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Ransomware Hackers and Scammers Utilizing Cloud Mining to Launder Cryptocurrency

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Ransomware Hackers and Scammers Utilizing Cloud Mining to Launder Cryptocurrency

Jun 15, 2023Ravie LakshmananCryptocurrency / Ransomware

Ransomware actors and cryptocurrency scammers have joined nation-state actors in abusing cloud mining services to launder digital assets, new findings reveal.

“Cryptocurrency mining is a crucial part of our industry, but it also holds special appeal to bad actors, as it provides a means to acquire money with a totally clean on-chain original source,” blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis said in a report shared with The Hacker News.

Earlier this March, Google Mandiant disclosed North Korea-based APT43’s use of the hash rental and cloud mining services to obscure the forensic trail and wash the stolen cryptocurrency “clean.”

Cybersecurity

Cloud mining services allow users to rent a computer system and use that computer’s hash power to mine cryptocurrencies without having to manage the mining hardware themselves.

But according to Chainalysis, it’s not just nation-state hacking crews who are leveraging such services in the wild.

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In one example highlighted by the company, mining pools and wallets associated with ransomware actors have been used to send funds to a “highly active deposit address” at an unnamed mainstream crypto exchange.

This includes $19.1 million from four ransomware wallet addresses and $14.1 million from three mining pools, with a significant chunk of the funds routed via a network of intermediary wallets and pools.

Cloud Mining to Launder Cryptocurrency

“In this scenario, the mining pool acts similarly to a mixer in that it obfuscates the origin of funds and creates the illusion that the funds are proceeds from mining rather than from ransomware,” Chainalysis noted.

In a sign that the trend is gaining traction, the cumulative value of assets sent from ransomware wallets to exchanges through mining pools has surged from less than $10,000 in Q1 2018 to almost $50 million in Q1 2023.

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That’s not all. As many as 372 exchange deposit addresses have been found to receive at least $1 million worth of cryptocurrency from mining pools and any amount from ransomware addresses since January 2018.

“Overall, the data suggests that mining pools may play a key role in many ransomware actors’ money laundering strategy,” Chainalysis said.

Mining pools have also earned a place in the playbooks of scam operators like the BitClub Network, who have been found commingling their illicit Bitcoin proceeds with assets received from a Russia-based Bitcoin mining operation and BTC-e, a crypto exchange that was set up to facilitate the laundering of money stolen in the infamous Mt. Gox hack.

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“Crypto scammers and money launderers working on their behalf are also using mining pools as part of their money laundering process,” the company said. “Deposit addresses [with receipts of at least $1 million worth of crypto from mining pools] have received just under $1.1 billion worth of cryptocurrency from scam-related addresses since 2018.”

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Bitcoin Retreats From Record High After Fed Cools Risk Appetite

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Bitcoin Retreats From Record High After Fed Cools Risk Appetite

Bitcoin fell for the first time in four days with speculative bets being pared across financial markets after Federal Reserve officials suggested greater caution over how quickly they can continue reducing borrowing costs.

The original cryptocurrency fell as much as 5.3% to $100,752, a day after climbing above $108,000 for the first time in what’s been a record-breaking rally this year. The seven largest digital tokens as measured by market value were all lower, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

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Navigating the Rise of Cryptocurrency in Latin America

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Navigating the Rise of Cryptocurrency in Latin America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
experiencing explosive growth, driven by a mix of factors in the area like
economic instability, financial innovation, and regulatory evolution. Countries
like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are emerging as global leaders in
cryptocurrency usage, offering a fertile ground for both individuals and
businesses to explore digital assets as practical solutions for real-world
financial challenges.

To learn more about Latin America’s rapidly
evolving crypto market, download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin
America’s Booming Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

The rising wave of crypto in Latin
America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
accelerating, fueled by inflation and currency devaluation. In Argentina, where
inflation has devastated the peso, Bitcoin and stablecoins have played an
important role in protecting savings. Around 15% of the population uses crypto
regularly, finding it a critical hedge against inflation.

In Brazil, crypto is even being integrated
into mainstream finance. The country was one of the first to approve
cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and by 2023, the value of USDT
transactions was equivalent to $55 billion, more than 80% of its crypto volume.
This makes Brazil a key player in the global crypto market.

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Mexico has carved out a niche in crypto
remittances, with Bitso processing over $3.3 billion in cross-border payments
in 2022. Crypto is emerging as a more efficient solution for these
transactions, benefiting millions of families reliant on remittances.

Regulatory evolution driving market growth

The regulatory environment across Latin
America is evolving, creating opportunities for businesses to expand. For example,
El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as
legal tender, with further initiatives like Bitcoin-backed bonds and a
government-sponsored crypto wallet. This bold experiment has positioned El
Salvador as a global trailblazer for cryptocurrency adoption, even as its
long-term effects are being evaluated.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s fintech law from 2018
recognized cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, establishing a clear regulatory
pathway for businesses. This clarity has helped companies like Bitso thrive. Meanwhile,
Colombia’s regulatory sandbox has promoted crypto experimentation in a
controlled environment, attracting fintechs and positioning the country as a
future hub for innovation.

Argentina, while still working on a
comprehensive regulatory framework, has seen increased interest in crypto
regulation under its new pro-crypto government. Colombia’s sandbox model is
providing fintechs with a controlled environment to test their offerings,
positioning the country as an emerging leader in the digital asset space as
well.

Emerging opportunities

Despite infrastructure and regulatory
challenges, Latin America offers immense opportunities for crypto growth.
Argentina and Venezuela, with their hyperinflationary economies, continue to
see widespread crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to their unstable
currencies. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC can help individuals and businesses
in these countries by providing greater financial stability.

Advertisement

Mexico’s growing role in crypto remittances
and Colombia’s fintech-friendly environment highlight the region’s potential
for further expansion. Tokenization is another area of growth, with Brazil’s
agricultural commodity token project, Agrotoken, revolutionizing access to
credit for small farmers. Brazil’s Drex initiative also highlights the
country’s commitment to developing a fully digital economy and integrating
blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems.

Latin America’s complex economic landscape,
combined with its openness to crypto solutions, makes it an exciting market for
businesses seeking to leverage digital assets. By addressing regulatory and
payment infrastructure challenges, companies can unlock the full potential of
this rapidly evolving crypto market.

The role of payment solutions in this evolving
market

Cross-border payments and regulatory
complexities are significant hurdles for businesses expanding into the Latin
American crypto market. The region’s rising demand for remittances, along with
fragmented payment infrastructures, means businesses must navigate
multi-currency transactions. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes
require businesses to stay compliant while managing operational risks.

Paysafe addresses these challenges by
offering solutions that streamline cross-border payments, supporting multiple
currencies and reducing transaction costs. With strong integration into key
local systems, Paysafe helps businesses deliver the seamless payment options
customers expect.

Furthermore, Paysafe’s regulatory expertise
ensures businesses remain compliant across diverse markets, while its advanced
security features protect against fraud, providing businesses with the trust
and reliability they need to thrive in the region’s fast-growing crypto
ecosystem.

Advertisement

Conclusion

Latin America is a prime market for
cryptocurrency adoption and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. From the
pioneering efforts of El Salvador to the sophisticated regulatory framework in
Brazil, the region offers diverse use cases for businesses looking to enter or
expand their crypto operations. Our whitepaper highlights that despite
challenges like regulatory fragmentation and cultural nuances, Latin America
presents tremendous opportunities for growth.

For more detailed insights and strategies,
download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin America’s Booming
Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

By leveraging Paysafe’s comprehensive
payment solutions, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the Latin
American crypto landscape, unlocking the full potential of one of the world’s
fastest-growing markets.

Disclaimer:

This article is not intended to be
financial, investment or trading advice. This article is for information and
solely for education purposes. It does not protect against any financial loss,
risk or fraud.

Advertisement

Why Paysafe

Paysafe supports Latin American businesses
with over 25 years of experience, offering top-tier fraud, risk, and compliance
support. Their solutions streamline cross-border payments, support multiple
currencies, and reduce transaction costs, enabling confident expansion in the
crypto market.

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
experiencing explosive growth, driven by a mix of factors in the area like
economic instability, financial innovation, and regulatory evolution. Countries
like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are emerging as global leaders in
cryptocurrency usage, offering a fertile ground for both individuals and
businesses to explore digital assets as practical solutions for real-world
financial challenges.

To learn more about Latin America’s rapidly
evolving crypto market, download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin
America’s Booming Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

The rising wave of crypto in Latin
America

Cryptocurrency adoption in Latin America is
accelerating, fueled by inflation and currency devaluation. In Argentina, where
inflation has devastated the peso, Bitcoin and stablecoins have played an
important role in protecting savings. Around 15% of the population uses crypto
regularly, finding it a critical hedge against inflation.

Advertisement

In Brazil, crypto is even being integrated
into mainstream finance. The country was one of the first to approve
cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and by 2023, the value of USDT
transactions was equivalent to $55 billion, more than 80% of its crypto volume.
This makes Brazil a key player in the global crypto market.

Mexico has carved out a niche in crypto
remittances, with Bitso processing over $3.3 billion in cross-border payments
in 2022. Crypto is emerging as a more efficient solution for these
transactions, benefiting millions of families reliant on remittances.

Regulatory evolution driving market growth

The regulatory environment across Latin
America is evolving, creating opportunities for businesses to expand. For example,
El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as
legal tender, with further initiatives like Bitcoin-backed bonds and a
government-sponsored crypto wallet. This bold experiment has positioned El
Salvador as a global trailblazer for cryptocurrency adoption, even as its
long-term effects are being evaluated.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s fintech law from 2018
recognized cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, establishing a clear regulatory
pathway for businesses. This clarity has helped companies like Bitso thrive. Meanwhile,
Colombia’s regulatory sandbox has promoted crypto experimentation in a
controlled environment, attracting fintechs and positioning the country as a
future hub for innovation.

Argentina, while still working on a
comprehensive regulatory framework, has seen increased interest in crypto
regulation under its new pro-crypto government. Colombia’s sandbox model is
providing fintechs with a controlled environment to test their offerings,
positioning the country as an emerging leader in the digital asset space as
well.

Advertisement

Emerging opportunities

Despite infrastructure and regulatory
challenges, Latin America offers immense opportunities for crypto growth.
Argentina and Venezuela, with their hyperinflationary economies, continue to
see widespread crypto adoption as citizens seek alternatives to their unstable
currencies. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC can help individuals and businesses
in these countries by providing greater financial stability.

Mexico’s growing role in crypto remittances
and Colombia’s fintech-friendly environment highlight the region’s potential
for further expansion. Tokenization is another area of growth, with Brazil’s
agricultural commodity token project, Agrotoken, revolutionizing access to
credit for small farmers. Brazil’s Drex initiative also highlights the
country’s commitment to developing a fully digital economy and integrating
blockchain technology into mainstream financial systems.

Latin America’s complex economic landscape,
combined with its openness to crypto solutions, makes it an exciting market for
businesses seeking to leverage digital assets. By addressing regulatory and
payment infrastructure challenges, companies can unlock the full potential of
this rapidly evolving crypto market.

The role of payment solutions in this evolving
market

Cross-border payments and regulatory
complexities are significant hurdles for businesses expanding into the Latin
American crypto market. The region’s rising demand for remittances, along with
fragmented payment infrastructures, means businesses must navigate
multi-currency transactions. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes
require businesses to stay compliant while managing operational risks.

Paysafe addresses these challenges by
offering solutions that streamline cross-border payments, supporting multiple
currencies and reducing transaction costs. With strong integration into key
local systems, Paysafe helps businesses deliver the seamless payment options
customers expect.

Advertisement

Furthermore, Paysafe’s regulatory expertise
ensures businesses remain compliant across diverse markets, while its advanced
security features protect against fraud, providing businesses with the trust
and reliability they need to thrive in the region’s fast-growing crypto
ecosystem.

Conclusion

Latin America is a prime market for
cryptocurrency adoption and its growth shows no sign of slowing down. From the
pioneering efforts of El Salvador to the sophisticated regulatory framework in
Brazil, the region offers diverse use cases for businesses looking to enter or
expand their crypto operations. Our whitepaper highlights that despite
challenges like regulatory fragmentation and cultural nuances, Latin America
presents tremendous opportunities for growth.

For more detailed insights and strategies,
download our whitepaper, “Unlock the Potential of Latin America’s Booming
Crypto Market.”

Read the report on the Latam’s blooming cryptocurrency market.

By leveraging Paysafe’s comprehensive
payment solutions, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of the Latin
American crypto landscape, unlocking the full potential of one of the world’s
fastest-growing markets.

Advertisement

Disclaimer:

This article is not intended to be
financial, investment or trading advice. This article is for information and
solely for education purposes. It does not protect against any financial loss,
risk or fraud.

Why Paysafe

Paysafe supports Latin American businesses
with over 25 years of experience, offering top-tier fraud, risk, and compliance
support. Their solutions streamline cross-border payments, support multiple
currencies, and reduce transaction costs, enabling confident expansion in the
crypto market.

Continue Reading

Crypto

Focus: As bitcoin soars, luxury brands consider accepting crypto payments

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Focus: As bitcoin soars, luxury brands consider accepting crypto payments
Bitcoin’s soaring value has caught the attention of high-end fashion brands and retailers, prompting further interest in offering cryptocurrencies as a means of payment to tap in to fresh pockets of wealth and build loyalty with crypto investors.
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