Italy's CONSOB Blocks 10 Unauthorized Crypto Websites

Italy's financial markets regulator CONSOB has ordered internet service providers to block 10 unauthorized crypto websites, citing violations of new European rules on digital assets.

• ​"YTT975" (website https://ytt975.it);

• ​"YQZ585" (website https://yqz585.it);

• ​"EWQ778" (website https://ewq778.it);

• ​"AWE818" (website https://awe818.it);

• ​"GRT325" (website https://grt325.it);

• ​"TUT551" (website https://tut551.it);

• ​"SFS854" (website https://sfs854.it);

• ​"12DEF" (website https://12def.it);

• ​"YTH937" (website https://yth937.it);

• ​"C7VIZ" (website https://c7viz.it).

Authorities said the operators were offering crypto services to Italian investors without the required authorization under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR).

Since July 2019, CONSOB has blocked nearly 1,400 websites offering unauthorized financial or investment services. The watchdog warned that technical implementation of the latest orders could take several days.

The regulator reminded investors to check whether a financial operator is properly authorized before committing funds. "Diligence and common-sense practices are essential for safeguarding savings," it said, urging individuals to verify the existence of a prospectus or white paper before investing in financial products or crypto assets.