‍Privacy Coins: A Key Tool in Post-Hack Crypto Laundering Privacy coins like Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) are frequently used by hackers as a "black box" to obscure stolen funds during a multi-stage laundering process. These assets act as temporary obfuscation layers, disrupting traceability and delaying the blacklisting of illicit assets. Scammers employ a five-step laundering process: consolidation, obfuscation, chain-hopping, privacy layering (using privacy coins), and finally, liquidation into fiat. Privacy coins are strategically used to complicate investigative efforts by blockchain analytics firms. While these technologies offer legitimate privacy benefits, their role in illicit flows ensures continued regulatory scrutiny.

Cryptovka

Why Privacy Coins Are a Critical Step in Post-Hack Crypto Laundering

The persistence of privacy-centric digital assets in illicit financial flows continues to challenge blockchain forensic investigators....

‍Bitcoin Plunges to $60,000, Erasing Recent Gains Bitcoin has experienced a sharp decline, falling to $60,000 and erasing all gains since the U.S. presidential election. This marks a 50% drawdown from its all-time high. The sell-off triggered over $2 billion in liquidations, pushing the crypto market into a state of "extreme fear." Major altcoins also suffered significant losses, with XRP down over 20%, Ethereum 15%, and Solana 10%. Institutional holders like MicroStrategy reported a $12.4 billion loss for Q4, with their Bitcoin holdings falling underwater for the first time since 2023. Analysts suggest Bitcoin could potentially decline further, with traders assigning a 65% probability to it hitting $55,000 before recovering.

Cryptovka

Bitcoin Plunges to $60,000 as Market Erases Recent Bullish Gains

The cryptocurrency market experienced one of its most volatile sessions in recent history on Thursday, as Bitcoin (BTC) plummeted to the $60,000 ma...