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Spanish Treasury to seize crypto to pay tax debts

The Spanish Ministry of Finance is seeking to expand its control over the monitoring of crypto in the country in an effort that would allow it to seize the digital assets to settle tax debts.

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The Spanish Ministry of Finance is seeking to expand its control over the monitoring of crypto in the country in an effort that would allow it to seize the digital assets to settle tax debts.

The ministry is developing legislative reforms to the General Tax Law, specifically Article 162, to allow the Spanish Tax Agency to identify and take over crypto assets owned by taxpayers who maintain overdue debts, according to reports.

A royal decree, which came into force on Feb.1, expands the number of entities to be given tax collection powers. Until now, only banks, savings banks and credit cooperatives can report to the Treasury.

The Treasury is also planning to fight tax evasion more aggressively. It is looking to force banks and electronic money institutions to report on all card transactions. The speed at which the changes are being implemented poses some challenges on the regulatory front. The country is trying to move proactively with various regulations to govern crypto. 

In October, the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation reported that the first comprehensive European Union crypto framework, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), will come into force nationally in December 2025, six months before the official deadline.

Spanish residents holding any crypto assets on non-Spanish platforms have until the end of next month to declare them to the tax authorities.

The submission period for a Form 721 declaration started on Jan.1, 2024, and ends on the last day of March. Individual and corporate taxpayers must declare the amount of funds stored in their crypto accounts abroad as of Dec. 31, 2023.

However, only individuals with balance sheets exceeding the equivalent of 50,000 euros in crypto assets are obliged to declare their foreign holdings. Those who store their assets in self-custodied wallets must report their holdings through the standard wealth tax form 714.

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Galaxy Digital Revenue Soars as Mining Fees Reach Record Levels

Galaxy Digital, a leading financial services firm focused on digital assets and blockchain technology, has reported a significant surge in revenue as mining fees reach record levels. The announcement underscores the growing profitability of cryptocurrency mining and the increasing demand for digital asset services amid a booming market.

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Galaxy Digital, a leading financial services firm focused on digital assets and blockchain technology, has reported a significant surge in revenue as mining fees reach record levels. The announcement underscores the growing profitability of cryptocurrency mining and the increasing demand for digital asset services amid a booming market.

According to Galaxy Digital’s latest financial report, the company’s revenue has experienced a substantial increase, driven primarily by soaring mining fees. As transaction volumes on blockchain networks continue to rise, miners are earning higher fees for processing transactions, leading to record revenues for companies like Galaxy Digital.

The surge in mining fees reflects the growing adoption and usage of cryptocurrencies, as well as the network congestion experienced by popular blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. With more users participating in blockchain transactions, miners are reaping the rewards in the form of increased fees, contributing to the overall profitability of the mining industry.

Galaxy Digital’s strong financial performance is a testament to the company’s strategic positioning within the digital asset ecosystem. As a diversified financial services provider, Galaxy Digital offers a range of services, including trading, asset management, investment banking, and mining, catering to the diverse needs of institutional and retail clients in the cryptocurrency market.

The record-level mining fees also highlight the importance of infrastructure and technical expertise in maximizing profitability in the mining sector. Companies like Galaxy Digital, with their robust mining operations and industry-leading technology, are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for blockchain services and reap the benefits of increased transaction volumes and fees.

In addition to mining revenue, Galaxy Digital’s financial report may also reflect gains from other areas of its business, such as trading and asset management. The company’s diversified revenue streams and strong market position position it well for continued growth and success in the dynamic and rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.

Overall, Galaxy Digital’s soaring revenue and record-level mining fees underscore the resilience and profitability of the cryptocurrency industry amid growing mainstream adoption and increasing institutional interest. As the market continues to mature, companies like Galaxy Digital are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of finance through digital assets and blockchain technology.

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Tornado Cash Developer Sentenced to 64 Months in Prison

A developer associated with Tornado Cash, a popular Ethereum-based privacy protocol, has been sentenced to 64 months in prison for money laundering charges amounting to $1.2 billion.

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A developer associated with Tornado Cash, a popular Ethereum-based privacy protocol, has been sentenced to 64 months in prison for money laundering charges amounting to $1.2 billion.

The developer’s sentencing underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by privacy-focused cryptocurrency projects and their developers, as authorities worldwide intensify efforts to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities facilitated by digital assets.

Tornado Cash, known for its privacy-enhancing features that allow users to send and receive Ethereum transactions without revealing their identities, has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny for its potential use in money laundering and other illicit activities. The sentencing of one of its developers highlights the legal risks associated with involvement in such projects.

The $1.2 billion money laundering scheme orchestrated by the developer involved the use of Tornado Cash to obfuscate the origin and destination of illicitly obtained funds, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace and recover the stolen assets. The sentencing sends a clear message that individuals involved in facilitating illegal activities through cryptocurrency platforms will be held accountable for their actions.

While Tornado Cash itself is not inherently illegal and serves legitimate purposes for privacy-conscious users, its potential misuse for money laundering and other illicit activities poses significant challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. The sentencing of the developer underscores the need for robust regulatory oversight and compliance measures to prevent abuse of privacy-enhancing technologies in the cryptocurrency space.

The case also highlights the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators, and law enforcement agencies to address emerging risks and challenges in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem. As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, efforts to combat illicit activities and protect users’ interests will remain a top priority for authorities worldwide.

In summary, the sentencing of the Tornado Cash developer for money laundering charges underscores the regulatory challenges facing privacy-focused cryptocurrency projects and their developers. While privacy-enhancing technologies offer legitimate benefits for users, their potential misuse for illicit activities poses significant risks that must be addressed through coordinated regulatory action and industry collaboration.

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Binance Gets FIU Approval: India Return Imminent

Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has received approval from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of India, paving the way for its return to the Indian market. The approval marks a crucial step forward for Binance’s efforts to expand its presence in India and offer its services to Indian users once again.

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Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has received approval from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of India, paving the way for its return to the Indian market. The approval marks a crucial step forward for Binance’s efforts to expand its presence in India and offer its services to Indian users once again.

The approval from the FIU comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Binance’s operations in India, following reports of regulatory scrutiny and uncertainty about its compliance with local laws. Binance’s return to India is expected to provide Indian users with access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies and trading services, while also promoting innovation and growth in the Indian cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The news of Binance’s FIU approval has been met with optimism by the cryptocurrency community in India, as it signals a positive step towards regulatory clarity and legitimacy for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the country. Binance’s compliance with regulatory requirements is seen as a positive development that could help foster greater trust and confidence among Indian users and regulators.

Binance’s return to India is also expected to have broader implications for the cryptocurrency industry in the country, including increased competition among exchanges, greater access to liquidity, and the potential for new investment opportunities. The exchange’s presence in India could also serve as a catalyst for the adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in the region.

While the approval from the FIU represents a significant milestone for Binance, the exchange is likely to face continued scrutiny and regulatory challenges as it seeks to operate in India’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Binance will need to continue working closely with regulators and authorities to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations while providing a secure and reliable trading platform for Indian users.

Overall, Binance’s FIU approval and impending return to the Indian market signal a positive development for the cryptocurrency industry in India and underscore the growing recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class. As Binance prepares to resume operations in India, stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the exchange navigates regulatory challenges and contributes to the growth and development of the Indian cryptocurrency ecosystem.

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