# Money Laundering Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Money Laundering", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

‘Scam centre billionaire’ deported months after seizure of $15B in Bitcoin

In January 2026, Cambodian authorities arrested and deported Chen Zhi, billionaire chairman of Prince Holding Group, to China on charges related to a massive fraud scheme. The arrest followed a joint investigation with Beijing and the seizure of $15 billion in Bitcoin by U.S. prosecutors in October 2025—the largest crypto seizure in DOJ history. Chen’s network operated a “pig-butchering” scam using fake relationships and fraudulent crypto platforms, laundering proceeds through over 100 shell companies and crypto mining operations. The case is part of a broader global crackdown on crypto crime, including recent high-profile prosecutions in the U.K. and EU, and coincides with proposed U.S. legislation to strengthen crypto enforcement. While causing short-term market uncertainty, these actions aim to establish a more secure and credible financial ecosystem.

ambcrypto01/08 12:17

‘Scam centre billionaire’ deported months after seizure of $15B in Bitcoin

ambcrypto01/08 12:17

Suspect Linked to $15 Billion Bitcoin Fraud Arrested in Cambodia, Deported to China

Cambodian authorities have arrested and deported businessman Chen Zhi to China. He is accused of masterminding a massive international criminal network involving a $15 billion Bitcoin fraud, pig butchering scams, and money laundering. As the founder of the Cambodia-based Prince Group, he allegedly used its public business operations as a front for criminal activities. His network is linked to over 100 shell companies and the operation of scam centers across Southeast Asia. This follows a historic seizure by U.S. authorities of over 127,000 Bitcoin, valued at $15 billion, from his operation. China is seeking to prosecute him under its laws, which allow citizens to be charged for major crimes committed abroad. The case highlights the global scale of crypto-related crime and increased cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

TheNewsCrypto01/08 08:27

Suspect Linked to $15 Billion Bitcoin Fraud Arrested in Cambodia, Deported to China

TheNewsCrypto01/08 08:27

Sumit Gupta Highlights Competition After 49 Crypto Exchanges Report FIU Registration

CoinDCX CEO Sumit Gupta emphasized the competitive nature of India's crypto market, noting that over 100 exchanges are still pending registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). This follows reports that 49 exchanges—45 domestic and 4 offshore—registered with the FIU in FY 2024-2025. India is strictly monitoring the sector, imposing penalties of approximately ₹28 crore on non-compliant platforms. The FIU, designated as the sole regulatory authority for virtual digital assets, requires exchanges to share financial accounts, appoint compliance officers, and conduct internal audits to mitigate money laundering and terror financing risks.

TheNewsCrypto01/06 08:28

Sumit Gupta Highlights Competition After 49 Crypto Exchanges Report FIU Registration

TheNewsCrypto01/06 08:28

Notorious Bitcoin Hacker Released Years Early, Credits Trump

Ilya Lichtenstein, the central figure in the 2016 Bitfinex hack involving the theft of 120,000 bitcoin, has been released from federal custody after serving only about 14 months of his five-year sentence. He credited his early release to the First Step Act, a prison-reform law signed by former President Donald Trump in 2018. Lichtenstein, who pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy, was placed on home confinement after qualifying for time credits and program participation. The case, which involved billions in stolen crypto assets, saw the recovery of over 90% of the funds by authorities. His release has sparked debate over sentencing fairness in high-value cybercrime cases.

bitcoinist01/05 06:02

Notorious Bitcoin Hacker Released Years Early, Credits Trump

bitcoinist01/05 06:02

Bitfinex Hack Mastermind Released Early From Prison, Credits 2018 Trump Law – Details

Ilya Lichtenstein, the mastermind behind the 2016 Bitfinex hack that stole 119,574 Bitcoin, has been released early from prison after serving 14 months of his five-year sentence. He credited his release to the First Step Act, a 2018 criminal justice reform law signed by former President Donald Trump. The stolen Bitcoin, initially worth $71 million, is now valued at nearly $11 billion. Lichtenstein expressed remorse and pledged to contribute positively to cybersecurity. His wife, Heather Morgan, who was also convicted for laundering the stolen funds and released early under the same law, celebrated their reunion. The couple used sophisticated methods to launder a portion of the stolen cryptocurrency.

bitcoinist01/03 15:13

Bitfinex Hack Mastermind Released Early From Prison, Credits 2018 Trump Law – Details

bitcoinist01/03 15:13

ED Raids Multiple Locations in India Over Fake Crypto Investment Firm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India has conducted raids at 9 locations across Chandigarh and Haryana, including Kurukshetra, Ambala, and Karnal, targeting a fake crypto investment scheme known as Crypto World Trading Company. The operation, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), was initiated based on an FIR filed by Haryana police. The company is accused of defrauding numerous investors, primarily from northern Haryana, by luring them to invest multiples of ₹8,000. Authorities have seized digital evidence, documents, ₹4 lakh in cash, and frozen 18 bank accounts holding approximately ₹22.38 lakh. Additionally, immovable properties worth nearly ₹3 crore, believed to be purchased with illicit funds, have been seized. The accused, including individuals named Vikas Kalra and others, allegedly layered the money through family and associate accounts before investing in crypto on Binance and acquiring assets. This incident highlights the risks in the volatile crypto market, underscoring the need for thorough research before investing.

TheNewsCrypto12/31 09:24

ED Raids Multiple Locations in India Over Fake Crypto Investment Firm

TheNewsCrypto12/31 09:24

What Compliance Risks Lie Behind Trip.com's Overseas Version Accepting USDT Payments?

Trip.com's overseas platform has introduced USDT payments, allowing users to book flights and hotels using the stablecoin. While this offers benefits like potential exchange rate discounts and avoidance of cross-border payment fees and limits, it also carries significant compliance risks under Chinese regulations. For personal use, paying with legally sourced USDT for individual travel may still violate foreign exchange rules if done repetitively or in large amounts. There is also the risk of receiving "black USDT" linked to illegal activities like fraud, which could lead to frozen bank accounts and legal investigations. Acting as an agent to book for others for profit is riskier. Such activity may be classified as illegal foreign exchange operations or money laundering, potentially resulting in charges for illegal business operations or concealing criminal proceeds. To stay compliant, users should ensure the payer, account, and traveler names match exactly, retain proof of legitimate fund sources, and avoid any profit-seeking booking services for others. The key is to use USDT for genuine personal consumption only and avoid any grey-area transactions that may attract legal scrutiny.

marsbit12/30 02:38

What Compliance Risks Lie Behind Trip.com's Overseas Version Accepting USDT Payments?

marsbit12/30 02:38

What Compliance Risks Lie Behind Trip.com's Overseas Version's USDT Payment?

Trip.com's overseas platform has introduced USDT payment, allowing users to book flights and hotels using the stablecoin. While this offers benefits like potential discounts from exchange rate differences and bypassing traditional cross-border payment fees and limits, it also carries significant compliance risks under Chinese regulations. For personal use, if the USDT comes from legal sources (e.g., mining or legitimate exchange purchases), occasional small transactions may not be criminally prosecuted but could still violate foreign exchange rules. A major risk is unknowingly using "black USDT" linked to illegal activities like fraud, which could lead to frozen bank accounts and lengthy legal investigations. Helping others book travel for profit, however, constitutes illegal business activity under Chinese law. Repeated or large-scale operations may lead to charges like illegal business operations or money laundering, especially if the USDT sources are suspicious. To stay compliant, users should ensure payment, booking, and user identities match exactly, retain proof of legitimate fund sources, and avoid profiting from exchange rate arbitrage. Engaging in "U booking" services for others is strongly discouraged due to high criminal liabilities. Ultimately, while USDT payments offer convenience, users must prioritize legal compliance to avoid severe financial and legal consequences.

深潮12/30 02:33

What Compliance Risks Lie Behind Trip.com's Overseas Version's USDT Payment?

深潮12/30 02:33

Beosin: 2025 Web3 Blockchain Security Landscape Report

The Beosin 2025 Web3 Blockchain Security Report, co-published with Footprint Analytics, reveals that total losses from hacks, phishing scams, and rug pulls reached $3.375 billion. A total of 313 major security incidents were recorded, including 191 hacking attacks causing approximately $3.187 billion in losses. While phishing and rug pull losses decreased significantly compared to 2024, hacking losses surged by 77.85%. Centralized exchanges (CEXs) were the most targeted by value, with 9 attacks resulting in $1.765 billion in losses (52.3% of the total), largely due to the $1.44 billion Bybit supply chain attack. DeFi remained the most frequently attacked sector, with 91 incidents leading to $621 million in losses. Ethereum was the chain with the highest losses ($2.254 billion across 170 incidents). The most common attack method was contract vulnerability exploitation (62 incidents), primarily logic flaws. Two major DeFi exploits were detailed: Cetus Protocol lost $224 million due to a shift operation error in its math library, and Balancer lost $116 million from a precision error in its StableSwap invariant calculation. The report also highlights anti-money laundering case studies, including a drug cartel using crypto to launder funds and the laundering path of funds from the $40 million GMX hack. Key trends include a shift from private key leaks to more complex attacks like supply chain compromises and sophisticated logic exploits. AI-driven social engineering and phishing are growing threats. The industry must focus on securing infrastructure and building a multi-layered defense system.

marsbit12/29 08:54

Beosin: 2025 Web3 Blockchain Security Landscape Report

marsbit12/29 08:54

Mt. Gox Hacker Unloads 1,300 Bitcoin As $360 Million Still Remains

Mt. Gox-linked entities associated with Aleksey Bilyuchenko have deposited another 1,300 BTC (worth $114 million) into unknown exchanges over the past week, according to Arkham analyst Emmett Gallic. The wallets still hold approximately 4,100 BTC ($360 million), with a total of 2,300 BTC sold so far. This continues a pattern of gradual selling observed since late 2023. Bilyuchenko faces charges in the U.S. for his alleged role in the 2011 Mt. Gox hack and money laundering conspiracy, carrying potential 20-year sentences. In Russia, he was convicted in a separate case related to the WEX exchange and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. Uncertainty remains over who currently controls the funds, with some analysts suggesting possible involvement by Russian authorities.

bitcoinist12/25 15:43

Mt. Gox Hacker Unloads 1,300 Bitcoin As $360 Million Still Remains