Business

South Korean city threatens to sell crypto of tax debtors

Published

3 months ago

November 18, 2024

In a pioneering move, South Korea’s Paju City has seized cryptocurrency as part of an effort to collect unpaid taxes. The local government took action after a significant taxpayer failed to settle their obligations, marking the first time cryptocurrency has been seized in the country for tax enforcement. The move is a clear indication of South Korea’s growing resolve to integrate digital assets into its taxation system and pursue tax evaders who hold assets in cryptocurrencies.

The taxpayer in question had failed to pay over $100,000 in taxes, and after traditional methods of collection were exhausted, the Paju City government turned to blockchain technology to track and seize the individual’s digital assets. South Korean authorities reportedly worked with a blockchain analysis firm to identify the taxpayer’s crypto holdings and seize the assets, which were converted into local currency to cover the outstanding tax bill. This marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to crack down on tax evasion within the rapidly expanding cryptocurrency sector.

South Korea has been actively working to tighten regulations around cryptocurrency trading and taxation in recent years. As the country continues to embrace blockchain technology, it is also moving to ensure that digital assets are subject to the same tax scrutiny as traditional forms of wealth. The Paju City seizure is a reminder that authorities are increasingly willing to use crypto-tracking tools to enforce tax compliance and close the loopholes that have allowed some individuals to avoid paying taxes on their crypto holdings.

The seizure of cryptocurrency assets is part of a broader global trend, as governments worldwide work to adapt their tax systems to the rise of digital currencies. As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow, tax authorities are becoming more adept at using blockchain analysis tools to trace digital transactions. South Korea’s actions could set a precedent for other jurisdictions looking to enforce tax obligations in the crypto space and signal a new phase in the intersection of cryptocurrency and government regulation.

Related Topics:Crypto Currency crypto news

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Business

Vitalik Buterin criticizes crypto’s moral shift toward gambling

Published

3 days ago

February 20, 2025

Crypto News Team

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has expressed concerns over a “moral reversal” in the crypto industry, particularly regarding criticism of Ethereum’s stance on blockchain gambling. In a recent AMA, he noted that some have condemned Ethereum for not welcoming casinos, while other blockchains have embraced them. Buterin stated that if the community continues to shift its values in this direction, he may reconsider his role in the space.

Despite these concerns, Buterin emphasized that in-person interactions with the Ethereum community reassure him that core values remain intact. He urged developers to work toward a decentralized future aligned with ethical principles rather than just profit-driven ventures.

His comments coincide with the Ethereum Foundation’s shift in its funding approach. Following criticism of its Ether sales, the foundation recently allocated 45,000 ETH into DeFi platforms like Aave and Compound. This move was widely praised as a step toward supporting decentralized finance without market disruptions.

As Ethereum navigates these challenges, Buterin’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate about blockchain ethics and the industry’s future direction. The conversation around gambling applications and decentralized finance underscores the tension between financial innovation and maintaining a moral compass in crypto.

Business

UAE saw 41% increase in crypto app downloads in 2024

Published

3 days ago

February 20, 2025

Crypto News Team

Crypto app downloads in the UAE surged by 41% in 2024, reaching 15 million, with a record 2.8 million installs in December, according to AppsFlyer. This increase was largely driven by market trends and rising adoption, especially in the latter half of the year.

Donald Trump’s election win and pro-crypto stance reportedly played a role in boosting adoption, with his surprise memecoin launch further attracting first-time investors. This trend also contributed to a rise in crypto app downloads in the U.S.

Aggressive marketing campaigns accounted for 60% of traffic, though retention remained a challenge, as one in five apps was uninstalled within 30 days. Despite this, crypto app downloads in the UAE hit 3.5 million in January, surpassing half of 2023’s total.

With 2025 projected to be a record-breaking year, market experts suggest crypto companies should continue leveraging marketing strategies to expand their user base. The UAE’s rapid growth in crypto adoption highlights the region’s increasing role in the digital asset industry.

Business

Brazil approves first spot XRP ETF as local bank eyes stablecoin on XRPL

Published

3 days ago

February 20, 2025

Crypto News Team

Brazil has approved its first spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund, which will soon begin trading on the country’s B3 exchange. The fund, managed by Hashdex, joins a growing list of crypto investment products in Brazil, including Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The approval comes as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reviews multiple spot XRP ETF filings from major firms like CoinShares and WisdomTree.

In response to this development, XRP saw an 8% price increase, reaching $2.72, bringing it within 20% of its all-time high. This surge reflects growing investor confidence in XRP-based financial products. Meanwhile, market analysts expect the approval of additional crypto ETFs worldwide as regulators reassess their stance on digital assets.

Simultaneously, Braza Group, a financial institution in Brazil’s interbank market, announced plans to launch BBRL, a stablecoin pegged to the Brazilian real. Built on the XRP Ledger, BBRL aims to enhance international payments and digital asset accessibility in South America. Initially, the stablecoin will be available only to institutional clients, with broader adoption expected in 2025.

Braza Group’s participation in Brazil’s central bank blockchain initiative, DREX, underscores the country’s efforts to integrate digital assets into its financial system. With crypto adoption surging, Brazil’s latest moves in stablecoin and ETF approvals signal growing institutional confidence in blockchain-based finance. Read more.