LATAM Crypto Roundup: Argentina Protects Scam Victims, Bancolombia’s Wenia Integrates Solana, and More

BeInCrypto comprehensive Latam Crypto Roundup brings Latin America’s most important news and trends. With reporters in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and more, we cover the latest updates and insights from the region’s crypto scene.

This week’s roundup highlights Argentina’s efforts to protect cryptocurrency scam victims, Bancolombia’s integration of the Solana and Arbitrum networks, along with other key stories.

Bancolombia’s Wenia Expands with Solana and Arbitrum Integration

Bancolombia’s crypto platform, Wenia, has expanded its offerings by integrating the Solana and Arbitrum networks, allowing users to transfer Ethereum (ETH) via Arbitrum. This update aims to enhance user experience with lower transaction fees and faster processing times.

The inclusion of Solana and Arbitrum positions Wenia as a competitive force in the region, particularly with Arbitrum’s scalability advantages over Ethereum. Wenia noted that this move aligns the platform with a global trend favoring more efficient blockchain networks.

“We have an invitation you’re going to love! Arbitrum and Solana networks are now available on Wenia App, and our crypto specialist Rafael Santamaría will tell you everything in a takeover this Friday, September 13, on our Telegram channel. Don’t miss it!” the platform announced via its X account.

Read more: Crypto vs. Banking: Which Is a Smarter Choice?

This expansion comes amid a surge in cryptocurrency activity in Latam, with Bitcoin (BTC) representing 53% of crypto wallets in the region, and Colombia accounting for 19% of all BTC purchases, according to Bitso. Earlier this year, Wenia introduced Chainlink’s Proof-of-Reserve (PoR) services to enhance transparency in its holdings.

“On-chain Proof of Reserve data is a critical component for digital asset adoption and serves as a springboard toward increasing consumer confidence in the use of stablecoins and other tokenized assets. We chose Chainlink for its industry-leading platform,” said Pablo Arboleda, CEO of Wenia.

Since its launch, Wenia has offered a variety of digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, MATIC, and the COPW stablecoin. The platform also allows users to view detailed reports on the reserves backing the COPW stablecoin through its Reserve Test feature.

Enegix Global Taps Natural Gas for New Crypto Mining Data Center in Brazil

Enegix Global has announced plans to use isolated natural gas as the energy source for its upcoming cryptocurrency mining data center in Brazil. Set to launch this November, the facility will initially have a 25-megawatt (MW) capacity, with plans to expand to 80 MW.

The isolated natural gas, found in areas with limited infrastructure, offers a cleaner energy alternative for mining operations, particularly in regions rich in gas reserves. This move aligns with Brazil’s growing reputation for both cryptocurrency adoption and renewable energy innovation.

“In addition to being considered one of the largest cryptocurrency adoption markets in the world, Brazil has ideal conditions to attract the digital mining industry as well. With clean energy sources, such as isolated natural gas and hydroelectric power plants, the country favors the promotion of sustainability in the sector and at the same time presents favorable conditions for operating costs and electricity generation,” Enegix CEO Yerbolsyn Sarsenov stated.

Read more: Is Crypto Mining Profitable in 2024?

The project aims to support the mining of Bitcoin and altcoins while enhancing Enegix’s power management capabilities by over 30%.

Latam Countries Rank Among Top 20 With Highest Crypto Adoption

According to the latest report from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina are among the top 20 countries globally with the highest cryptocurrency adoption rates. These Latin American nations join others like India, Nigeria, and the United States in leading the world in crypto usage and transfers.

Chainalysis’ global adoption index highlights the role of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in driving BTC activity in North America and Western Europe. In contrast, stablecoins have had a more significant impact in regions such as Africa and Latin America.

“Between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, the total value of global crypto activity increased substantially, reaching higher levels than 2021 during the cryptocurrency bull market. This year, cryptocurrency activity increased in countries at all income levels, with a pullback in high-income countries from early 2024,” the report noted.

Read more: Top 9 Crypto Friendly Countries For Digital Assets Investors

In Latin America, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina are leading the charge. The report also notes a significant increase in global cryptocurrency activity between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, surpassing the levels seen during the 2021 bull market. Cryptocurrency usage grew across all income levels, although high-income countries saw a slight decline in early 2024.

Fundación Blockchain Argentina to Offer Legal Support to Cryptocurrency Scam Victims

Fundación Blockchain Argentina has launched a new initiative aimed at protecting cryptocurrency users by offering free legal advice to victims of scams. Led by Dr. Sabrina Scavone, the program aims to provide guidance to individuals who have fallen prey to cryptocurrency-related fraud. As investments in digital assets, such as Bitcoin, continue to rise, so too have incidents of scams, creating concern within the crypto community.

The service focuses on offering specialized legal advice to those who have suffered financial losses from Ponzi schemes, fraudulent investments, or phishing attacks. The Foundation’s move follows a significant increase in such crimes, with reports indicating millions of dollars lost to hacks and scams. The service will provide victims with a thorough analysis of their legal options and clear steps for pursuing their cases.

Guido Zatloukal, president of Fundación Blockchain Argentina, highlighted that this initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the country’s crypto community.

Read more: 15 Most Common Crypto Scams To Look Out For

Sabrina Scavone also stressed the importance of creating a more secure and transparent cryptocurrency ecosystem, noting that legal tools can be crucial for those affected by such crimes. With the rise of fraud, Fundación Blockchain Argentina strengthens its role in promoting blockchain education and development, now extending its efforts to include legal support.

Venezuelan Authorities Seize 35 Bitcoin Mining Machines Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

On September 6, 2024, Venezuelan authorities, led by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, seized 35 Bitcoin mining machines in the state of Guárico. The operation, sanctioned by the 3rd Control Court of San Juan de los Morros, also resulted in the confiscation of 30 extractors, several industrial fans, and two vehicles. The raid occurred due to the lack of necessary permits for operating the mining farm.

In Venezuela, cryptocurrency mining is heavily regulated, requiring authorization from the National Superintendence of Cryptoassets (Sunacrip). However, since Sunacrip was suspended in 2023 amid a corruption scandal involving state oil company PDVSA, the crypto industry has been left without a clear regulatory framework.

This regulatory void has created challenges for miners. Many argue that they lack the guidance to operate legally, resulting in interventions like the one in Guárico. High energy consumption from Bitcoin mining, particularly from ASIC machines, has been a key issue, exacerbating Venezuela’s ongoing energy crisis. Frequent blackouts have prompted the government to disconnect mining farms from the National Electric System (SEN), aiming to stabilize power for citizens.

Read more: Crypto Regulation: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?

President Nicolás Maduro recently stated that cryptocurrencies would become a priority on his political agenda, but details on restoring Sunacrip or clarifying regulations remain vague. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding Bitcoin mining in Venezuela continues, with miners left exposed to legal action and sanctions. Similar crackdowns have been reported in Paraguay, where protecting the electricity grid is also cited as the primary reason for such interventions.

As the Latam crypto scene grows, these stories highlight the region’s increasing influence in the global market. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in next week’s roundup.