Philippines Charges Two Former Consultants for Coins.ph: A Crackdown on Crypto Crime

The Philippines has charged two former consultants for Coins.ph in a move to crack down on crypto crime. This article details the case and its implications for the crypto industry.

Points

• Two former consultants for Coins.ph have been charged with launching a hack.
• The hack led to the loss of 12.2 million XRP, valued at around $7 million USD.
• The case highlights the risks of insider threats in the crypto industry.

The Philippines has charged two former consultants for Coins.ph, Russian nationals Vladimir Evgenevich Avdeev and Sergey Yaschuck, accusing them of launching a meticulously planned hack that resulted in the loss of 12.2 million XRP, valued at approximately PHP 340 million （around $7 million USD）.

Leveraging their former consulting positions at Coins.ph, Avdeev and Yaschuck allegedly used their in-depth knowledge of the company’s network infrastructure and security systems to gain illegal access to the company’s computers by bypassing security protocols. “The recorded suspicious system logins create a clear picture,” said a panel prosecutor in an eight-page ruling outlining the accusations. “The offenders had a close knowledge of our network architecture, safe access mechanisms, and server infrastructure.”

Following the hack, authorities assert that the accused quickly moved the stolen XRP across a number of unnamed bitcoin exchanges in a complex laundering operation. This obfuscation attempt was aimed at hiding the source and destination of the stolen funds, complicating the digital trail tracking process. Total crypto market cap currently stands at $2.08 trillion.

The Department of Justice （DOJ） emphasizes the need to prioritize cybersecurity in the crypto sector, highlighting the incident as a reminder of the cybersecurity issues the growing Philippine bitcoin market faces. “They are always developing more advanced methods to take advantage of weaknesses and launder their loot,” said Justice Secretary Remulla, who underscored the DOJ’s dedication to fighting cybercrime.

The case underscores the importance of robust security policies within virtual currency exchanges, particularly regarding outside consultants who may have privileged access. The DOJ advised Filipinos to stay vigilant in online financial transactions and to verify the legitimacy of any entity offering financial services.

解説

• Insider Threats: The case highlights the significant risks posed by insider threats in the crypto industry, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.
• Cybersecurity: The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing cybersecurity in the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market.
• Complex Laundering: The sophisticated laundering techniques used by the accused underscore the evolving methods employed by cybercriminals.
• Regulatory Response: The DOJ’s active involvement and emphasis on vigilance reflect a strong regulatory response to combat cybercrime in the crypto sector.
• Market Impact: The case may lead to increased scrutiny and stricter security protocols within the crypto industry to prevent similar incidents.