Technology

The world of cryptocurrency, often touted for its transparency, is facing increased scrutiny as international tax enforcement agencies uncover links between over-the-counter (OTC) trading desks, cryptocurrency payment processors, and illicit financial activity. The Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5) recently published two advisories detailing how these platforms are being exploited to obfuscate and move funds tied to criminal enterprises, raising concerns among global financial regulators.

The advisories highlight a significant shift in how illicit funds are being handled. While traditional financial institutions are subject to stringent regulations, OTC crypto desks and payment processors offer a degree of anonymity that can be attractive to those seeking to evade taxes or launder money. This isn’t a marginal issue. the J5 estimates that daily trading activity on OTC desks reached $1.44 billion in 2026, dwarfing the $74.51 million seen at traditional cryptocurrency exchanges, according to their findings. J5 Cyber Challenge data formed the basis for these advisories.

OTC Desks: A Haven for Anonymity

OTC trading desks operate as platforms enabling individuals to buy and sell digital assets outside of public exchanges. This off-exchange trading provides clients with both anonymity and reliability when moving large sums of money or cryptocurrency. As the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) noted in a statement regarding the J5’s findings, this characteristic makes these desks potentially valuable tools for tax evaders and money launderers. Accounting Times reported on the J5’s concerns.

The scale of suspicious activity linked to these platforms is substantial. Nearly $236 billion in suspicious activity has been reported to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in connection with OTC trading platforms, according to the J5. This figure underscores the growing concern that these platforms are being used to facilitate illegal financial flows.

Cryptocurrency Payment Processors Under the Microscope

The J5’s investigation too focused on cryptocurrency payment processors, which allow for direct payment for goods and services using digital assets. While offering convenience and speed, these processors are also vulnerable to misuse. The J5 reports a more than 1000% increase in suspicious activity reports tied to these processors between 2020 and 2024. To date, financial institutions and digital asset providers have reported $5 billion in suspicious activity to FinCEN associated with these processors. Decrypt detailed the findings.

The J5’s Cyber Challenge, launched in September 2024, specifically targeted data related to OTC cryptocurrency trading desks and cryptocurrency payment platforms, providing the foundation for these latest advisories. The taskforce is now recommending that financial intelligence units utilize specific keyword searches when reviewing suspicious activity reports to identify patterns indicative of money laundering or tax evasion on these platforms.

The J5 is not simply identifying the problem; it’s actively working to equip law enforcement with the tools to combat it. The organization plans to continue analyzing the data gathered to further its efforts against international and transactional tax crime and money laundering.

As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, the J5’s work serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance and robust regulatory oversight to prevent these technologies from being exploited for illicit purposes. The increasing sophistication of criminal actors necessitates a proactive and collaborative approach to safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.

What remains to be seen is how quickly regulators can adapt to these evolving tactics and implement effective measures to mitigate the risks posed by OTC crypto desks and payment processors. The J5’s ongoing investigation and the dissemination of these advisories represent an critical step in that direction.

Have your say: What further steps should be taken to regulate the cryptocurrency space and prevent illicit financial activity?

February is shaping up to be a terrifyingly excellent month for horror game enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup ranging from indie experiments to highly anticipated AAA releases. Even as the indie scene continues to push creative boundaries, all eyes are on the late-month arrival of a major franchise installment promising to deliver a latest level of fright. From unsettling fishing trips to psychological thrillers and blood-soaked survival, there’s a nightmare to suit every taste.

The month kicks off with a wave of independent titles, offering unique and often unconventional horror experiences. These smaller-scale projects frequently prioritize atmosphere and narrative over jump scares, resulting in deeply unsettling and memorable gameplay. This surge of indie creativity builds anticipation for the month’s grand finale, a title poised to reaffirm the enduring popularity of the horror genre.

A Diverse Slate of Indie Horror

Leading the charge on February 4th is UMIGARI | ウミガリ, a fishing game from Chilla’s Art. Described as “remarkably light” in terms of horror intensity, the game focuses on the unsettling transformation of the fish you catch, offering a unique blend of relaxing mechanics and creeping dread.

February 6th brings Heaven Does Not Respond from Rise Studios, a psychological analog horror game set in an alternate 2005. Players seize on the role of an intelligence agent investigating a young man’s death through a retro-computer interface.

Survival horror fans have Crisol: Theater of Idols, published by Blumhouse Games and developed by Vermila Studios, to look forward to on February 10th. This title throws players into a twisted version of Spain as a captured soldier forced to leverage their own blood as ammunition to survive on the island of Tormentosa.

February 11th sees the release of 除邪2(CHUXIE2), a sequel from LcGaming to the original Chuxie. Players will wield a sword against demons and monsters, searching for missing people amidst a cursed fog. On February 12th, Heart of the Forest, developed by Trapped Predator and published by Wales Interactive, arrives on a multitude of platforms – including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android – offering an interactive psychological horror experience inspired by German folklore.

AAA and Indie Crossover

The indie momentum continues with ReAnimal, launching on February 13, 2025 (note: original source lists 2025, not 2026). Developed by Tarsier Studios, the creators of Little Nightmares, in partnership with THQ Nordic, this title promises a darker and more frightening adventure. Players, either solo or with a companion, must navigate a hellish landscape to rescue friends from an island intent on devouring them.

Fans of the Poppy Playtime series can anticipate Poppy Playtime – Chapter 5 on February 18th, developed by Mob Entertainment. The next chapter introduces a new antagonist and continues the descent into the depths of the factory, with Huggy Wuggy looming large.

February 19th brings Love Eternal, a pixel art platformer from Brlka and published by Ysbryd Games, set within a castle steeped in bitter memories. And on February 20th, Horripilant, a dungeon crawler combining idler, puzzle, and auto-battler elements from Alexandre Declos and Pas Game Studio, published by Black Lantern Collective, will be available.

The Month’s Grand Finale: Resident Evil Requiem

The culmination of February’s horror offerings arrives on February 26th with Resident Evil Requiem, developed by Capcom. Players will experience the story through the perspectives of both FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy, exploring unique playstyles within the latest installment of the iconic franchise.

February promises a diverse and chilling experience for horror fans, with a strong showing from independent developers building towards the highly anticipated release of Resident Evil Requiem. The sheer volume of releases demonstrates the continued vitality and creativity within the horror gaming landscape.

As the month progresses, it will be compelling to see which titles resonate most with players and establish themselves as standout experiences. The success of these games will likely influence the direction of indie horror development in the coming months.

What horror title are you most looking forward to this February? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The International Space Station (ISS) has returned to a full crew complement following a period where NASA astronaut Chris Williams maintained operations largely on his own. After the departure of Expedition 73 on January 15, Williams, who arrived in November aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, was the sole U.S. Astronaut on the station. The recent arrival of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission on Saturday evening restored the ISS to its typical ten-person capacity, easing the workload and enabling a full schedule of scientific research and maintenance.

The unusual circumstances arose when Crew-11 returned to Earth earlier than planned, prompting NASA and SpaceX to accelerate the launch of Crew-12 to minimize the duration Williams would be responsible for the U.S. Segment of the station. This rapid response highlights the close collaboration between NASA and its commercial partners, particularly SpaceX, in maintaining continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. The ISS, a complex facility with over two decades of operation, requires constant upkeep and monitoring, a task significantly eased with a full crew.

Crew-12, consisting of NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway and Jessica Meir, along with European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft early Friday morning, successfully docking with the ISS on Saturday. NASA’s coverage of the docking confirmed the successful arrival and welcomed the new crew members.

Solo Operations and Accelerated Launch Schedule

During the month of reduced staffing, Williams focused heavily on the station’s maintenance and monitoring activities. According to his NASA biography, Williams is a medical physicist and was selected as an astronaut in 2021. His time in space, beginning in November 2025, has been crucial in keeping the station operational while ground teams worked to expedite the Crew-12 launch. The decision to bring Crew-11 home early and accelerate Crew-12’s mission demonstrates NASA’s commitment to maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, even in the face of logistical challenges.

A Testament to Mission Focus

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the collaborative effort behind the swift response. “This mission has shown, in many ways, what it means to be mission focused at NASA,” Isaacman said during a post-launch news conference. He highlighted the simultaneous preparations for the Crew-12 launch and the ongoing function for the Artemis II mission, underscoring the dedication of NASA’s workforce and its partners. The successful coordination between NASA, SpaceX, and international partners is vital for the continued success of the ISS program and future space exploration endeavors.

Scientific Research and Future Operations

With the full crew now aboard, Expedition 74 will resume its planned schedule of scientific research and technology demonstrations. Williams will contribute to experiments aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth, including the installation and testing of a new modular workout system for long-duration missions, improvements to cryogenic fuel efficiency, and the growth of semiconductor crystals in space. He will also assist in designing new re-entry safety protocols for future missions. The ISS remains a critical platform for scientific discovery and technological innovation, and the restored crew will play a vital role in furthering these goals.

The successful return to a full crew complement on the International Space Station underscores the resilience and adaptability of the space program. As NASA continues to prepare for future missions, including the Artemis program, the lessons learned from this recent experience will be invaluable. The ongoing collaboration between international partners and commercial entities will be essential for pushing the boundaries of space exploration and unlocking new discoveries.

What are your thoughts on the future of international collaboration in space? Share your comments below and let us know what you find most exciting about the ongoing research aboard the International Space Station.