The Shib Daily’s crypto news this Thursday is rife with discussions about security risks, regulatory and law enforcement challenges, and the ongoing saga of exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. This intricate mosaic of challenges serves to illuminate the unpredictable nature of cryptocurrencies and captures the essence of a market that is as volatile as it is revolutionary.
Feds Strike Back: 15 Charged in $25 Million Crypto Fraud Operation Using Fake Token
On Wednesday, federal prosecutors charged several cryptocurrency companies and 15 individuals in a $25 million fraud scheme. The charges were the result of an FBI operation in which a fake digital token was created to track illegal activities in the crypto space. Multiple top executives were arrested, and $25 million worth of cryptocurrency was seized. They were implicated in “pump and dump” tactics, artificially increasing prices through wash trading before selling to naive investors.
The operation was named “Operation Token Mirrors” and targeted companies like Gotbit, ZM Quant, and CLS Global for manipulating trading volumes. The token, called NexFundAI, was used to entice suspects into fraudulent actions. According to officials, the aforementioned entities collaborated to manipulate this token on the Ethereum blockchain. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said this situation represents the convergence of innovative technology, including cryptocurrency, with classic fraud schemes, pointing out that the defendants’ primary goal was to con investors.
SEC Chair Gensler Doubts Long-term Viability of Digital Currencies
SEC Chair Gary Gensler recently expressed concerns about the future of cryptocurrencies as global currencies. He questioned the long-term viability of Bitcoin and other digital currencies for payments and value storage. The SEC encourages public evaluation via disclosures to assess practical utility. However, Gensler indicated that cryptocurrencies are unlikely to replace traditional currency anytime soon. He said their value must be demonstrated through real-world use and transparent practices like stock evaluations. He also acknowledged the issue of fraud in the crypto industry but refrained from discussing the potential impact of the presidential election on the SEC or his position if Trump is re-elected.
Irish Drug Dealer’s $380 Million Bitcoin Fortune Locked Away—Authorities Stymied
Over $380 million in Bitcoin seized from Irish cannabis dealer Clifton Collins is still out of reach for authorities. The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) holds the digital assets in 12 wallets but cannot access them. Since 2019, they have struggled to trace and recover the Bitcoin. Collins bought it years ago when it was worth very little, unknowingly making a great investment. He distributed his Bitcoin across various wallets and stored the access codes in a document he later lost during a break-in. Recently, the CAB reported recovering $1.3 million worth of assets from him, including 89 Bitcoin. The situation is ironic, as Collins forfeited some Bitcoin, yet a much larger amount remains inaccessible.
Beware: $2.23 Million Vanishes in Ethereum Phishing Attack
An Ethereum phishing attack has led to a loss of about $2,230,000. The victim signed a malicious transaction after connecting with a fake address. As a result, a large amount of Ethereum-based assets was sent to an address known as Fake_Phishing504944. Such phishing attacks take advantage of users by creating deceptive smart contracts or addresses, resulting in devastating financial losses.
Canary Capital Files for Spot XRP ETF Amid SEC Uncertainty
Canary Capital has joined the race for cryptocurrency ETFs by filing for a spot XRP ETF. The ETF intends to offer investors XRP exposure without direct holdings. Nevertheless, approval is uncertain due to the SEC’s ongoing legal challenges regarding XRP. Experts like Alex Thorn express doubts about the ETF’s success if the SEC continues its appeal against Ripple. Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas highlights that political factors, like the 2024 elections, could influence decisions on XRP ETFs. In contrast, Nate Geraci from the ETF Store is optimistic, believing approval is inevitable, though regulatory clarity might be slow. The resolution of the SEC’s case against Ripple is viewed as essential for moving forward with XRP ETFs.
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Malaya has positions in SHIB, ETH, USDT, MATIC, etc. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
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