On July 30, cryptocurrency exchange Kraken made an announcement regarding the resolution of a critical issue with the funding gateway of Ethereum, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. The problem, which had the potential to cause delays in deposits and withdrawals, prompted the company to investigate promptly to address the concerns of its users.
Earlier that day, Kraken had reported the issue with the Ethereum funding gateway, acknowledging the possibility of significant delays in transactions made through the exchange. However, the exchange’s quick response and technical expertise allowed them to resolve the problem efficiently.
Kraken updated its status page to inform users that all systems were now operational after the issue was addressed. While the exact nature of the problem was not disclosed, users can now conduct Ethereum-related transactions without worries about potential delays.
Although the precise impact of the issue on Kraken’s services was not disclosed, the exchange’s rapid resolution suggests minimal disruption to users. With the funding gateway back to normal operation, users can carry out deposits and withdrawals without any hindrance, reinforcing their trust in Kraken as a reliable cryptocurrency exchange.
Controversies surrounding Kraken
On June 30, Kraken was ordered by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California to disclose user account and transaction data to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This request for information was part of the IRS’ efforts to investigate potential underreporting of taxes by Kraken users. The court order mandated that Kraken provide details of users who conducted transactions exceeding $20,000 within a calendar year, including personal information and transaction details. However, the court rejected the IRS’ request for employment information and source of wealth from Kraken, stating that the summons should only ask for what is necessary to serve its purpose.
More recently, the FBI investigated Jesse Powell, one of the co-founders of Kraken, for allegedly hacking and cyberstalking the non-profit organization he founded, Verge Center for the Arts. The investigation focused on allegations that Powell disrupted Verge’s computer accounts, making it difficult to access emails and other messages.
While Powell’s residence has been searched and electronic devices seized, he has not been charged with any crimes. His lawyer maintained that Powell did “nothing wrong” and that the issue is unrelated to his activities in the cryptocurrency sector. Kraken has stated that it is not part of the investigation.
