In 2017, half of the increase in bitcoin could be due to manipulation

This is the conclusion of a study published Wednesday ...

In 2017, the value of bitcoin was multiplied by 20. According to one study, half of this increase would have unnatural causes and would be linked to manipulations. At the end of May, a criminal investigation was opened by the American authorities.

Suspicions are focused on another virtual currency called Tether. Launched by the Dutchman Jan Ludovicus Van der Velde, it is supposed to be backed on the dollar. Now, according to researchers John Griffin and Amin Shams, of the University of Texas, "Tether seems to be used to manipulate and stabilize bitcoin prices," with significant emissions at key moments.

To add to the confusion, Tether's boss is also that of Bitfinex, one of the most important bitcoin exchange markets. In a statement to Bloomberg, Jan Ludovicus Van der Velde denied any manipulation, rejecting the findings of the study as a whole. We are now awaiting the conclusions of the investigation in the United States.