Chainalysis Report: Cryptocurrency inflows to human trafficking networks surge by 85% in 2025, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars

Multiple banks in Taiwan have had their cryptocurrency custody applications rejected! Warning accounts become obstacles

Several Taiwanese financial institutions, including private banks and pure online banks, have completed negotiations with partnered VASPs over the past year to submit applications to the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) for a trial virtual asset custody business. However, they have been repeatedly rejected. The FSC's reason is that "the number of warning accounts is too high," and they require banks to significantly reduce the number of warning accounts before their applications can have a chance of success.

U.S. Prosecutor Warns to Beware of Love Scams on Valentine's Day! San Jose Widow Loses Nearly $100,000

The Northern District of Ohio Prosecutor's Office warned on Thursday to be cautious of love scams during Valentine's Day, as crypto fraud and organized crime networks target the peak sales season. Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant, as scammers exploit online relationships to steal money, often building trust over weeks or months before luring victims into crypto payments and fake investment schemes. San Jose widow Margaret Loke lost nearly $1 million in the scam.

Chainalysis: Human Trafficking Crypto Funds Increase by 85%, Stablecoins Become a Tool for Southeast Asian Crime

The amount of cryptocurrency inflow suspected to be linked to human trafficking networks is projected to increase by 85% in 2025, but crypto analytics firm Chainalysis states that blockchain transparency could help disrupt these networks' operations. Chainalysis reported on Thursday that the total transaction volume flowing to suspected trafficking networks (primarily located in Southeast Asia) "reached hundreds of millions of dollars in identified services."

Banks lobby OCC to slow down approval of crypto licenses! Ripple and Fidelity approvals may face hurdles

The American Bankers Association (ABA) urges the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to slow down the approval process for national trust bank charters for crypto and stablecoin companies until the regulatory environment under the GENIUS Act becomes clearer. The association warns that national trust charters could be used to circumvent SEC or CFTC registration and review, even though these companies' activities would normally trigger securities or derivatives regulation.

CFTC Chair Takes Action! 35 Crypto Big Names Join the Cabinet, Polymarket Gains Influence

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig appoints a 35-member advisory committee of senior executives from the crypto industry to provide guidance on the regulation of breakthrough technologies such as AI and blockchain, with market founder Shayne Coplan of Polymarket predicted to be selected. Traditional financial giants including CME, DTCC, and Nasdaq representatives.

Israel arrests two individuals; Polymarket's military operation prediction trading sparks security controversy

February 13 News, Israeli authorities have arrested two individuals suspected of using confidential information to conduct military-related transactions on Polymarket, including a reservist and a civilian. A joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and the police said the two are suspected of placing bets using classified information, and prosecutors have filed criminal charges for security offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice. It is understood that the reservist is employed by Shin Bet, and the arrest highlights the potential security risks of prediction markets. Earlier this year, several insider trading cases on Polymarket drew attention, such as a user who successfully bet just hours before Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces, earning approximately $400,000.