STORY: From North Korean hacks to why Venezuelan currency exchanges are reportedly turning to digital assets.
This is Crypto Weekly
:: Crypto Weekly
:: North Korean hackers
North Korean hackers are saturating the cryptocurrency industry with credible-sounding job offers.
According to new research, it’s part of their campaign to steal digital cash.
The problem is becoming so common that job applicants now regularly screen recruiters for signs they might be acting on Pyongyang’s behalf.
Twenty-five experts, victims, and corporate representatives that Reuters spoke to agreed the problem was ubiquitous.
North Korean hackers were believed to have stolen at least $1.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency last year.
That was according to blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis.
:: American Bitcoin
A bitcoin company tied to President Donald Trump’s two oldest sons more than doubled in value in its stock market debut.
It values the sons’ stake at well over $1.5 billion.
Shares in American Bitcoin Corp, a bitcoin miner, soared in its first day of trade on the Nasdaq.
The company is thought to be around 20% owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.
Eric spoke at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong ahead of the listing.
“We love this community. We believe in this community. Ninety percent of my time in life is in this community now.”
:: Venezuela turns to Crypto
Venezuela’s government is slowly allowing the use of dollar-tied cryptocurrencies in currency exchange for the private sector.
That’s according to a dozen sources.
It comes as U.S. restrictions on oil exports reduce available foreign currency.
The Venezuelan government has referred to the sanctions as “economic war.”
