ChainCatcher News, the U.S. State Department has announced the establishment of a Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies in partnership with Nigeria, to jointly combat cybercrime and financial misconduct related to cryptocurrencies.The official announcement stated: "The United States collaborates with global partners to promote cyberspace and digital technologies, foster economic prosperity, while combating and addressing malicious cyber activities, cybercrime, and other digital harms."The announcement reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to assisting the Nigerian government in strengthening its capacity to investigate and prosecute cybercrime, as stated by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

ChainCatcher News: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, announced on September 26 that Eugene William Austin Jr. (also known as "Hugh Austin") was found guilty on three counts for his involvement in a conspiracy of telecommunications fraud, money laundering, and interstate transportation of stolen property. Austin and his son, Brandon Austin, deceived numerous victims across the United States, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.Austin's criminal activities included impersonating a high-value cryptocurrency sales broker, promising high returns on short-term cryptocurrency investments, and seeking high-net-worth investors for startups. They used the proceeds from the scams for personal expenses, such as luxury hotels, restaurants, and shopping. One case involved a $5 million cryptocurrency scam. Austin is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2025, and faces a maximum of 45 years in prison. His son Brandon had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 4 years in prison.

ChainCatcher news, the Nigerian police have intensified their crackdown on cryptocurrency-related crimes, arresting local crypto celebrity Linus Williams (known as BLord). Police Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the arrest in a statement released on July 17.The Nigerian police stated that BLord faces charges of internet fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, terrorism financing, and violations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. These charges are directed at Williams and his associated companies: Blord Group, Blord Real Estate Ltd, Blord Jetpaye Limited, and Billpoint Technology.

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, based on the "2024 Cryptocurrency Crime Report" released by Chainalysis, law enforcement agencies in the Asia-Pacific region are struggling to cope with the increase in cryptocurrency-related crimes, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and intellectual property crimes. While illegal activities are surging, there is also a speculative shortage of legal resources, affecting the region's ability to actively respond to and manage the threats posed by cryptocurrency crime.

Chain Catcher News, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has established a new department dedicated to combating crimes related to cryptocurrency. Stefan Jerga, an official responsible for seizing criminal assets, claimed that the number of crimes associated with cryptocurrency has significantly increased, prompting the AFP to form a specialized task force.It is reported that in August, Australia seized millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency and other assets in Canberra following an investigation into a major money laundering case. So far, the AFP has seized $35 million worth of boats, aircraft, artworks, and cryptocurrency. (Source link)