Bitcoin criminal cases might represent new type of fraud: UK SFO

The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has stated that it is aware that digital currency bitcoin is being increasingly used by criminals. The agency said that it would consider specific allegations of bitcoin being used to perpetrate serious or complex fraud. It noted that such a case might represent a new or emerging type of fraud.

UK politician’s ally arrested in US for crimes including bitcoin extortion

A close ally to former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has been arrested in the US on accounts of 21 charges including attempted extortion, money laundering and fraud. George Cottrell, 22, awaits trial and could face years in jail. He is suspected to have offered his services to potential clients via the ‘dark web’ using the alias ‘Bill’.

Russia to nip its proposed bitcoin ban in the bud

There has been increasing calls for imposing bitcoin ban in Russia by authorities for nearly two years now. However, following delays in introducing the bill to the parliament, recent reports suggest that Russian authorities are now seeking to abandon the idea to introduce criminal liability for the manufacture and use of money surrogates, Interfax reported.

Moscow gets first physical bitcoin exchange

First physical bitcoin exchange office has been opened in Moscow by a team of bitcoin enthusiasts that serves 24/7 offline service for exchanging the digital currency. According to ForkLog.com, the bitcoin exchange point is located at Novy Arbat. The founders of the offline bitcoin service previously worked through the online LocalBitcoins service under the name of BTC24pro (loosely translated).

UN seeks volunteers in bitcoin research and training in Africa

United Nations online volunteering has announced that it is seeking two volunteers or technology geeks to help in research and training two staff members on how to use bitcoins for fundraising. According to the official announcement, the opportunity is organized by ‘Twenty-First Century African Youth Movement - Sierra Leone’ that aims in seeking new sources of revenue and looking for alternative ways of raising funds by accepting bitcoin donations and expanding its global support base.

Ethereum Classic community announces code of principles for its chain

Following recent reports of attempts to dump over 7 million ETC tokens by the White Hat team, the Ethereum Classic community has released its ‘Declaration of Independence’ in which it lists its grievances and lays out the principles that govern its ecosystem.

Bitcoin.org issues warning against state-sponsored attackers

Independent open-source project Bitcoin.org has issued a warning stating that it suspects that the binaries for the upcoming Bitcoin Core release will likely be targeted by state-sponsored attackers. While the post remains mute on the nature or origin of the attack, it asserts that it does not have the resources to guard itself against the attack of “this caliber”. Moreover, it believes that Chinese services such as pools and exchanges are most at risk due to the “origin of the attackers”.

Digital Currency/Blockchain research studies:

• Blockchain transaction confidentiality a major concern for financial institutions: Report
   
• Blockchain technology to advance most quickly in manufacturing, government, healthcare and education sectors: Gartner
   
• VC blockchain investments amount to $300 million in H1 2016: Juniper Research
   
• New cryptocurrency ‘DDoSCoin’ incentivizes users for participating in DDoS attacks
   
• Blockchain technology has potential to live up to the hype: WEF

Blockchain conferences/programs:

• Coinsbank’s Party in Turkey to bring blockchain to mainstream
   
• Ukraine to host 3rd annual conference on bitcoin and blockchain
   
• Blockchain World Expo postponed to avoid clash with of Canada Fintech Forum
   
• Third Scaling Bitcoin Workshop invites technical proposals to improve bitcoin performance

Important deals, partnerships, and more:

• Airbus jumps on the blockchain bandwagon, joins Hyperledger Project
   
• TCG 'Force of Will' partners with two Counterparty-based projects, to launch blockchain-based online simulator next month
   
• Rakuten to open Blockchain Lab in Belfast
   
• Global art award Lumen Prize collaborates with Ascribe to launch blockchain based online platform
   
• Decentralised fund management platform ICONOMI set to roll out its ICO next week
   
• Synereo’s blockchain-based social network to enter alpha phase in September
   
• Blockchain-based online voting software developer Follow My Vote releases first alpha
   
• Airbitz releases Bitcoin Wallet Plugin API for third party apps and services