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The 'Crypto Wizard' vs. Nigeria
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Planet Money

The 'Crypto Wizard' vs. Nigeria

The trip that changed Tigran Gambaryan's life forever was supposed to be short — just a few days. When he flew to Nigeria in February of 2024, he didn't even check a bag. Tigran is a former IRS Special Agent. He made his name investigating high-profile dark web and cryptocurrency cases. Some colleagues called him the 'Crypto Wizard' because of his pioneering work tracing crypto transactions for law enforcement. Since 2021, he's worked at the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance.

The 'Crypto Wizard' vs. Nigeria

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After a brutal stretch, a remarkable thing is happening: Cryptocurrencies are surging

A bitcoin ATM is seen in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 13, 2022. Virtual currencies like bitcoin are recovering from a tough period partly on rising hopes that bad actors have been weeded out and that confidence can return to the sector. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

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After a brutal stretch, a remarkable thing is happening: Cryptocurrencies are surging

Bitcoin and other digital currencies are rallying, emerging from a stormy period with the conviction that crypto is here to stay.

After a brutal stretch, a remarkable thing is happening: Cryptocurrencies are surging

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CZ, founder of crypto giant Binance, pleads guilty to money laundering violations

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, will step down from Binance, the crypto company he founded in 2017, as part of a deal with the Department of Justice and U.S. regulators. Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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CZ, founder of crypto giant Binance, pleads guilty to money laundering violations

Changpeng Zhao agreed to plead guilty to money laundering charges and step down from Binance as part of a sweeping settlement with the Department of Justice and top regulators.

Sam Bankman-Fried is guilty, and the industry he helped build wants to move on

After a monthlong trial, New York City jury found former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of seven criminal counts, including securities fraud. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

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Sam Bankman-Fried is guilty, and the industry he helped build wants to move on

As Sam Bankman-Fried prepares to go to prison for one of the largest financial frauds in history, the cryptocurrency industry is looking ahead to a future without its former "golden boy."

The future of crypto hinges on a fight between the SEC and a former burger flipper

Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao poses during an interview at the technology startups and innovation fair in Paris on May 16, 2022. CZ and Binance are being sued by the SEC, in a legal battle that could help determine whether cryptocurrencies should adhere to market regulations. Eric Piermont/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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The future of crypto hinges on a fight between the SEC and a former burger flipper

A looming courtroom battle between the largest cryptocurrency exchange and the world's most powerful regulator promises to shape the future of crypto.

The future of crypto hinges on a fight between the SEC and a former burger flipper

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Wall Street's top cop is determined to bring crypto to heel. He just took a big shot

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler listens during a meeting of top financial regulators at the U.S. Treasury Department on Oct. 3, 2022, in Washington, D.C. The SEC's lawsuit against crypto exchanges Binance and Coinbase this week are intended to bring both under the regulatory purview of the agency. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

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Wall Street's top cop is determined to bring crypto to heel. He just took a big shot

The SEC announced this week a barrage of lawsuits against crypto exchanges Coinbase and Binance. The outcome could help define the future of the cryptocurrency sector.

Wall Street's top cop is determined to bring crypto to heel. He just took a big shot

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The SEC sues Binance, unveils 13 charges against crypto exchange in sweeping lawsuit

Binance Co-Founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, speaks during a press conference at the Europe's largest tech conference, the Web Summit, in Lisbon on Nov. 2, 2022. The SEC sued Binance and CZ on Monday, saying the company misled customers among other charges. Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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The SEC sues Binance, unveils 13 charges against crypto exchange in sweeping lawsuit

U.S. regulators sued Binance, saying the world's largest crypto trading platform misled investors and regulators. The accusations were part of 13 charges unveiled by the SEC.

Binance was once FTX's rival and possible savior. Now it's trying not to be its sequel

On Monday, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested by police in the Bahamas at the request of the U.S. government. Mario Duncanson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Binance was once FTX's rival and possible savior. Now it's trying not to be its sequel

Binance temporarily froze withdrawals after customers withdrew more than $1 billion worth of crypto on Tuesday, fueling fears more crypto companies could collapse.

Binance was once FTX's rival and possible savior. Now it's trying not to be its sequel

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