Crypto
Cryptocurrency is hard to trace, but CCID chief says commercial tech helping cops catch up to crooks
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 — Rather than cold hard cash, Malaysian criminals prefer to use cryptocurrency in their illicit activities like fraud, drug deals, robberies, selling hacked data, and ransom payments for kidnappings and murders in the Philippines.
This is because criminals perceive transactions involving cryptocurrencies as difficult to trace, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf told Utusan Malaysia in a news report published today.
But Ramli said the police, specifically the Cryptocurrency Unit within the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, is now able to identify diverse transactions with digital currencies using commercial technology.
“For instance, in the kidnapping and murder cases of Malaysians in the Philippines, PDRM successfully traced ransom payments through a crypto wallet and identified the mastermind,” he was quoted as saying, using the Malay abbreviation for the Royal Malaysia Police.
Advertisement
Sharing the information with their Philippine counterpart, the authorities managed to apprehend the suspects in those cases.
“We have also identified the cryptocurrency transactions involving locals selling personal data obtained through government-owned websites,” Ramli told the Malay newspaper.
He also said that Bukit Aman’s cryptocurrency analysis unit discovered that nearly 90 per cent of cryptocurrency-related crimes are linked to investment fraud.
Advertisement
He said many victims fall prey to cryptocurrency investment schemes offering unrealistic returns of 100 per cent within a short time frame, leading to losses amounting to millions of ringgit.
Citing a recent case, he said an 80-year-old woman lost RM10 million in such a scam after participating in an investment scheme promoted through the WhatsApp group “accerx.com”.
According to Ramli, a total of 5,507 cases involving cryptocurrency investment fraud were recorded between 2019 and last year, with losses amounting to approximately RM417.3 million.
He noted that a significant number of these online fraud cases occurred through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
Crypto
ASX admits first spot Bitcoin ETF
ASX today announces the admission of its first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), marking a significant milestone in the Australian financial market and cryptocurrency industry.
The admission of the VanEck Bitcoin ETF (ASX:VBTC) comes as crypto assets, such as Bitcoin and Ether, increasingly move into the investment mainstream, supported by increased regulatory guidance around the product category and growing consumer demand.
Andrew Campion, GM of Investment Products & Strategy said:
“While it has been possible to trade Bitcoin via crypto exchanges, trading units with exposure to Bitcoin via an ETF on an exchange like ASX means you’re able to buy and sell those units through a traditional brokerage account, simplifying the process and opening the opportunity to more Australians.”
VBTC will be backed by a Bitcoin holding via a US domiciled master fund, ensuring that each unit of the ETF corresponds to a specific amount of Bitcoin. This structure aims to give investors exposure to the price of Bitcoin, providing investors with a robust and transparent reflection of the crypto asset’s value.
“As the demand for digital assets continues to grow, we are proud to offer a regulated avenue for Australian investors to access the crypto asset market,” Mr Campion said.
Crypto
Kraken Calls Security Research Firm’s Demands ‘Criminal’; Certik Slams Threats Against Its Employees – Security Bitcoin News
Crypto
Analyst Forecasts Bright Future for Solana and Render in Cryptocurrency Market
An experienced analyst has shared optimistic insights with their substantial following, highlighting the potential growth of Solana (SOL) and Render (RNDR) in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies.
The analyst, known as Capo, has expressed confidence in the upward trajectory of Solana and RNDR, emphasizing potential opportunities for long-term investments. Solana is currently priced at $133, reflecting a minor drop of around 7% over the last 24 hours, while RNDR is trading at $7.17, showing a decrease of 10% in the same period.
Capo’s analysis extends beyond individual assets, as they closely monitor the performance of the broader crypto market through the OTHERS chart. With a market cap of $219.25 billion and fluctuations of over 7% within a day, alternative coins are poised for potential movements.
In a bold prediction, Capo suggests that Ethereum against Bitcoin (ETH/BTC) could experience a significant breakout, hinting at a possible rise to 0.065 BTC ($4,196). Currently trading at 0.0532 BTC ($3,442), ETH/BTC has shown slight gains in the past 24 hours.
Furthermore, the analyst anticipates a turning point for the crypto market, envisioning a forthcoming breakout. Despite the challenges faced by altcoins, Capo remains optimistic about a resurgence, underlining a bullish sentiment amidst prevailing market conditions.
As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, investors are advised to stay informed to navigate the dynamic market trends effectively. Stay tuned for further updates on the exciting developments in the crypto sphere.
Additional Relevant Facts:
– Solana (SOL) is known for its high-performance blockchain that aims to provide fast and low-cost transactions, making it attractive for decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi projects.
– Render (RNDR) focuses on providing decentralized GPU rendering services, catering to the needs of industries such as animation, visual effects, and cloud computing.
– The cryptocurrency market is renowned for its volatility, with prices capable of experiencing significant fluctuations within short periods, presenting both opportunities and risks for investors.
Key Questions:
1. What are the fundamental factors driving the growth potential of Solana and Render in the cryptocurrency market?
2. How do analyst forecasts influence investor sentiment and decisions in the crypto space?
3. What are the challenges associated with investing in volatile assets like cryptocurrencies, and how can investors mitigate risks effectively?
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages:
– Potential for high returns: Cryptocurrencies like Solana and Render have shown rapid price appreciation, offering the possibility of substantial profits for early investors.
– Innovation opportunities: Projects like Solana and Render present innovative solutions in blockchain and GPU rendering technologies, attracting interest from tech enthusiasts and industry professionals.
– Disadvantages:
– Volatility risks: The cryptocurrency market’s inherent volatility can lead to sudden and sharp price swings, potentially resulting in significant losses for investors.
– Regulatory uncertainties: Regulatory changes and crackdowns on cryptocurrencies in various jurisdictions can impact the market sentiment and the viability of certain projects.
Suggested Related Links:
– CoinDesk
– Cointelegraph
– Crypto section on Bloomberg
-
Politics1 week ago
GOP releases Jan. 6 clip of Pelosi saying 'I take responsibility' as she discussed National Guard absence
-
World1 week ago
Ukraine reconstruction official quits citing ‘systemic obstacles’
-
World1 week ago
Jury deliberations start in Hunter Biden’s gun trial
-
Politics1 week ago
Biden admin weighs going around Israel to negotiate release of US hostages directly with Hamas: report
-
News1 week ago
171,000 Traveled for Abortions Last Year. See Where They Went.
-
News1 week ago
In attempting to curtail immigration, the U.S. looks for allies in Latin America
-
Technology1 week ago
Resident Evil 7 is making its way to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump travels to DC to meet with congressional Republicans, speak with nation's top business executives