OFAC sanctions UAE registered crypto trading entity

OFAC sanctions UAE registered crypto trading entity

The United States Department of the Treasury office of foreign assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned a UAE registered business entity and its subsidiary for helping to build or operate blockchain based services to facilitate potential sanctions evasion on behalf of Russian nationals.

The total number of sanctioned entities are twelve.

Chainalysis in a blog explored the activities of these entities including on-chain analysis of addresses identified that were associated with sanctioned businesses.

While most of the sanctioned entities and individuals are based in Russia and all of them are linked to Russia through the services they provided, one is based out of DMCC UAE (Dubai Multi Commodities Center).

The company in the UAE is called Crypto Explorer DMCC (Crypto Explorer). It operates under its business name AWEX. The company operates a Russian and UAE-based virtual currency exchange that offers conversions between virtual currencies, rubles, and UAE dirhams. In a report by Crypto defender he showcases the following information on crypto explorer. (dated 11 months ago)

According to the OFAC press release, AWEX offers cash services at its offices in Moscow and Dubai and also loads funds onto credit cards associated with OFAC-designated Russian banks such as Sberbank and Alfa-Bank. Crypto Explorer was designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy.

As for the other sanctioned entities they include

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Kripto Eksplorer (OOO Kripto Eksplorer) is a Russian company that is solely owned by Crypto Explorer. OOO Kripto Eksplorer was designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Crypto Explorer.

Joint Stock Company B-Crypto worked with OFAC-designated Rosbank to support cross-border transactions in crypto.

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Sistemy Raspredelennogo Reyestra (Masterchain) has agreements with several OFAC-designated Russian banks to issue digital currencies.

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Laitkhaus issued and exchanged digital currencies to support several OFAC-designated banks.

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Atomaiz tokenized diamonds and precious metals on behalf of Russian banks.

Tokentrust Holdings Ltd. is Atomiaz’s majority shareholder.

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Veb3 Tekhnologii provided blockchain-based services and platforms for the Russian financial sector, including sanctioned Russian banks.

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Veb3 Integrator also provided blockchain-based services and platforms for the Russian financial sector, including sanctioned Russian banks.

Igor Veniaminovich Kaigorodov is the majority shareholder for Veb3 Tekhnologii and Veb3 Integrator.

Obshchestvo S Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu Tsentr Obrabotki Elektronnykh Platezhey (TOEP) is a digital currency exchange that operates under the names Netexchange and Netex24, and facilitated payments to OFAC-sanctioned banks including Sberbank and Alfa-Bank, as well as Hydra, the sanctioned darknet market.

Timur Evgenyevich Bukanov is the owner and director of TOEP.

Bitfingroup OÜ is an Estonia-based company likely controlled by Bukanov.

Bitpapa IC FZC LLC is a peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange that facilitated millions in payments for OFAC-designated Russian cryptocurrency businesses, Garantex and Hydra.

In the Chainalysis report on Netex24 and BitPapa, they noted that Netex24 supports off-ramping to sanctioned Russian banks Tinkoff and Sberbank, as well as other similar organizations. Although OFAC did not include any crypto addresses in its designations of Netex24 or Bitpapa, Chainalysis has identified clusters associated with both services. Over the last two years, on-chain data shows that both Netex24 and Bitpapa have facilitated significant sending of funds to sanctioned entities. Darknet markets also make up a significant volume of transaction history, in addition to exchanges without Know Your Customer (KYC) controls, many of which are Russian-language sites offering on and off ramping with sanctioned Russian banks.

Value sent by Netex24 and Bitpapa to sanctioned entities and darknet markets has steadily increased since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, whereas value sent to exchanges without KYC guidelines and other illicit services has remained relatively flat.

In addition to facilitating transactions on behalf of larger sanctioned financial services and crypto entities, Netex24 and Bitpapa have also facilitated transactions for various pro-Russian militia and propaganda groups, including MOO Veche, an OFAC designated Russian militia group. All of these entities have been known to operate in the Donetsk, Luhansk, or Crimean regions of Ukraine.

The UAE was one of the first countries in the world to develop a virtual asset regulatory framework and recently was taken off of the FATF grey list. While the company in question was registered as a business in DMCC for the trading of crypto assets, it did not have a regulatory license to operate within the UAE. In addition its licensed was supposed to have expired in September of 2023.

Hydro Crypto mining the star of Bitmain summit in Oman

Hydro Crypto mining the star of Bitmain summit in Oman

A manufacturer of Global crypto mining servers, Bitmain is holding its yearly event, the World Digital Mining Summit (WDMS) in Oman on March 29th 2024 at the W hotel. The theme of WDMS in Oman will be “Hydromining wins the desert”.

As per the press release, the conference will provide new financing opportunities and revitalize the market. Leading mining, finance, investment, custody and energy companies from around the world will participate in the event to help the digital currency and crypto ecosystem flourish. WDMS will provide an international platform to discuss financing mining, mine establishment, renewable energy, mining resources, PoW development and many other hot topics.

The summit will focus on hydro-mining, a cutting-edge technique promising to revolutionize the cryptocurrency mining industry. Hydro mining is an innovative approach to mining that utilizes water to cool mining equipment, a critical innovation in the heat-intensive climates of desert regions. As the industry grapples with environmental concerns, hydro-mining presents a sustainable and efficient solution for digital currency extraction.

Attendees can expect to delve into discussions on sustainability, efficiency, and the future of crypto mining technologies in the digital age. Bitmain’s initiative to hold the summit in Oman underscores the country’s emerging role as a hub for technological innovation in the Middle East.

Oman has been investing heavily in datacenters, and has attracted crypto mining entities such as Pheonix Technologies and Exahertz among others.

Bruce Fenton heads to KSA for Bitcoin and blockchain

Bruce Fenton heads to KSA for Bitcoin and blockchain

A 2022 candidate for the U.S. Senate, Co-Founder of the Satoshi Roundtable retreat, and managing director of Chainstone Labs, Bruce Fenton, is heading to Saudi Arabia to bring Bitcoin education and investment into the country. ChainStone Labs is a Stealth mode financial tech company focused on tokenization of securities and digital assets backed by hard assets.

In an X post, Bruce Fenton states, “As we enter a new phase in the markets and maturity of our space there are new opportunities to change the world. The most impactful thing I can think of to do this cycle is to help bring Bitcoin and related technology to Saudi Arabia and invest in building the ecosystem in this important country.” Blockchain is considered a related technology to Bitcoin and crypto.

He adds, “I plan to invest heavily in capital and time and also bring many other investors and companies and startups.  The timing for the Kingdom and this technology is perfect now.”

According to Fenton he considers Saudi Arabia as his second home as he has lived and worked there over the years. He notes that the KSA is set to enter a new era of growth and leadership in global finance.

Fenton is the Co-Founder of Satoshi roundtable. The Satoshi Roundtable is characterized by high-level private discussions in a private relaxed venue. The Roundtable brings together leading developers, CEOs, founders, scientists, academics and investors. With each iteration, we have learned and grown as our industry has continued to evolve.

In his X post he notes that there is great interest in this technology from a variety of sectors in KSA, especially young investors, trading families and youth.

So Fenton plans to increase the understanding at senior levels of government, with education among religious leaders as well. He states, “We are working with Islamic scholars like Mu’aawiyah Tucker who understand Bitcoin, fintech and cryptocurrency to increase knowledge about this technology from an Islamic finance standpoint. I’ll be bringing delegations, helping companies and investing in key initiatives that can bring this industry forward.”

He calls on those who are interested to talk to him and his team. https://t.me/saudiarabiadigitalassets

Recently Bandar AlTunisi, Head of Development at Binance in Saudi Arabia, high level digital currency regulation could come out in Saudi Arabia tomorrow or in a month’s time. This comes as Saudi Arabia is becoming host to the highest paid Blockchain developers in the region.

Dubai cyber security firm FearsOff secures crypto exchanges HTX and Poloniex

Dubai cyber security firm FearsOff secures crypto exchanges HTX and Poloniex

Dubai based cyber security firm, FearsOff has partnered with HTX crypto exchange and Poloniex crypto exchange to secure and protect those crypto exchanges.

This partnership aims to improve HTX and Poloniex’s existing security infrastructure with asset and data protection by integrating FearsOff’s specialized expertise while ensuring the safety of user assets and data by addressing specific security challenges collaboratively.

According to the recent Kucoin Survey , The Cryptoverse, Understanding Crypto Users in the UAE, which revealed insights into the UAE’s role as a crypto hub, it was found that 48 percent of UAE crypto users are concerned about lack of trust in crypto exchanges, with 63 percent of them prioritizing security

The Chief Operating Officer at FearsOff, Marwan Hachem, commented “We’re thrilled to partner with HTX and Poloniex, and commend their leadership for taking proactive measures to be one step ahead of future threats. Often, the best defense is a good offense; this collaboration enables us to identify and neutralize potential vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them, thereby preventing future breaches.”

Prior to its official Dubai debut in 2022, the FearsOff core team of veteran ethical hackers collaborated for over 15 years on hundreds of projects. One key to FearsOff’s success is integrating deep research into innovative, proprietary tools and software, enhancing assessment capabilities.

This comes as more and more exchanges in the UAE are receiving regulatory licenses.

CoinMENA and Network International to offer fiat to crypto onramp

CoinMENA and Network International to offer fiat to crypto onramp

Network International (Network), the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, collaborated with virtual asset service provider CoinMENA FZE, to provide users with a seamless and secure onramp from fiat to crypto via card deposits.

The announcement was made at a signing ceremony led by Pankaj Kundra, Group Head of Products, Partnerships, and Enterprises at Network International, and Talal Tabbaa, CEO of CoinMENA.

CoinMENA is regulated and licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, and the Central Bank of Bahrain. CoinMENA enables investors to buy, sell, send, receive, and store digital assets safely and securely.

CoinMENA Co-Founders Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an said in a joint statement, “Partnering with Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce in the MENA region, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing our users in the UAE with seamless and secure onramps to crypto. With the ability to deposit fiat to their CoinMENA wallet instantly via cards, our users can now experience a streamlined and efficient process. This aligns with our mission to continually enhance the accessibility and convenience of crypto services. We look forward to leveraging Network International’s industry leadership in the UAE and providing the best experience possible for our users.”

Pankaj Kundra, Group Head of Products, Partnerships and Enterprises at Network International, said, “Network’s legacy of 30 years of providing cutting-edge payment solutions allows us to capitalise our experience and expertise across next-generation platforms such as crypto and digital asset financial services. Our collaboration with CoinMENA will provide UAE investors with an additional option to use their cards to fund their CoinMENA wallets.”

He added, “Deposits using cards is the most convenient way for users to fund their crypto wallets. We look forward to supporting CoinMENA by strengthening their onramp capabilities, through our best-in-class N-Genius payment gateway. Our partnership further reaffirms our commitment to streamline digital payments in the region in line with the UAE’s bid to become a financially inclusive and cashless economy.”

Recently CoinMENA expanded its family office, investor and institutional offering through a partnership with Onramp Bitcoin. Onramp is an international Bitcoin asset management company built on multi institutional custody.

UAE’s first home grown crypto custodian officially launched

UAE’s first home grown crypto custodian officially launched

Tungsten headquartered in UAE has officially launched the first home grown and regulated crypto custodian after receiving a license from UAE’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to operate at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The platform is designed to store digital assets securely for institutional investors.

Over 12 months to July 2023, the value of digital assets received by the UAE was over US$34.9 billion (Chainalysis). Approximately 67%, or around US$23 billion in transactions, was carried out by institutional investors, demonstrating a significant opportunity for specialist digital assets custody.

As a regulated custodian, Tungsten aims to provide peace of mind for institutions investing in digital assets, including cryptocurrency. 

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM said, “We congratulate and welcome Tungsten to Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, ADGM. As much as the ever-evolving digital asset space needs regulatory controls to protect investors, it also needs risk management services that enable them to understand and invest securely. The concept of Tungsten revolves around this and allows it to harness the opportunities within this industry. As custodian of virtual assets, Tungsten’s offerings, coupled with ADGM’s vibrant ecosystem and progressive regulations for digital assets, will empower investors and maintain market integrity with robust solutions.”

Chris Desjardins, Tungsten Founder and Senior Executive Officer said: “Digital assets present unprecedented opportunities across generations, yet the cornerstone of realising their potential lies in establishing a trusted investment environment. The UAE is at the forefront of this transformation, crafting a robust framework for digital assets that not only sets a global benchmark but also positions it as a pioneering force in the finance sector of tomorrow. Our immense pride stems from being developed and regulated within the UAE, a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in this dynamic landscape.”

Tungsten provides secure, regulated crypto custody so clients can confidently invest in digital assets. It is led by Chris Desjardins, an industry veteran with deep knowledge and experience in building and growing digital assets and cryptocurrency solutions. Previously, he co-founded Big Index, a Canadian institutional crypto wallet technology provider successfully acquired by Brane Inc., where he became Head of Product. Through his leadership, Tungsten sets an unparalleled benchmark for digital asset custody.

Tungsten is independent and segregated from other digital asset services, such as the trading of crypto assets, focusing purely on safeguarding clients’ digital assets. The business ensures secure online and offline procedures, including bank-grade physical vaults, enterprise-grade wallet management and world-class network hardware. Additionally, clients benefit from strong governance and high insurance coverage, providing utmost reassurance to institutional investors.

Over 2024, Tungsten, the UAE homegrown crypto custodian will scale customer acquisition, catering to a growing demand from regional institutional investors, family offices, asset managers, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

Tungsten had previously started hiring for key positions and as per their press release will continue to.

Turkey saw highest crypto gains in MENA for 2023

Turkey saw highest crypto gains in MENA for 2023

Built on investor interactions with centralized exchanges, Chainalysis has come out with their crypto gains by country research. Interestingly Turkey took top place in the MENA region with gains reach close to $1billion followed by Saudi Arabia at $350 million.

As per Chainalysis, overall crypto investors achieved total gains of $37.6 billion in 2023 much lower than gains made in 2021 which reached $159.7 billion but better than 2022 which witnessed losses of $127.1 billion.

The United States led the way in cryptocurrency gains by a wide margin in 2023 at an estimated $9.36 billion. The UK placed second with an estimated $1.39 billion in crypto gains.

Then in Asia, Vietnam, China, Indonesia and India all hit over $1 billion in estimated gains placing top six for all countries.

Interestingly in MENA, Turkey saw gains of $950 million, while Saudi Arabia saw gains of $350 million. The only other MENA and GCC country on the list for top gains was UAE, which witnessed $204 million.

The findings from Turkey come at a time when more investments in the crypto space are being carried out in the country. Aquanow Türkiye, a subsidiary of Aquanow, received a strategic investment from two of Turkey’s leading portfolio management companies, Oyak Portföy and Finberg. As per the news, the investment was considered the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on developing innovative digital asset solutions for the Turkish market. Reports have indicated that Turkey is moving towards clarity around crypto regulation, with new rules expected in 2024. In December, the Turkish regulatory authority made technical appointments with experience in crypto assets and blockchain technology to the central bank’s rate-setting committee, according to a Bloomberg report.

On the contrary while Saudi Arabia saw the second biggest crypto gains in MENA region, it has yet to regulate crypto, while rumors are around that it and Qatar might be investing in Bitcoin soon.

So far, the positive trends of 2023 have carried over into 2024, with notable crypto assets like Bitcoin achieving all-time highs in the wake of Bitcoin ETF approvals and increased institutional adoption. If these trends continue, we may see gains more in line with those we saw in 2021. As of March 13, Bitcoin is up 65.4% and Ether is up 70.2% in 2024.

In the fourth annual Chainalysis Global crypto adoption index, identifying countries where the most people are putting the greatest share of their wealth into cryptocurrency, once again Morocco took lead and is listed as one of the top 20 countries placing an Arab country on the map, while Turkey placed first in the MENA region.

It seems with the bull market in full blast, the 2024 report will look even more promising.

Blockchain Life Forum making most of Bull run

Blockchain Life Forum making most of Bull run

The highly anticipated Blockchain Life Forum 2024 is set to take place in the vibrant city of Dubai on April 15-16. Welcoming industry professionals and crypto enthusiasts from around the world, this legendary event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

This time the central topic of the forum will be making money on Bull Run, which has already begun. Forum speakers and attendees will share analytics and experience: which coins to buy and sell, which coins are worth investing in now, and which are better not to invest in.

More than 8,000 people from more than 120 countries take part in the grand event.

Learn more and buy a ticket: Use the promo code laraontheblock10

So far Blockchain Life has confirmed the following speakers which include top figures in the global crypto market such as:

  • Justin Sun (Founder of TRON, Member of the HTX Global Advisory Board)
  • Sergei Khitrov (Founder of Listing.Help, Jets.Capital and Blockchain Life)  
  • Rachel Conlan (CMO of Binance)
  • Paolo Ardoino (CEO of Tether, CTO of Bitfinex)
  • Stephan Lutz (CEO and CFO of BitMEX)
  • Yat Siu (Co-Founder of Animoca Brands)
  • Dominic Williams (Founder and Chief Scientist of DFINITY (ICP))
  • Ben Goertzel (CEO of SingularityNET)
  • Xinxi Wang (Co-Founder of Litecoin Foundation)
  • Andrei Grachev (Managing partner of DWF Labs)
    and over 100 other speakers


For a grand conclusion of the event, VIP ticket holders and forum speakers will have the exclusive opportunity to attend the main crypto party of 2024 – the legendary Blockchain Life AfterParty.


The special guest at the AfterParty is the globally renowned hitmaker, Alan Walker, who will be performing an amazing live concert.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. On April 13-21, the crypto community can immerse themselves in a fantastic Blockchain Life Week, filled with exciting parties and events organized by various industry companies.

A VIP ticket to Blockchain Life 2024 allows for free access to some of those events in order to achieve a new level of networking experience.

Bitcoin Magazine to hold its first Bitcoin MENA conference in UAE

Bitcoin Magazine to hold its first Bitcoin MENA conference in UAE

UAE based ADNEC Group, an events management company, will be holding the first Bitcoin MENA Conference in partnership with Bitcoin Magazine and Capital events. The Bitcoin MENA Conference 2024 is set to take place December 9-10th in the heart of Abu Dhabi at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

The event will be co-organized by Capital Events, the event management arm of ADNEC Group, and BTC Inc., the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine and the Bitcoin 2024 conference. The seminal partnership was cemented by a high-profile signing ceremony between Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, MD and Group CEO of ADNEC Group and David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. The launch of this event marks a significant milestone in the world’s largest Bitcoin conference’s expansion into the investment-friendly, dynamic, and rapidly growing MENA region.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group said: “Organizing this conference in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reinforces its status as a regional and global epicenter for cryptocurrencies. It provides the region with a crucial platform for dialogue, discourse, and the sharing of knowledge and insights in this domain, contributing to shaping the sector’s regional trajectory for the future. The strategic collaboration with BTC Inc. to host the inaugural Bitcoin MENA Conference underscores the increasing global interest in investing in decentralized digital currencies in recent years. This partnership reflects our anticipation of future growth trends within this leading investment field.”

The Bitcoin Conference, produced by BTC Inc., is the world’s largest and most globally recognized conference brand dedicated to advancing the understanding and adoption of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. With a mission to foster collaboration and innovation, the conference brand brings together key stakeholders from across the global Bitcoin ecosystem to shape the future of Bitcoin and exhibit the latest developments, technology, and services.

Throughout this two-day event, participants will delve into the potential, challenges, and innovations within the developing Bitcoin ecosystem. Showcasing an impressive roster of expert speakers and influencers in the Bitcoin space, Bitcoin MENA is set to present a dynamic agenda complete with engaging keynote sessions, interactive discussions, and insightful workshops on key industry topics. These include the emergence of a new wave of banking and finance within the Bitcoin space, the dynamics of Mining, and the competition for energy dominance, along with insights into open-source initiatives tailored for the technical minds in the Bitcoin community.

Additionally, Bitcoin MENA 2024 will offer a variety of networking opportunities, fostering meaningful international and regional connections among participants whilst also providing a platform to showcase cutting-edge innovations and the latest developments in Bitcoin technology and services.

David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc. noted, “Across our ecosystem, we have seen a significant upsurge in interest to enter the MENA region. When visiting Abu Dhabi, it became clear that it had all the right ingredients – infrastructure, investment, bold vision, and global access – to provide a perfect home for the international Bitcoin community to tap into the boundless opportunities this vibrant region has to offer. Capital Events and ADNEC Group are the ideal partners to collaborate with us on this journey as they bring world-class infrastructure and deep connections within the region to help supercharge growth and quickly establish Bitcoin MENA as the region’s go-to event.”

Darren Johnson, CEO of Capital Events added, “We are extremely excited to be partnering with BTC Inc. on this vital launch of Bitcoin MENA. Abu Dhabi’s increasing adoption of blockchain technology and friendly progressive regulatory environment have resulted in several high-profile industry licenses being awarded, thereby firmly positioning Abu Dhabi as the optimal hub for the flourishing adoption of Bitcoin in the region. It was clear early on in our discussions with BTC Inc. that we shared the same vision of creating an exceptional world-class event that would serve as a cornerstone in the region’s thriving Bitcoin landscape. We are confident that their deep specialist experience and global industry connections, coupled with our multi-sectoral experience and regional footprint, will make for a memorable launch and long-term growth.”

Dubai’s DMCC now home to 600 crypto blockchain companies

Dubai’s DMCC now home to 600 crypto blockchain companies

DMCC announced the number of new companies that enrolled in 2023, with 123 new crypto and blockchain entities registering at the DMCC crypto center, culminating in 600 companies in total. By the end of 2022 DMCC had announced that it had 500 crypto blockchain entities registered in its freezone.

In total Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has enrolled 2,692 new companies in 2023, taking the total number of companies in DMCC to over 24,000.

The launch of new industry ecosystems, the expanded service offerings and the physical growth of the Uptown Dubai district with the launch of Uptown Tower have driven DMCC’s 2023 growth story.

DMCC accounted for 11% of Dubai’s total FDI inflows. As per the 2023 annual report, DMCC became a hub for trading of commodities such as diamonds, and precious stones, gold, as well as a hub for high value services such as crypto, gaming and Web3.

 Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said, “For DMCC, 2023 showcased its ability to sustain its record performance whilst undertaking crucial infrastructure expansions. Attracting 2,692 new companies is testament to our efforts to continuously enhance our value proposition year after year, reinforcing the role we and our members play in driving trade and investment, contributing up to 11% of all FDI inflows to Dubai. With the opening of Uptown Tower and the wider development of Uptown Dubai, our business district is stronger now than it has ever been, and we have set ourselves up for accelerated growth, a crucial factor as we accommodate new waves of investment to Dubai.”

 The DMCC Crypto Centre welcomed industry leaders such as Bybit, Solana and TDeFi into the fold alongside an additional 129 companies. The Centre is now home to 600 firms, further reinforcing its position as the largest concentration of crypto, blockchain and Web3 companies in the region.

Two core growth sectors for DMCC show promising opportunities in 2024 are the Gaming Centre and the impending launch of a new AI Centre. Over the past year, DMCC’s Gaming Centre doubled in size to reach almost 100 members at the year end.