From wublock substack By WuBlockchain
1. Russia to Liquidate Bitcoin Seized in Infraud Hacking Case link
The Russian Ministry of Finance has announced plans to liquidate Bitcoin assets seized in connection with the Infraud hacking case. The first batch to be sold includes approximately $10 million worth of Bitcoin confiscated from former Investigative Committee officer Marat Tambiev. Tambiev had reportedly received 1,032.1 BTC from the Infraud hacking group.
As Tambiev had distributed the Bitcoin across multiple wallets, law enforcement authorities had to obtain separate court rulings for each wallet. The first batch of assets set for liquidation is currently stored in a Ledger Nano X hardware wallet.
2. Former PBoC Governor Zhou Xiaochuan: Global Public Debt Nears $100 Trillion link
Zhou Xiaochuan, former Governor of the People’s Bank of China, recently highlighted the potential risks posed by digital encrypted assets to global financial stability and security during the “Boao Forum for Asia New Year Outlook 2025” event. He noted that the outlook for international economic recovery in 2025 remains uncertain, with the intensifying debt crisis pushing global public debt closer to $100 trillion. Emerging markets are also facing significant external financing costs and exchange rate pressures.
In this context, encrypted assets could play a complex role, particularly in the absence of effective regulation, potentially exacerbating systemic financial risks. Zhou stressed the need for enhanced global regulatory cooperation on encrypted assets and for improved standards governing digital currency transactions.
3. CF40: Cryptocurrency Emerges as an Integral Component of the Global Financial Ecosystem link
The China Finance 40 Forum, a prominent Chinese think tank with ties to official institutions, published an article asserting that cryptocurrencies have evolved from being peripheral tools for “money laundering” and “speculation” to becoming an integral component of the global financial ecosystem. This transformation has been driven by a combination of technological innovation, institutional participation, regulatory development, and shifting societal perceptions.
4. Thailand to Pilot Cryptocurrency Payments in Phuket, Says Deputy Prime Minister link
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, announced at the Thai Marketing Association seminar on Wednesday that the country will launch a new cryptocurrency payment initiative, starting with the popular tourist destination of Phuket. This project will enable foreign tourists to use digital assets for shopping in the city. Pichai emphasized that the pilot program will adhere strictly to existing legal frameworks, ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws. Under the initiative, foreign visitors can register their Bitcoin through Thai exchanges, complete identity verification, and use cryptocurrency to pay for goods and services in Phuket.
