Crypto Under Fire: From UK Drug Gangs to Influencer Scandals

Explore the dark side of cryptocurrency as UK drug gangs launder billions with Russian help, and influencer Hailey Welch faces pump-and-dump allegations with her $HAWK coin. Discover how Hawaii is embracing Bitcoin amidst cybersecurity challenges and learn about AUSTRAC's crackdown on non-compliant crypto ATM providers. This episode delves into the complexities of crypto's role in crime, regulation, and innovation.

Sources:
https://www.salon.com/2024/12/05/british-police-say-russians-used-cryptocurrency-to-help-launder-billions-in-uk-gang-profits/
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2514130/hawk-tuah-girl-hailey-welchs-hawk-cryptocurrency-launch-crashes-fueling-pump-and-dump-allegations
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2024/12/06/hawaii-embraces-cryptocurrency-bitcoin-hits-another-record-high/
https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/cryptocurrency/austrac-cracks-down-on-cryptocurrency-atm-providers-non-compliant-with-aml-rules/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:42) British police say Russians used cryptocurrency to help launder billions in UK drug gang profits
(00:03:06) Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch's $HAWK cryptocurrency launch crashes, fueling pump-and-dump allegations
(00:06:00) Hawaii embraces cryptocurrency as Bitcoin hits another record high
(00:08:49) AUSTRAC cracks down on cryptocurrency ATM providers non-compliant with AML rules