{"id":586414,"date":"2024-10-11T15:33:15","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T15:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insidebitcoins.com\/?p=586414"},"modified":"2024-10-11T15:33:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T15:33:15","slug":"london-man-denies-involvement-in-illegal-cryptocurrency-atm-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insidebitcoins.com\/news\/london-man-denies-involvement-in-illegal-cryptocurrency-atm-operations","title":{"rendered":"London Man Denies Involvement in Illegal Cryptocurrency ATM Operations"},"content":{"rendered":"

A London resident has rejected accusations of running an illegal cryptocurrency ATM business and engaging in money laundering activities. Habibur Rahman, a 37-year-old from East Ham, London, is being charged with converting £300,000 of unlawful funds into digital currencies without obtaining the necessary authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)<\/a>. During a court appearance at Medway Magistrates’ Court, Rahman pleaded not guilty to these allegations.<\/p>\n

London Resident Accused of Operating Unlicensed Crypto ATMs and Money Laundering<\/h2>\n

The charges relate to a period between April 1 and June 16, 2022, when Rahman is suspected of operating unregistered cryptocurrency machines to facilitate the exchange of illicit cash into cryptocurrencies<\/a>. The accusations came to light after a police operation on April 28, 2023, in Chatham, Kent. During the search, Kent Police officers reportedly seized multiple cryptocurrency ATMs, one of which was prominently displayed to the public.<\/p>\n

Following his court appearance, Rahman was released on bail. The case has now been moved to Maidstone Crown Court, where a follow-up hearing is set for November 7. Authorities allege that Rahman’s activities not only breached financial regulations but were also connected to laundering proceeds from criminal activities.<\/p>\n

Court Proceedings and Future Developments in the Case<\/h2>\n

This case has drawn attention to the broader issue of illegal crypto ATMs operating i<\/a>n the UK. Last month, the FCA secured its first conviction related to the unlicensed operation of crypto ATMs. In a separate case, Olumide Osunkoya pleaded guilty to running a network of unauthorized cryptocurrency machines throughout the UK. The FCA has reiterated that currently, no legal operators of crypto ATMs exist in the country, and any machine facilitating such transactions without regulatory approval is considered illegal.<\/p>\n

The latest charges against Rahman underscore the ongoing efforts by UK authorities to curb illegal activities associated with cryptocurrency and ensure compliance with financial laws. The FCA, which oversees financial conduct in the country, has been actively working to shut down unregulated crypto businesses and protect the financial system<\/a> from misuse.<\/p>\n

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🏧 Habibur Rahman of Langdon Crescent in East Ham, was charged with running a crypto ATM at his shop without the @TheFCA<\/a> registration.#FCA<\/a> #CryptoATM<\/a> #BitcoinATM<\/a>https:\/\/t.co\/wv3ZPUOmZF<\/a><\/p>\n

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) October 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n