While hacks and thefts from cryptocurrency exchanges are nothing new, there have been some notable cases, as well as some smaller and less publicised ones. However, it is not always the eye-watering figures that are stolen that draw headlines - sometimes it is the saga that unfolds after the theft. This has been the case of the Feb. 8 hack of Italian exchange, BitGrail. The story started to pick up attention as Nano, which was what RailBlocks was rebranded to in January, were drawn into the ruckus with fingers being pointed at their Blockchain protocol. In the end, $150 mln …

Cointelegraph talked to Francesco Firano, CEO of BitGrail, the Italian exchange apparently hit by a cyber attack that would have caused the loss of a considerable amount of Nano tokens (formerly known as Raiblocks). BitGrail froze trading on Thursday, Feb. 8. The exchange stated that 17 mln Nano had been stolen in the hack, an amount worth about $187 mln at the time the losses were discovered. The statements of the developers of Nano on the matter, mixed with the understandable anger of users affected by the theft and the dissemination of confusing information, have generated a climate of strong …

BTMS, or Bitcoin ATMs, allow for an alternative to using either online exchanges or in-person transactions when buying or selling Bitcoin, replicating the process of using ATMs used in traditional banking. This makes them suitable for bringing Bitcoin to new users. Taking Bitcoin to new areas Luca Dordolo, the operator of the first BTM in Italy, sees them as an opportunity to get overlooked demographics to start using Bitcoin. “BTM is a perfect instrument to spread Bitcoins in new areas, especially where Bitcoin is almost unknown. BTM can be the perfect testimonial for this new global currency.” According to Dordolo, …

As Bitcoin awareness grows across the globe, the Cointelegraph Media Group launches its regional publications in a number of key countries. This week marks the launch of our South African and Slovenian publications with the UK and Italy to follow soon. South Africa CT as the leading cryptocurrency media publication is firmly establishing itself on the African continent. “Cointelegraph South Africa wants to be first in, bringing the latest developments to the world as this still largely unknown Bitcoin/ Blockchain technology starts to become more mainstream,” says Jaques Coetsee, co-founder of Bitmagnet and head of CT South Africa. He added: …

Italy's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an organ of the Central Bank in charge of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, issued a statement warning digital currency businesses to stay vigilant regarding suspicious activities due to the lack of AML/KYC requirements for Italian companies. In light of previous statements issued by the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Banking Authority (EBA), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the FIU made a public announcement on February 2, emphasizing on the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing that are facing 'virtual currency' businesses. While Italian businesses involved in digital currencies such …