurity #InterpolCapture #Write2Earn

In a shocking turn of events, the cryptocurrency world was rocked by one of the most violent and terrifying incidents in its history. A 28-year-old Italian crypto investor, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, was kidnapped and tortured for 17 days in a luxury Manhattan townhouse by two men who wanted access to his multimillion-dollar Bitcoin fortune.

1️⃣ What Happened?

Carturan was pistol-whipped, electrocuted with a Taser, cut with a saw, and even dangled over a ledge as his captors tried to force him to hand over his Bitcoin wallet password. The attackers, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, were fellow crypto traders who had known Carturan personally.

The victim was also forced to smoke crack and subjected to humiliating abuse, including being peed on. The torture only ended when Carturan tricked his captors into believing his Bitcoin passkey was stored on his laptop. When they left to retrieve it, he escaped and ran to the NYPD.

2️⃣ Why Did It Happen?

The attack was part of a growing trend known as “wrench attacks”, where criminals physically assault crypto holders to steal their digital assets. Unlike cyber hacks, wrench attacks rely on brute force and extreme violence to extract wallet passwords.

Crypto crime experts have warned that Bitcoin’s rising value has made wealthy investors prime targets for these attacks. Criminals are no longer relying on hacking—they are going straight for the owners.

3️⃣ When Did It Happen?

The kidnapping began in late May 2025 and lasted 17 days before Carturan managed to escape. His captors were arrested shortly after, but the incident has raised alarms across the crypto industry about the dangers of holding large amounts of Bitcoin.

4️⃣ Where Did It Happen?

The torture took place in a high-end SoHo townhouse in New York City, rented for $30,000 a month by the attackers. The location was chosen to avoid suspicion, as the criminals lived lavishly while secretly holding Carturan hostage.

5️⃣ The Fallout: Crypto Investors Are Terrified

✔️ Increased Security Measures Wealthy crypto holders are now hiring private security and using multi-signature wallets to prevent theft.

✔️ Regulatory Concerns Governments are pushing for stricter crypto regulations, arguing that anonymous wealth makes investors vulnerable.

✔️ Psychological Impact Carturan’s case has shaken the crypto community, with many fearing that physical attacks will become more common.

6️⃣ Final Thoughts: The Dark Side of Crypto Wealth

While Bitcoin has created millionaires overnight, it has also attracted criminals willing to use extreme violence to steal digital assets. The Carturan case is a wake-up call for crypto investors—security is no longer just about avoiding hacks, but also protecting oneself from physical threats.

Would you feel safe holding millions in Bitcoin, knowing attacks like this are happening?

#CryptoCrime #Bitcoin #WrenchAttack
#CryptoSecurity
#Write2Earn

On June 4, 2025, Moroccan police arrested 24-year-old Frenchman of Moroccan descent Badis Mohamed Amid Bajou, suspected of organizing a series of kidnappings of crypto businessmen and their relatives in France. According to Le Figaro, Bajou was wanted by Interpol on charges of extortion, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and money laundering as part of an organized group. The arrest took place at the request of French authorities, and during a search, cold weapons and several phones were seized from the suspect.