Bitcoin Bonuses Expand as Fold Brings Payroll-Linked Rewards to Employers
Fold Holdings expanded bitcoin workplace compensation with a new employer bonus program. The rollout turns payroll-linked incentives into a potential distribution channel for everyday BTC adoption. Key Takeaways: Fold launches BTC bonuses, expanding employer adoption pathways. Businesses gain crypto tools, strengthening retention incentives. Fold Business growth signals wider corporate bitcoin integration. Fold Business Brings Bitcoin […]
Iran sends first Hajj teams to Medina amid Saudi normalization efforts
Iran's Hajj participation signals a strategic shift towards regional stability, potentially reducing immediate geopolitical tensions. The post Iran sends first Hajj teams to Medina amid Saudi normalization efforts appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Clarity Act Gains Momentum as North Carolina Pushes Stablecoin Bill Forward
TLDR: North Carolina blockchain group urges Clarity Act markup amid stablecoin yield policy debate shift now GENIUS Act oversight reshapes stablecoin rules as banks warn on yield bearing products concerns rise Charlotte banking hub pushes digital asset adoption under Clarity Act competitiveness debate shift now Clarity Act momentum builds as lawmakers weigh stablecoin regulation and [...] The post Clarity Act Gains Momentum as North Carolina Pushes Stablecoin Bill Forward appeared first on Blockonomi.
Iran seizes two ships, Strait of Hormuz traffic declines
Iran's actions highlight regional instability, potentially escalating tensions and impacting global oil markets and maritime security. The post Iran seizes two ships, Strait of Hormuz traffic declines appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump Hosts His TRUMP Memecoin Gala at Mar-a-Lago With Democratic Senators Calling It a Sale of Presidential Access
President Trump delivered a keynote address on April 25 at a Mar-a-Lago gala restricted to the top 297 holders of his Official TRUMP memecoin, with a private VIP reception and champagne toast reserved for the top 29, as Senators Elizabeth…
US Treasury Freezes $344 Million in Crypto Tied to Iran’s IRGC Under Operation Economic Fury
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on April 24 that the US government has sanctioned multiple crypto wallets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under a campaign called Operation Economic Fury, with Tether executing the freeze of $344 million in…
Trump to visit Beijing May 14 amid Iran war, market odds drop 17.5 points
Trump's Beijing visit amid Iran tensions highlights geopolitical complexities, impacting market confidence and diplomatic relations. The post Trump to visit Beijing May 14 amid Iran war, market odds drop 17.5 points appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
EU sanctions to target Russian condensate imports from Yamal LNG by 2027
The sanctions may strain EU-Russia relations further, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts and impacting global energy markets. The post EU sanctions to target Russian condensate imports from Yamal LNG by 2027 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
White House targets AI theft by Chinese firms, impacting Alibaba’s AI prospects
The White House's AI theft countermeasures could hinder Chinese firms' AI advancements, impacting global tech competition dynamics. The post White House targets AI theft by Chinese firms, impacting Alibaba’s AI prospects appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran’s FM in Pakistan for talks as US envoys prepare to arrive
The diplomatic deadlock and regional tensions may hinder progress, affecting geopolitical stability and market confidence in near-term talks. The post Iran’s FM in Pakistan for talks as US envoys prepare to arrive appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran allows oil tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz, easing tensions
Iran's move may temporarily ease geopolitical tensions, but traders should remain cautious as the situation could quickly change. The post Iran allows oil tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz, easing tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs see 9-day inflow streak as investors show resilience
US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $2.12 billion in inflows over nine days, signaling growing conviction among investors.
London housing crisis threatens Labour’s control in local elections
Labour's electoral struggles in London could trigger leadership challenges, impacting party stability and future political strategies. The post London housing crisis threatens Labour’s control in local elections appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
UAE Announces Shift Toward AI Government Model in the Next Two Years
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the goal was for 50% of government sectors to operate through autonomous agentic AI. The transition will also include the training of federal employees to “master AI” and will be overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. Key Takeaways: UAE PM Al Maktoum announced a major […]
Iran war disrupts supply chains, raises global medicine prices
The Iran war's impact on supply chains highlights vulnerabilities in global trade, potentially leading to long-term economic instability. The post Iran war disrupts supply chains, raises global medicine prices appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran internet blackout hits 57 days amid rising regime change speculation
The prolonged internet blackout in Iran highlights escalating internal instability, potentially accelerating regime change discussions globally. The post Iran internet blackout hits 57 days amid rising regime change speculation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Turkey open to Strait of Hormuz demining if Iran-US peace deal reached
Turkey's potential involvement in demining could ease regional tensions, but hinges on a speculative Iran-US peace deal, requiring swift diplomacy. The post Turkey open to Strait of Hormuz demining if Iran-US peace deal reached appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
IRGC commanders dominate as Mojtaba Khamenei loses control in Iran
The IRGC's rising influence in Iran could lead to increased political instability and uncertainty in the region's future governance. The post IRGC commanders dominate as Mojtaba Khamenei loses control in Iran appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran resumes commercial flights amid ongoing US-Israel conflict
Iran's flight resumption signals potential regional stability, impacting peace deal odds and highlighting geopolitical market sensitivities. The post Iran resumes commercial flights amid ongoing US-Israel conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US deploys F/A-18 jets to UAE amid Iran tensions, market impact unclear
The deployment heightens geopolitical tensions, potentially influencing market perceptions and trader expectations of future military actions. The post US deploys F/A-18 jets to UAE amid Iran tensions, market impact unclear appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Crypto-Related Kidnappings Surge in France; 88 Charged Across 12 Active Cases
TLDR: France recorded 135 crypto-related kidnappings since 2023, with 47 cases already logged in 2026. Eighty-eight suspects, including over 10 minors, have been charged across 12 active French cases. A couple in Dompierre-sur-Mer was forced to transfer roughly 8 million euros in cryptocurrency as ransom. Prosecutors identified recurring suspects across multiple cases, confirming the presence [...] The post Crypto-Related Kidnappings Surge in France; 88 Charged Across 12 Active Cases appeared first on Blockonomi.
OpenAI unveils GPT-5.5 model, settles release date markets YES
The GPT-5.5 release solidifies OpenAI's market influence, prompting focus on performance metrics and strategic deployment insights. The post OpenAI unveils GPT-5.5 model, settles release date markets YES appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Russia missile attack on Ukraine kills 4, injures 30, says Zelenskiy
The attack underscores the challenges of achieving a ceasefire, with market skepticism reflecting doubts about near-term diplomatic progress. The post Russia missile attack on Ukraine kills 4, injures 30, says Zelenskiy appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Israeli airstrikes continue amid stagnant ceasefire market conditions
Market stagnation amid ongoing airstrikes highlights a disconnect between perceived ceasefire certainty and volatile ground realities. The post Israeli airstrikes continue amid stagnant ceasefire market conditions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin ETFs see $823M inflows this week, boosting market odds
Increased Bitcoin ETF inflows may signal growing investor confidence, potentially influencing market dynamics and future price expectations. The post Bitcoin ETFs see $823M inflows this week, boosting market odds appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Mars FX Hedge Fund Collapse: $600 Million Missing and Nobody Knows Where It Went
TLDR: Mars FX reported 19% annual returns with zero losing months, a pattern no legitimate fund has ever sustained in history. Novus directed investor funds to an unnamed BVI partner later identified as TRFX, which had been offline since 2022. Deloitte issued clean audit opinions yearly without independently verifying whether the reported fund assets actually [...] The post Mars FX Hedge Fund Collapse: $600 Million Missing and Nobody Knows Where It Went appeared first on Blockonomi.
When Is The Next FOMC Meeting And What Are The Expectations For Crypto?
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets a total of eight times a year, where members of the committee review economic and financial conditions in the US, and this usually has serious implications for the crypto market. With the end of each meeting comes an announcement where the Fed chair reveals what the interest rates […]
Germany deploys naval units in Mediterranean amid Hormuz tensions
Germany's naval deployment may catalyze a broader European initiative to secure vital shipping lanes, impacting geopolitical stability. The post Germany deploys naval units in Mediterranean amid Hormuz tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
BlackRock, Morgan Stanley invest $34M in Bitcoin ETFs
Institutional investments in Bitcoin ETFs could stabilize prices and increase the likelihood of future all-time highs, impacting market dynamics. The post BlackRock, Morgan Stanley invest $34M in Bitcoin ETFs appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump confirms three-week extension of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
The ceasefire extension stabilizes regional tensions, but ongoing provocations and diplomatic dynamics could still impact future peace efforts. The post Trump confirms three-week extension of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil supply
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz underscores the fragility of global oil supply chains, highlighting the need for diversified energy strategies. The post Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil supply appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
XRP (XRP) Price Analysis: Whales Drive 94% of Exchange Outflows Amid Institutional Accumulation
XRP trades at $1.43 as whale withdrawals hit 94.4%, spot CVD climbs $310M, and institutions add ETF holdings. Analysts eye potential breakout to $1.58. The post XRP (XRP) Price Analysis: Whales Drive 94% of Exchange Outflows Amid Institutional Accumulation appeared first on Blockonomi.
Putin’s approval drops amid economic woes, internet crackdown
Economic challenges and internet restrictions may heighten internal pressures, but significant political change remains unlikely in the short term. The post Putin’s approval drops amid economic woes, internet crackdown appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Kushner, Witkoff head to Pakistan for US-Iran peace talks restart
The diplomatic efforts may signal a shift in regional dynamics, but market skepticism suggests a peace deal remains a distant prospect. The post Kushner, Witkoff head to Pakistan for US-Iran peace talks restart appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran claims US bunker-buster bomb neutralised amid military tensions
Iran's claim highlights ongoing military tensions, reducing prospects for diplomatic resolution and increasing regional instability risks. The post Iran claims US bunker-buster bomb neutralised amid military tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill six, ceasefire odds remain unchanged
The ongoing hostilities highlight the disconnect between market odds and reality, underscoring the challenges in achieving peace. The post Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill six, ceasefire odds remain unchanged appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US, Iran ship seizures violate international law, disrupt Hormuz traffic
The ongoing ship seizures heighten geopolitical tensions, threaten global trade stability, and create uncertainty in maritime markets. The post US, Iran ship seizures violate international law, disrupt Hormuz traffic appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran executes protester linked to Mossad amid regime crackdown
The execution underscores the regime's strategy to suppress dissent, diminishing prospects for imminent political change in Iran. The post Iran executes protester linked to Mossad amid regime crackdown appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US-Iran talks confirmed in Islamabad, impacting prediction markets
The Islamabad talks could shift US-Iran relations, influencing diplomatic strategies and impacting global geopolitical stability. The post US-Iran talks confirmed in Islamabad, impacting prediction markets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin Bonuses Expand as Fold Brings Payroll-Linked Rewards to Employers
Fold Holdings expanded bitcoin workplace compensation with a new employer bonus program. The rollout turns payroll-linked incentives into a potential distribution channel for everyday BTC adoption. Key Takeaways: Fold launches BTC bonuses, expanding employer adoption pathways. Businesses gain crypto tools, strengthening retention incentives. Fold Business growth signals wider corporate bitcoin integration. Fold Business Brings Bitcoin […]
Aave Moves to Allocate 25,000 ETH for Kelp DAO Exploit Recovery
Aave proposes 25,000 ETH ($58M) for Kelp DAO rsETH exploit recovery. DeFi United fund reaches $161M as TVL falls 27% in 2026 amid security concerns. The post Aave Moves to Allocate 25,000 ETH for Kelp DAO Exploit Recovery appeared first on Blockonomi.
U.S. Treasury Freezes $344M in Iran-Linked Tether Amid Economic Pressure Campaign
U.S. Treasury froze $344M in USDT linked to Iran's central bank, with Tether blacklisting two TRON addresses as part of 'Economic Fury' campaign. The post U.S. Treasury Freezes $344M in Iran-Linked Tether Amid Economic Pressure Campaign appeared first on Blockonomi.
Ethereum Staking Surge: Grayscale and Bitmine Commit Nearly $500 Million
TLDR: Grayscale staked 102,400 ETH worth $237M via 32 transactions, bringing its net staking rewards to nearly $38 million. Bitmine now holds 3.7 million staked ETH worth $8.58 billion, representing 74% of its total Ethereum holdings. Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini ETF ranked first among US ETP providers in Q1 2026, recording $337 million in net inflows. [...] The post Ethereum Staking Surge: Grayscale and Bitmine Commit Nearly $500 Million appeared first on Blockonomi.
Iran retains significant missile capability amid US-led operations
Iran's retained missile capability suggests continued military resilience, reducing the likelihood of imminent regime change despite external pressures. The post Iran retains significant missile capability amid US-led operations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Solana (SOL) Poised for Major Breakout as MACD Signal Sparks Bullish Momentum
Solana (SOL) flashes rare weekly MACD buy signal with $130 breakout potential. Key resistance at $90-$96 could determine next major move. The post Solana (SOL) Poised for Major Breakout as MACD Signal Sparks Bullish Momentum appeared first on Blockonomi.
Iran, Pakistan discuss peace proposals amid indirect US-Iran negotiations
The reliance on intermediaries like Pakistan may hinder timely US-Iran nuclear negotiations, affecting regional stability and diplomatic progress. The post Iran, Pakistan discuss peace proposals amid indirect US-Iran negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin (BTC) Surges Past $79K as Institutional Investors Pour in $3.17 Billion
Bitcoin (BTC) surges 13.6% in April as whales accumulate $3.17B and spot ETFs record eight consecutive days of inflows near critical $79K resistance. The post Bitcoin (BTC) Surges Past $79K as Institutional Investors Pour in $3.17 Billion appeared first on Blockonomi.
Stratosphere and Strategic Investors Acquire 70% Stake in Potion Alpha
Miami, United States, 25th April 2026, Chainwire
Nvidia deploys GPT-5.5 Codex to 10,000 employees, boosting AI collaboration
Nvidia's AI integration could significantly enhance productivity, potentially impacting its market position and influencing global tech dynamics. The post Nvidia deploys GPT-5.5 Codex to 10,000 employees, boosting AI collaboration appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Andy Burnham eyes leadership challenge as Labour’s prospects slide
Burnham's potential leadership challenge highlights internal Labour tensions, potentially destabilizing the party's future electoral prospects. The post Andy Burnham eyes leadership challenge as Labour’s prospects slide appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Nvidia market cap hits $5T amid US-China tech rivalry
Nvidia's valuation surge underscores the strategic importance of tech leadership amid geopolitical tensions, influencing global market dynamics. The post Nvidia market cap hits $5T amid US-China tech rivalry appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
South Africa Crypto Crackdown? Proposal Could Force Citizens To Liquidate Bitcoin To The State
South Africa has released new draft regulatory proposals that, if implemented, could significantly change how residents interact with certain wealth holdings—including crypto. The document, published as part of the country’s latest attempt to tighten rules around the crypto industry, would require people to declare qualifying assets above future thresholds. In some situations, those assets could […]
Ethereum Faces $2.4K Resistance as Foundation Sells 10K ETH in OTC Market Move
TLDR: Ethereum trades near $2.3K, staying below the weekly 200 MA and EMA, with $2.4K acting as key resistance. CryptosRus reports the Ethereum Foundation sold 10,000 ETH OTC at $2,387, totaling about $23.9M to BitMine. OTC transaction signals institutional absorption of ETH liquidity, reducing immediate exchange-side selling pressure. Price remains in a broader downtrend, with [...] The post Ethereum Faces $2.4K Resistance as Foundation Sells 10K ETH in OTC Market Move appeared first on Blockonomi.
Solana (SOL) Sits at a ‘No Trade’ Zone as a Huge Move Looks Imminent: Analyst
"The longer the price stays in here, the more energy it builds for the eventual breakout," Ali Martinez argued.
IDF reports Hezbollah ceasefire violations amid rising Lebanon tensions
The fragile ceasefire and market stasis highlight the precariousness of regional stability and the potential for sudden escalations. The post IDF reports Hezbollah ceasefire violations amid rising Lebanon tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Middle East tensions impact energy price expectations amid US interventions
Geopolitical instability in the Middle East could lead to volatile energy markets, affecting global economic stability and energy security. The post Middle East tensions impact energy price expectations amid US interventions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US bombs Iranian nuclear sites, fate of uranium stockpile uncertain
The bombing heightens geopolitical tensions, complicating diplomatic efforts and increasing market volatility around Iran's nuclear future. The post US bombs Iranian nuclear sites, fate of uranium stockpile uncertain appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin Sentiment Swings to FOMO as BTC Retests $80K Resistance Level Again
TLDR: Bitcoin sentiment flipped from fear to strong optimism within days as the price rebounded above $78.7K quickly. Santiment data shows rising FOMO levels, which often act as caution signals during key resistance tests. The $80K level remains a major barrier, with a breakout likely attracting new and returning traders. Elevated Bitcoin sentiment suggests crowded [...] The post Bitcoin Sentiment Swings to FOMO as BTC Retests $80K Resistance Level Again appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin stabilizes at $75K-$78K after US-Iran ceasefire, market remains calm
Bitcoin's stability amid geopolitical calm suggests market resilience, but thin liquidity could amplify volatility if tensions resurface. The post Bitcoin stabilizes at $75K-$78K after US-Iran ceasefire, market remains calm appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitwarden CLI hack, arrest of illicit debt collectors in Kyiv, and other cybersecurity news
We have compiled the week's most important cybersecurity news. North Korean hackers stole $12m in crypto in three months using AI tools. A former ransomware negotiator turned out to be an accomplice. UK intelligence: 100 governments have access to commercial spyware. An infostealer was planted in Bitwarden’s developer-facing password manager. North Korean hackers stole $12m in crypto in three months using AI tools Over three months, the North Korean hacking group HexagonalRodent stole about $12m in cryptocurrency and infected more than 2,000 Web3 developers’ machines to steal credentials and gain access to crypto wallets, said Expel cybersecurity specialist Marcus Hutchins. The campaign relied on “vibe coding” — generating malware and infrastructure via text prompts to AI systems: using Anima’s AI web-design tools, the hackers built sites for non-existent IT firms; victims were lured with fake job listings and asked to complete a “test assignment” that contained malware; all code and correspondence in flawless English were generated with ChatGPT and Cursor. Snippet of the hackers’ code. Source: Expel. The expert analysed the hackers’ infrastructure, which they inadvertently left exposed. Their prompts and a database of victims’ wallets leaked online. Hutchins noted the code was filled with English comments and emojis — a clear sign the software was entirely generated by a LLM. Hutchins argues that in 2026 Pyongyang made a qualitative leap by using AI to automate every stage of its cyberattacks, turning low-skilled operators into a scaled cyberthreat. HexagonalRodent’s work is only part of North Korea’s broader strategy to automate crime, corroborated by reports from other technology firms: Microsoft reported that North Korean operators use AI to generate fake documents, research vulnerabilities and conduct social engineering; Anthropic said it blocked attempts by DPRK agents to use the Claude model to refine malware. In comments to WIRED, representatives of OpenAI, Cursor and Anima confirmed misuse of their services. They said accounts linked to the hackers had been blocked; the investigation will help prevent similar incidents. A former ransomware negotiator turned out to be an accomplice Angelo Martino, formerly a ransomware negotiator at cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, pleaded guilty to aiding cybercriminals, the US Department of Justice said. Martino admitted he played both sides in five separate incidents. While ostensibly working for victims, he passed confidential information to operators of the ALPHV/BlackCat malware and supplied details such as insurance coverage limits and victims’ negotiation strategies. Investigators found that Martino maximised the payouts to criminals and took a cut. The ALPHV/BlackCat group operated a CaaS model, in which the gang builds and maintains file-encrypting software while “affiliates” deploy it in attacks and share profits with the developers. In 2023, law enforcement seized the gang’s dark-web site and released a decryptor that helped more than 500 victims restore systems. In 2025, other DigitalMint employees — Kevin Tyler Martin and Ryan Clifford Goldberg — aided the same criminals. Together with Martino they earned over $1.2m from just one victim. Martino pleaded guilty to extortion and faces up to 20 years in prison. Authorities seized $10m in assets from him. UK intelligence: 100 governments have access to commercial spyware According to British intelligence, more than half of the world’s governments have access to software capable of hacking devices to steal confidential information, Politico reports. Media say the barrier to obtaining such surveillance technology has fallen. The number of countries potentially possessing these hacking tools has risen to 100, up from 80 known in 2023. Commercial spyware developed by private firms — such as Pegasus from NSO Group — often relies on vulnerabilities in phone and computer software. Governments say these tools are used only on devices of suspects in serious crimes, including terrorism. In recent years, the “circle of victims” has widened from political critics, opponents and journalists to bankers and wealthy businesspeople, according to UK intelligence. In the US, ICE is actively using the Israeli-made Graphite tool. Acting agency director Todd Lyons confirmed this to NPR. According to him, law enforcement uses the software to fight foreign terrorist organisations and fentanyl traffickers who rely on encrypted messengers. The tool can access messages on a phone without any need to click links (zero-click). An infostealer was planted in Bitwarden’s developer CLI On 22 April 2026, the official npm package of the Bitwarden command-line interface (CLI), version 2026.4.0, was compromised. The repository contained a build with malicious code to steal developers’ credentials. Several security firms analysed the supply-chain compromise and assessed the incident: JFrog experts found the package used a custom loader, bw_setup.js, to stealthily execute a spying script. The malware collected npm and GitHub tokens, SSH keys, and credentials for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud; OX Security discovered that the encrypted stolen data were exfiltrated by automatically creating public repositories on the victim’s GitHub account. The repos were tagged “Shai-Hulud: The Third Coming,” and the malware could self-propagate; Socket confirmed the malware targeted CI/CD infrastructure. It also found technical links to the recent supply-chain compromise at Checkmarx. The attack is attributed to the TeamPCP group, previously behind large campaigns against developers of Trivy and LiteLLM. Experts strongly urged developers to rotate all keys and tokens immediately if they interacted with the affected CLI. Bitwarden removed the tainted version just 90 minutes after the attack began and confirmed that user vaults and passwords remained safe. Apple fixed a bug that let the FBI read deleted Signal notifications Apple released a patch and a security advisory after the FBI gained access to Signal message notification content via iOS even after the app had been deleted. We are very happy that today Apple issued a patch and a security advisory. This comes following @404mediaco reporting that the FBI accessed Signal message notification content via iOS despite the app being deleted. Apple’s advisory confirmed that the bugs that allowed this to…— Signal (@signalapp) April 22, 2026 Signal said that once the update is installed, all inadvertently saved notifications will be deleted and new ones will not be stored. Kyiv police detained a gang of debt collectors who extorted cryptocurrency using bot farms In Kyiv, law enforcement detained fraudsters who used the Bitcapital and Crypsee platforms to provide crypto loans. Debtors and their relatives were harassed with AI-generated abusive content and a bot farm with 6,000 SIM cards, the Cyber Police of Ukraine reported. According to investigators, the group set up a call centre in Dnipro and had operated since 2023 under cover of companies registered in the UK and Cyprus. Operators phoned debtors and, using fake data and voice-changing software, demanded repayment. Even when clients repaid on time, the criminals invented non-existent debts. They then extorted money through threats and blackmail. The bot farm was used to generate and disseminate degrading content featuring victims’ data and photos — as well as those of their relatives and colleagues — and to place systematic threatening phone calls. Source: Cyber Police of Ukraine. At any one time, a separate group of two to six people could “work” a victim, tailoring approaches to individual vulnerabilities. On success, each took a cut of the funds extorted. Police carried out 44 searches in Dnipropetrovsk region and Kyiv. More than 80 mobile phones, computer equipment, cash, documents, seals and bot farms were seized. Preliminary damages exceed 5m hryvnia (about $113,000 at the time of writing). The suspects face up to 12 years in prison. Also on ForkLog: Tether froze $344m in USDT at the request of the US. In the UK, raids were conducted to crack down on illicit P2P crypto trading. Cybersecurity experts warned of a new wave of DPRK attacks. Bloomberg reported unauthorised access to the Mythos AI model. Hackers attacked Volo and drained $3.5m from WBTC and USDC pools. Reporters learned of a new scheme to extort bitcoin for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Arbitrum froze 30,000 ETH as part of the Kelp hack investigation. Eth.limo regained control of its domain after the easyDNS breach. The Kelp protocol lost $293m after a cross-chain bridge attack. What to read this weekend? For a long time, the use of cyberweapons for espionage was seen as the domain of a narrow circle of intelligence services. But a US investigation into Operation Zero exposed the scale of trading in zero-day vulnerabilities. On states’ shadow markets and the price of hacks — in ForkLog’s new feature.
XRP Outflows Surge as Multi-Year Base Pattern Signals Possible Breakout Setup
TLDR: XRP outflows reached 34.94 million tokens, marking one of the largest daily exchange withdrawals this year. Historical data shows XRP outflows often appear before upward price movement during accumulation phases. XRP is forming a multi-year base pattern, with Base 3 developing near key resistance levels. Price remains near an ascending trendline, with consolidation continuing [...] The post XRP Outflows Surge as Multi-Year Base Pattern Signals Possible Breakout Setup appeared first on Blockonomi.
Brazil Prediction Market Ban Hits Crypto Derivatives Under New Rules
TLDR: Brazil banned derivatives tied to sports, politics, gaming, and entertainment events from May 4 Foreign prediction market contracts offered in Brazil also fall under the new derivatives restriction Only contracts linked to financial benchmarks like rates, prices, and indices remain allowed Securities regulators now hold broad authority over future event-based derivatives listings Brazil moved [...] The post Brazil Prediction Market Ban Hits Crypto Derivatives Under New Rules appeared first on Blockonomi.
ALGO Enters Japan Green List as Price Breakout Signals Emerging Bullish Trend
TLDR: ALGO joins Japan’s JVCEA Green List, enabling faster exchange listings under strict regulatory oversight standards. Price breaks out of a long-term descending channel, marking a shift from bearish structure to early bullish setup. Strong demand zone between $0.0794 and $0.10 continues to hold, supporting accumulation and price stability. A projected move toward $0.33 reflects [...] The post ALGO Enters Japan Green List as Price Breakout Signals Emerging Bullish Trend appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin dominance in 2026 as price holds near $78K
Bitcoin's rising dominance and stability suggest a shift towards it as a safe-haven asset, reflecting broader market confidence and geopolitical influences. The post Bitcoin dominance in 2026 as price holds near $78K appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran denies direct US talks, stalling peace efforts in Islamabad
Iran's refusal to engage in direct talks with the US complicates diplomatic efforts, reducing the likelihood of a near-term peace agreement. The post Iran denies direct US talks, stalling peace efforts in Islamabad appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bittensor Subnets Face Pressure to Deliver Real AI Competition
TLDR: Bittensor investors want subnet performance, not just decentralized AI architecture strength TAO focus is shifting toward subnets targeting state-of-the-art AI model competition Investors want models that outperform GPT and Gemini in specific commercial sectors Stronger reasoning, coding, and creativity remain key tests for Bittensor subnet growth Bittensor has investors pushing its subnet ecosystem toward [...] The post Bittensor Subnets Face Pressure to Deliver Real AI Competition appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin Quantum Threat May Not Be as Serious as Feared, According to Analyst
According to James Check, only 1.716 million Satoshi-era P2PK coins represent a credible target for quantum attacks.
US warns of AI thefts by Chinese firms, impacting Alibaba AI model market
The US warning may lead to increased scrutiny and restrictions on Chinese AI firms, impacting global AI market dynamics and innovation trust. The post US warns of AI thefts by Chinese firms, impacting Alibaba AI model market appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Project Eleven Awards 1 BTC After Record Quantum ECC Break Raises Crypto Security Alarm
TLDR: Project Eleven paid 1 BTC after a researcher broke a 15-bit ECC key using public quantum hardware Giancarlo Lelli expanded the previous public quantum ECC record by 512x from the 2025 result Around 6.9 million Bitcoin sit in wallets with public keys visible on-chain and exposed New research cut estimates for full Bitcoin quantum [...] The post Project Eleven Awards 1 BTC After Record Quantum ECC Break Raises Crypto Security Alarm appeared first on Blockonomi.
Aave Founder Stani Kulechov Pledges 5,000 ETH to DeFi United as Mantle Network Adds 30,000 ETH Backstop
Aave founder Stani Kulechov committed 5,000 ether to DeFi United, the ecosystem-wide recovery initiative launched post the $292 million KelpDAO exploit, with Mantle Network following with a 30,000 ETH backstop. Key Takeaways: Aave founder Stani Kulechov personally pledged 5,000 ETH to DeFi United. Mantle Network committed 30,000 ETH, pushing total recovery pledges past 43,500 ETH. […]
CFTC Sues New York as Prediction Markets Fight Escalates
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has sued New York over prediction markets, following the state’s lawsuit against Coinbase and Gemini, as a broader federal-state clash over event contracts intensifies. The dispute centers on whether these products fall under federal derivatives oversight or state gambling laws. Key Takeaways: CFTC sued New York to block state […]
Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Crypto ATM Ban, Triggering Removals by July 1
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation this week, banning all cryptocurrency automated teller machines (ATMs) in the state, making Tennessee the second in the U.S. to do so after Indiana. Key Takeaways: Governor Bill Lee signed HB 2505 on April 23, 2026, making Tennessee the 2nd state to ban crypto ATMs. The FBI linked approximately […]
Brazil Issues Ban on Non-Financial Prediction Market Contracts
The measure, which would affect international prediction markets, like Polymarket and Kalshi in Brazil, is part of a battle against illegal gambling by President Lula’s Administration. According to a technical note, these platforms would reproduce fixed quota bets, which are already regulated. Key Takeaways: Brazil’s National Monetary Council banned non-financial prediction markets on April 24 […]
Cluster Protocol Raises $5 Million to Accelerate CodeXero, a Browser-Native Vibe Coding AI IDE for EVM, Bringing Total Funding to $7.75 Million
This sponsored press release was provided by Cluster Protocol and was not written by Bitcoin.com News. Bitcoin.com News does not necessarily endorse the statements made within this announcement. PRESS RELEASE. With backing from DAO5, Paper Ventures, JPEG Trading, Mapleblock Capital, and a growing roster of strategic investors, Cluster Protocol is building the creation stack that […]
US Offers $10M Reward as DOJ Restrains Over $700M in Crypto From Scam Centers Targeting Americans
The U.S. is intensifying its scam center crackdown by targeting Tai Chang money flows and alleged crypto laundering tied to schemes targeting Americans. The actions raise pressure on Southeast Asian fraud networks accused of using online fraud to reach U.S. victims. Key Takeaways: $700M DOJ seizures increase pressure on crypto laundering networks tied to scams […]
CFTC Charges Polymarket Trader in First Event Contract Insider Trading Case
CFTC insider trading charges against a U.S. Army service member escalate scrutiny of prediction markets. The case raises new legal and national security concerns around event contracts tied to government information. Key Takeaways: First CFTC action targets insider trading in event contracts. Insider trading charges show Army member used classified data to profit. Polymarket bets […]
Blackrock’s IBIT Pulls $167M as Bitcoin ETFs Extend 8-Day $223M Inflow Streak
Bitcoin extended its inflow streak with conviction, adding $223 million. However, ether’s rally paused with a $76 million outflow, while XRP and solana posted decent gains. Key Takeaways: Bitcoin ETFs logged $223 million inflows for an eighth straight day of inflows, led by Blackrock’s IBIT adding $167 million. Ether ETFs saw their first outflow after […]
ECB Moves to Facilitate the Implementation of Digital Euro Payments
The European Central Bank (ECB) established several agreements with Europe’s largest standards setters, including the ECPC, Nexo Standards, and the Berlin Group, to facilitate the use of the digital euro in payment use cases. These partnerships will insert the digital euro into their existing payment systems. Key Takeaways: The ECB signed 3 agreements with Nexo […]
Singapore Police and Crypto Exchanges Launch Joint Operation Against Scam-Linked Accounts
Singapore police intensified digital asset enforcement with major exchanges targeting scam-related crypto activity. The move strengthens real-time tracking of suspicious blockchain flows as authorities push to curb fraud risks. Key Takeaways: Singapore Police Force expanded crypto crackdown on scam-related crypto activity. Coinbase, Gemini, Upbit, and Coinhako among the firms that backed enforcement action. Chainalysis and […]
Strategy to surpass Satoshi in Bitcoin holdings within 2 years
MicroStrategy's potential to surpass Satoshi in Bitcoin holdings could drive institutional interest, impacting long-term market dynamics. The post Strategy to surpass Satoshi in Bitcoin holdings within 2 years appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Rising diesel costs from Iran war hit Maryland fishing industry
Maryland's fishing industry faces economic strain, highlighting the vulnerability of local economies to global geopolitical tensions. The post Rising diesel costs from Iran war hit Maryland fishing industry appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran’s foreign minister in Islamabad as US envoys head to region
Increased diplomatic activity in Islamabad may signal a shift in US-Iran relations, potentially impacting regional stability and alliances. The post Iran’s foreign minister in Islamabad as US envoys head to region appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Crypto Reckoning? US Banks Urge Stricter AML And Sanctions Rules–Industry Pushes Back
A renewed push to tighten anti–money laundering (AML) and sanctions requirements in the United States has sparked a fresh debate between traditional banking advocates and crypto policy leaders. The latest round of attention comes from the Washington, DC-based Bank Policy Institute (BPI), which released a new report titled “Time for a Reckoning on AML and […]
Metaplanet Fuels Bitcoin Bet With $50M Zero-Cost Debt Move
A Tokyo-listed company is borrowing $50 million to buy Bitcoin — and it won’t pay a single dollar in interest to do it. Metaplanet announced Thursday it had sold its 20th series of ordinary bonds, worth 8 billion Japanese yen, to EVO Fund — a Cayman Islands-based investor tied to Evolution Financial Group. Related Reading: […]
Grayscale stakes 102,400 ETH via Ethereum Staking ETF, valued at $237M
Grayscale's staking move signals increased institutional interest in Ethereum, yet market sentiment remains cautious on long-term price impact. The post Grayscale stakes 102,400 ETH via Ethereum Staking ETF, valued at $237M appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Ethereum Order Flow Just Flipped Positive On Binance: Bullish Setup Forming?
Ethereum is consolidating around $2,300, holding a level that represents meaningful recovery from the February lows but still sitting well below the highs that defined the previous cycle. The price action is tentative — not breaking down, not breaking out — and the market is in the kind of cautious, assessing mode that tends to […]
Sam Altman apologizes for OpenAI’s failure to report flagged activity before shooting
OpenAI's oversight may prompt stricter AI regulations, impacting future tech development and operational protocols industry-wide. The post Sam Altman apologizes for OpenAI’s failure to report flagged activity before shooting appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
SpaceX IPO odds rise amid OpenAI’s projected $3T IPO wave
The rising odds of a SpaceX IPO reflect growing investor confidence, potentially reshaping market dynamics and influencing tech sector valuations. The post SpaceX IPO odds rise amid OpenAI’s projected $3T IPO wave appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
XRP Whale Liquidation: Why $1.69 Is the Critical 'Point of No Return' for a $4 Million Short Position on Hyperliquid
On-chain data reveals a $4 million XRP short on Hyperliquid nears total liquidation at $1.69, despite profits in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
IRGC seizes vessel in Strait of Hormuz, escalating maritime conflict
The vessel seizure exacerbates geopolitical tensions, reducing odds of swift resolution and impacting market confidence in regional stability. The post IRGC seizes vessel in Strait of Hormuz, escalating maritime conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US forces kill two narco-terrorists in Pacific drug-trafficking vessel strike
The operation highlights the US's active military stance, complicating predictions of non-engagement and impacting geopolitical market dynamics. The post US forces kill two narco-terrorists in Pacific drug-trafficking vessel strike appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs see $37.8M inflows amid US-Iran tensions
Institutional interest in crypto ETFs amid geopolitical tensions suggests a shift towards digital assets as potential safe-haven investments. The post Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs see $37.8M inflows amid US-Iran tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Hezbollah’s use of blood diamonds, crypto raises diplomatic concerns in Europe
Hezbollah's financial tactics could hinder diplomatic efforts and escalate tensions, impacting regional stability and international relations. The post Hezbollah’s use of blood diamonds, crypto raises diplomatic concerns in Europe appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Senate Banking Committee to vote on Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chair nomination before recess
The committee's vote timing could impact market confidence and political dynamics, influencing future Fed policy and economic stability. The post Senate Banking Committee to vote on Kevin Warsh’s Fed Chair nomination before recess appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran leadership infighting stalls US diplomatic progress
Iran's internal discord hampers US diplomacy, potentially delaying peace efforts and impacting geopolitical stability in the region. The post Iran leadership infighting stalls US diplomatic progress appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Secret letter reveals fractures in Iran leadership over nuclear talks
Internal divisions in Iran's leadership could destabilize nuclear negotiations and succession planning, impacting regional and global dynamics. The post Secret letter reveals fractures in Iran leadership over nuclear talks appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US sanctions target China’s Hengli Petrochemical over Iranian oil imports
The sanctions may strain US-China relations and complicate diplomatic efforts with Iran, potentially impacting global oil markets. The post US sanctions target China’s Hengli Petrochemical over Iranian oil imports appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Grayscale, Bitmine stake nearly $500 million in Ethereum: On-chain data
The significant staking by Grayscale and Bitmine could tighten Ethereum's supply, potentially impacting its market liquidity and price dynamics. The post Grayscale, Bitmine stake nearly $500 million in Ethereum: On-chain data appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US destroyer intercepts Iranian ship, impacting Strait of Hormuz market
The interception underscores geopolitical tensions, affecting market stability and reducing the likelihood of traffic normalization soon. The post US destroyer intercepts Iranian ship, impacting Strait of Hormuz market appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran shifts to nuclear deterrence, US-Iran deal by April 30 unlikely
Iran's nuclear deterrence shift complicates diplomacy, reducing deal prospects and increasing regional instability risks. The post Iran shifts to nuclear deterrence, US-Iran deal by April 30 unlikely appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Crypto market gains $310B in 4 weeks as Middle East tensions ease
Eased tensions and favorable monetary policies boost crypto, but potential volatility looms with geopolitical or economic shifts. The post Crypto market gains $310B in 4 weeks as Middle East tensions ease appeared first on Crypto Briefing.