Italy's Consob Moves to Block Eight Unauthorized Crypto Websites

Italy's financial markets watchdog, the Companies and Exchange Commission (CONSOB), has issued orders to block access to eight websites that were offering crypto-asset investment services without the required authorization.

The targeted entities, operating under names such as "YUI236," "DRST78," and "TNT788," among others, were operating through the following websites:

• ​https://yui236.it

• ​https://drst78.it

• ​https://gdy733.it

• ​https://xur652.it

• ​https://yza335.it

• ​https://bhp536.it

• ​https://mju567.it

• ​https://tnt788.it

The regulatory action was taken under powers granted by the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), specifically Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 and Italy's Legislative Decree No. 129 of September 5, 2024.

According to CONSOB, the orders compel internet service providers operating within Italy to block access to the listed websites. However, the regulator noted that the technical process of blocking may take several days to be fully implemented.

In a statement accompanying the enforcement announcement, CONSOB reiterated its warning to investors, emphasizing "the importance of exercising utmost diligence in making fully informed investment decisions," and encouraged individuals to adopt "common sense practices that are essential for safeguarding their savings."

The move is part of ongoing efforts by European and national authorities to regulate the fast-evolving crypto-asset sector and protect investors from unlicensed operators.