XRP volume up as traders renew commitment amid slipping prices
A UK judge has ordered the seizure of $4.3 million in Bitcoin (BTC) from a British crime lord known as “Don Car-Leone.” The ruling comes after the fugitive failed to prove the crypto holdings weren’t related to criminal activities. Fugitive Crime Boss Claims Bitcoin Fortune Is Lawful UK High Court judge Mr. Justice Timothy Mould recently granted the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) the right to seize £3.5 million worth of Bitcoin, around $4.3 million, from convicted crime boss Alexander Surin, also known as “Don Car-Leone.” According to The Telegraph’s report , Surin fled to Dubai after being convicted in France in 2015 for drug trafficking. After his conviction, the National Crime Agency (NCO) seized his high-end car fleet, money, and several properties in London. At the time, he and his wife accepted that the £4.5 million seized assets, worth around $5.6 million, were acquired with money from criminal activities. Moreover, Surin, who seemingly earned the nickname from his luxury car fleet, holds millions in Bitcoin in a Coinbase Kenya account. However, he claims his Bitcoin holdings were earned lawfully by trading gold bullion in Dubai. The fugitive argued that the Bitcoin was made through two sales with a trader operating out of “small rooms in shops or buildings” at Dubai’s gold souk. Surin added that the trader allegedly doesn’t have a website or bookkeeping record to prove the sales, as he conducts his business “based on trust and reputation.” Judge Orders Seizure Of BTC Holdings CPS’ representative, Martin Evans KC, told the High Court that “compelling evidence” suggested the money was made through illicit activity. Evans cited two large transfers into Surin’s Coinbase Kenya account proceeded from Christian Hargreaves, who was convicted and sentenced to 17 years for “conspiracy to supply class A drugs.” According to the report, The CPS told the court that apart from two fake invoices, Surin didn’t provide records that explained how he became so wealthy after having previous assets seized. Moreover, Evans argued that Surin and Hargreaves being British created the “sufficient connection to England and Wales” required to launch proceeds of crime action to seize the Bitcoin sitting in the Coinbase Kenya account. Through email, Surin responded to the CPS’s claims, stating there was “no evidence to show my involvement in any criminality to suggest that the bitcoin were the proceeds of crime.” However, Mr. Justice Mould dismissed his claims and ruled that Surin’s Bitcoin holdings were laundered money from illegal drug trafficking, granting the CPS the right to seize the crypto assets: The evidence advanced by the (CPS), that in each case those transactions were made by Hargreaves with the knowledge of the defendant with a view to laundering money derived from illegal drug trafficking, is compelling. (Surin’s) alternative explanation, that each was a legitimate gold bullion sale to Panache Jewels LLC, lacks any credibility in the face of the (CPS’s) evidence.
After a phenomenal 2024, which saw XRP’s price surge from around $0.50 to as high as $2.90, the cryptocurrency is now range-bound, trading at $2.31 at the time of writing. However, a key pattern on the weekly chart suggests that XRP could be on the verge of another significant breakout. Half-Mast Flag Pattern Can Propel The Digital Asset To New Highs XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency with a total market cap of over $134 billion at the time of writing, had a spectacular 2024. The digital asset’s price increased more than five times in less than two months, following its victory in a key lawsuit against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Related Reading: XRP Consolidation Could End Once It Clears $2.60 – Top Analyst Expects $4 Soon In a recent post shared on X, veteran trader and analyst Peter Brandt shared his thoughts on XRP’s potential future price trajectory. Brandt highlighted the formation of a ‘half-mast flag’ pattern on the weekly timeframe, adding that a bullish completion of the pattern may propel XRP to new highs. He noted: Half mast flags should complete within six weeks, otherwise they should be viewed with great suspicion. This flag in XRP needs to rock and roll soon, otherwise it will likely morph into something else TBD. But if it completes, then market cap of $500 B is possible. For the uninitiated, a half-mast flag is a continuation pattern in trading where the price forms a sharp upward movement followed by a brief, shallow consolidation that resembles a flag, typically sloping against the prevailing trend. When the price breaks out of the consolidation phase, it often signals a continuation of the uptrend, potentially leading to higher prices. According to Brandt, a bullish completion to the pattern – a breakout to the upside – could push XRP’s total market cap to $500 billion. If other cryptocurrencies remain range-bound, a $500 billion market cap would make XRP the second-largest digital asset by market cap, surpassing Ethereum (ETH), which currently holds a market cap of $416 billion. However, it’s important to note that in the case of a bearish completion of the half-mast flag pattern, XRP’s price could break down to previous lows, potentially falling to a market cap of around $28 billion. XRP Primed For Major Gains Meanwhile, crypto analyst Mikybull outlined multiple price targets for XRP on the daily timeframe, using Fibonacci extension bands. According to the analyst, a breakout for XRP “is imminent,” with targets as high as $3.74. Similarly, Egrag Crypto recently predicted that XRP may surge to $15 according to the Elliott Wave theory. Further, on-chain data indicates that XRP whales are buying every dip in anticipation of a major rally in the coming weeks. Related Reading: XRP Could Skyrocket 470% If History Repeats, SuperTrend Indicator Suggests That said, concerns remain about XRP bulls’ inability to decisively break through the $2.35 resistance level. At press time, XRP trades at $2.31, down 4.5% in the past 24 hours. Featured image from Pexels, charts from X and TradingView.com
Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8, one of North America’s largest bitcoin miners, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering next-generation technologies with its dual focus on bitcoin and AI. Sustainable and Scalable Energy Solutions Are Vital for Transformative Technologies As bitcoin trades above $100,000 again amidst surging institutional interest, Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8
The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States is poised for significant changes as two major developments unfold. Coinbase has secured a critical legal victory in its ongoing battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), gaining approval for an interlocutory appeal that could clarify how digital assets are classified. Simultaneously, Rostin Behnam, chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has announced his departure, concluding a tenure marked by aggressive enforcement actions and persistent calls for clearer regulations in the crypto sector. Coinbase Wins Key Legal Victory in Civil Case Against SEC, Gains Grounds for Interlocutory Appeal In a pivotal development in the ongoing legal battle between Coinbase and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a federal judge has granted the cryptocurrency exchange permission for an interlocutory appeal. This decision, rendered by Judge Katherine Failla of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Jan. 7, 2025, marks a significant moment in the case that has captivated the crypto industry. The SEC filed a lawsuit against Coinbase in June 2023, alleging the exchange had operated as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency since at least 2019. Central to the SEC’s argument is the claim that certain transactions involving crypto assets qualify as ”investment contracts” under the agency’s regulatory scope, based on the decades-old Howey test. Judge Failla’s decision to allow the interlocutory appeal effectively pauses the proceedings in the case until the Second Circuit Court of Appeals weighs in on her March 2024 order denying Coinbase’s motion for judgment. The appeal seeks clarity on the legal interpretation of whether certain crypto transactions meet the criteria of investment contracts. The judge’s decision acknowledges conflicting rulings in similar cases, including high-profile lawsuits involving Terraform Labs and Ripple Labs. Notably, the Ripple case produced a nuanced ruling: while XRP sales on crypto exchanges were deemed not to constitute securities, institutional sales of XRP were ruled otherwise. These divergent interpretations have created legal ambiguity, prompting the need for appellate guidance. “Although the Court does not appreciate, and will not co-sign, Coinbase’s efforts to cast aspersions on the SEC’s approach to crypto-assets, [...] the fact remains that these conflicting decisions on an important legal issue necessitate the Second Circuit’s guidance,” Judge Failla stated in her order. The case is part of the broader regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency in the United States. Many in the industry, including Coinbase executives, have accused the SEC of regulatory overreach under Chair Gary Gensler . Critics argue the agency’s reliance on enforcement actions, rather than clear guidelines, has stifled innovation and created a hostile environment for blockchain firms. Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s chief legal officer, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision in a post on X, emphasizing the importance of achieving clarity in the regulatory landscape. Coinbase has been a vocal advocate for transparency, even supporting initiatives like the release of documents related to the alleged ”Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” which purportedly targeted crypto firms for debanking. Political Maneuvering and the Path Ahead Coinbase’s legal and regulatory efforts extend beyond the courtroom. The exchange was also a key player in the crypto industry’s political mobilization during the 2024 US elections. Alongside Ripple, Coinbase contributed over $90 million to Fairshake, a political action committee that backed pro-crypto candidates in congressional races. The election of Donald Trump as president has further altered the regulatory landscape. SEC Chair Gary Gensler announced his intention to step down on Jan. 20, 2025, alongside Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga, leaving the agency potentially understaffed. This transition could open the door to a more crypto-friendly regulatory approach under the new administration. The interlocutory appeal represents a critical juncture not only for Coinbase but also for the broader crypto industry. A ruling in favor of Coinbase could set a precedent, reshaping the SEC’s authority over crypto assets and providing much-needed clarity on how the Howey test applies to digital assets. Conversely, a ruling against Coinbase could reinforce the SEC’s stance, potentially intensifying its enforcement actions against other crypto firms. For now, the industry awaits the Second Circuit’s decision, which will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. As Coinbase and the SEC continue their legal tug-of-war, the case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework in the rapidly evolving digital asset space. Rostin Behnam to Step Down as CFTC Chair, Calls for Stronger Crypto Oversight In other news, Rostin Behnam, the chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission ( CFTC ), is set to step down on Jan. 20, 2025, concluding a four-year tenure defined by landmark enforcement actions in the cryptocurrency sector and persistent calls for enhanced regulatory oversight. Behnam’s departure comes at a critical time for the digital asset industry, as debates over jurisdictional authority and the need for clear regulations continue to dominate the policy landscape. During his tenure, Behnam presided over several high-profile cases, including a record-breaking $4.3 billion settlement with Binance. The enforcement action targeted the crypto exchange for operating an unlicensed derivatives trading platform in the United States and failing to comply with federal regulations. However, Behnam’s concerns extended beyond individual cases. In a Jan. 7 interview with the Financial Times, he expressed unease about the regulatory vacuum in the digital asset space. He described the current state of oversight as “insufficient,” highlighting that a significant portion of the digital asset market remains unregulated in the US. As he prepares to leave office, Behnam emphasized the importance of robust oversight to address the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies and ensure market integrity. According to him, intentional regulation must be “driven by the law” and tailored to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Under Behnam’s leadership, the CFTC finalized federal guidelines for carbon offset trading and expanded its regulatory reach into the digital asset sector. He advocated for a disciplined and law-driven approach to crafting rules, emphasizing the need to close regulatory gaps that leave parts of the crypto market unprotected. Behnam has also argued that many digital tokens qualify as commodities and should therefore fall under the CFTC’s jurisdiction. This stance has fueled debates over which federal agency—the CFTC or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—should oversee the cryptocurrency industry, given the mixed classification of digital assets as commodities or securities. Despite his achievements, Behnam acknowledged that the regulatory framework remains fragmented, calling on his successor to prioritize crypto oversight. The $4.3 billion settlement with Binance showed Behnam’s aggressive stance on enforcing compliance within the crypto industry. The case was part of a broader CFTC effort to hold unlicensed platforms accountable and ensure adherence to federal laws governing derivatives trading. The agency has also pursued other prominent cases, including an ongoing trial involving Gemini, which is now scheduled for Jan. 21, 2025. The Search for a Successor The question of who will replace Behnam as CFTC chair is already drawing significant attention. According to reports, Brian Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner and current head of policy at Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division (a16z), has emerged as the top contender. Quintenz’s tenure at the CFTC from 2017 to 2021 saw him champion financial innovation and advocate for a measured approach to digital asset regulation. His current role at a16z involves pushing for policies that support the growth of the cryptocurrency industry, making him a potentially transformative choice for the agency. If appointed, Quintenz could bring a fresh perspective to the long-standing jurisdictional debate over cryptocurrencies, particularly as he has consistently called for clarity in how digital assets are classified and regulated. Behnam’s departure marks a turning point for the CFTC and the broader crypto ecosystem. His tenure highlighted the urgent need for a cohesive regulatory strategy to address the complexities of the digital asset market. Yet, much of the work remains unfinished, leaving his successor with the daunting task of navigating a rapidly evolving industry. The potential appointment of Quintenz could signal a shift toward a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment. However, it also raises questions about how the CFTC will balance its enforcement responsibilities with the need to foster growth and innovation in the sector. As the crypto industry grapples with growing adoption and increasing scrutiny, the CFTC’s role in shaping the regulatory landscape will remain pivotal. Behnam’s legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as stakeholders work to build a framework that ensures both market integrity and financial innovation.
The post Best Crypto To Invest In 2025: 5 Cheap Cryptos That Are Worth Your Attention This Month appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Remember those “if only I had bought Bitcoin in 2010” conversations? Well, history has a funny way of rhyming, and here we are again, standing at the crossroads of another potential crypto revolution. But this time, it’s not just about digital coins doing their usual roller coaster dance – we’re talking about projects that are reshaping entire industries, with 5thScape leading the charge into the virtual reality frontier . Picture this: You’re at a family dinner, and your uncle Bob is still kicking himself for not buying Ethereum when your tech-savvy cousin recommended it years ago. “But how do you know which one’s the next big thing ?” he asks, between mouthfuls of mashed potatoes. That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Or should we say the million-token question? In a world where new cryptocurrencies pop up faster than mobile phone updates, how do you separate the digital gold from the crypto chaos ? What if the next game-changing investment is staring you right in the face, disguised as just another crypto token? And what if that token isn’t just about storing value, but about revolutionizing how we experience entertainment, gaming, and virtual reality altogethe r? Enter 5thScape – the project that’s not just riding the crypto wave but creating its own ocean of possibilities in the virtual reality space. While others are still playing checkers in the crypto game, 5thScape is playing 4D chess in the metaverse . It’s not just another coin to add to your digital wallet; it’s your ticket to the future of immersive entertainment. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the five best crypto to invest in — projects that are turning heads, raising eyebrows, and possibly, changing the future. From virtual reality revolutionaries to blockchain pioneers, these cheap crypto projects might just be the answer to crypto enthusiasts’ perpetual question: “What if?” 5 Best Crypto To Invest In – Cheap Cryptos To Buy For Massive Returns We will explore the five best cryptocurrency projects of 2025 that stand out for their innovative technology, real-world utility, and growth potential: 5thScape (5SCAPE) Kaspa (KAS) VeChain (VET) Cardano (ADA) Tron (TRX) Let’s get into the details of each of these promising best crypto projects of 2025 and learn why they are worth investing in! 5thScape (5SCAPE): Revolutionizing Virtual Reality Entertainment 5thScape represents a groundbreaking convergence of blockchain technology and virtual reality entertainment . Built on Ethereum, this platform is positioning itself as the first comprehensive VR content ecosystem. Its library features AAA-quality games, including the MMA Cage fighter – Cage of Conquest VR game and other highly-anticipated titles like Thrust Hunter and Epic Cricket Arena, alongside VR movies, animated content, and educational resources. Click here to explore the 5thScape metaverse project >> The platform’s native token, 5SCAPE , serves multiple utilities within the ecosystem. Token holders can access premium VR features , participate in governance decisions, and engage in play-to-earn mechanisms. One of the most attractive features is the staking program, offering an impressive 365% APY and substantial passive income opportunities for long-term holders. The project has already demonstrated strong market confidence by raising nearly $9 million in its presale phase. With its advanced technological infrastructure and comprehensive content strategy, 5thScape is positioned to capitalize on the growing VR market. Why You Should Consider 5thScape Before Its Market Debut Currently priced at just $0.00438 , the 5SCAPE token represents a rare opportunity for early investors. This pre-listing phase might be the only chance to acquire tokens below a cent , as market analysts predict up to 430x price appreciation upon exchange listing this month. With the platform’s robust ecosystem and growing user base , the token is positioned for potential triple-digit returns post-listing. Kaspa (KAS): Pioneer of the GHOSTDAG Protocol Kaspa has emerged as a revolutionary layer-1 blockchain solution, introducing the GHOSTDAG protocol – a significant advancement over traditional proof-of-work systems. This innovative approach allows for parallel block creation and near-instant transaction finality, achieving impressive speeds of up to 100 blocks per second while maintaining robust security. VeChain (VET): Enterprise Blockchain Solutions VeChain continues to strengthen its position as a leading enterprise blockchain platform, focusing on supply chain management and business processes. Its dual-token system and partnerships with major corporations demonstrate its practical utility in real-world applications. The platform’s ability to provide transparent, immutable supply chain data has made it particularly valuable in industries requiring strict quality control and authentification. Cardano (ADA): Scientific Philosophy Meets Blockchain Cardano stands out for its research-driven approach and peer-reviewed development process. The platform’s Ouroboros proof-of-stake protocol offers enhanced scalability and sustainability compared to traditional blockchain networks. With its recent Hydra upgrade, Cardano has significantly improved its transaction processing capabilities while maintaining its commitment to academic rigor and scientific methodology. Tron (TRX): Decentralizing Digital Entertainment Tron has established itself as a major player in decentralized content distribution and entertainment. The platform’s high throughput and zero-fee transactions have made it particularly attractive for DApp developers and content creators. Its recent integration with traditional payment systems and growing presence in the DeFi space highlight its versatility and mainstream adoption potential. Conclusion: Best Crypto To Invest In – 5thScape Stands As #1 Crypto Pick The cryptocurrency market continues to mature and evolve, offering diverse opportunities for investors. While established projects like Cardano, VeChain, and Tron demonstrate sustained development and adoption, emerging platforms like 5thScape and Kaspa bring innovative solutions to existing market challenges. For investors seeking early opportunities, 5thScape’s pre-listing phase presents a particularly interesting proposition, combining the growing VR market with blockchain technology’s benefits. The projects highlighted here represent different aspects of blockchain innovation , from entertainment and gaming to enterprise solutions and scientific development. Investors can build a risk-free and future-proof balanced crypto portfolio with this selection of the best crypto to buy now . Don’t forget to leverage the 5SCAPE token’s current presale price of a mere $0.00438 per token. Crypto whales have already accumulated a large sum of this pioneering VR crypto, book your position now in the future success of this VR platform.
According to a recent analysis by QCP Capital, Bitcoin has witnessed a decline towards the pivotal $95,000 support level, following the release of strong US employment data. The JOLTS job
DOGE's price may decline another 25% by February due to a convincing technical pattern.
Bitcoin (BTC) and altcoins are falling due to macroeconomic fears of rising inflation in the US, while the rise is expected to come with Donald Trump taking office on January 20. At this point, while Trump was expected to bring an increase in BTC and altcoins, Trump met with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. Ripple CEO revealed in a statement that he recently had dinner with Donald Trump and Ripple Legal Counsel Stuart Alderoty. The meeting, which took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, was interpreted as an important start to 2025 for Ripple, considering the current positive changes in the cryptocurrency market. Experts noted that amid the changing regulatory landscape in the US, this meeting highlights Ripple’s expanding influence in the country and generates optimism for the cryptocurrency market in 2025. “Had a wonderful dinner last night with Donald Trump and Stuart Alderoty. A strong start to 2025!” While it is stated that this meeting with Trump is a sign that things are going well for Ripple, it is still unknown what was discussed at the meeting. However, it is stated that many topics, including XRP and cryptocurrencies, were discussed at the meeting. As optimism for XRP increased after this meeting, speculation that a spot XRP ETF would be approved in 2025 also increased. The Trump-Garlinghouse-Alderoty dinner was Trump’s last meeting with cryptocurrency industry figures since his November 5 re-election. Trump also met with Coinbase founder and CEO Brian Armstrong and Cryptocom CEO Kris Marszalek. Related News: Donald Trump Meets with Another Stock Exchange CEO After Coinbase CEO! Bitcoin (BTC) Was Also Discussed at the Meeting! Great dinner last night with @realDonaldTrump & @s_alderoty . Strong start to 2025! pic.twitter.com/UjM6lahUG4 — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) January 8, 2025 *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Meets With Donald Trump! Is There a Major Announcement Coming for XRP?
Moonacy Protocol continued its impressive growth in December 2024, paying out over $3.5 million dollars to its investors. This significant achievement underscores the success of the platform and its ability to provide consistent returns to its investors. Already established in the cryptocurrency market, the platform has become one of the most attractive for investors due to its favorable terms and transparent processes. How was this possible? The $3.5 million payout was possible thanks to the liquidity pool investment model that Moonacy Protocol uses. Users contribute their cryptocurrency assets to a shared liquidity pool, which helps ensure fast and stable exchanges on the platform. A system of fixed daily payouts of up to 2.5% allows investors to see a real return on their investment, making the platform profitable and accessible to a wide audience. December was a particularly successful month, when the growth of exchanges on the platform led to an increase in the number of investors. What does it mean for investors? These payouts confirm the attractiveness of Moonacy Protocol as a tool for long-term and stable investments. Investors who have contributed to the liquidity pool have not only helped improve the liquidity of the platform, but have also been able to generate high returns. Moonacy Protocol continues to grow and evolve, making its investment platform accessible to everyone. With a transparent settlement system and low entry threshold, the platform is attracting more and more investors, providing them with stable income and contributing to the development of the cryptocurrency market. What’s next? After a successful December, Moonacy Protocol is ready to move forward. In the future, the platform plans to increase interest and provide its users with even more opportunities to make money. As the interest in cryptocurrency exchanges is growing rapidly, Moonacy Protocol will continue to offer its investors favorable conditions to invest in the liquidity pool. As a result, Moonacy Protocol continues to strengthen its position in the cryptocurrency market and become an important player for investors looking for stability and transparency in their investments. Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Times Tabloid, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Moonacy Protocol Paid Out Over $3.5 Million to Investors for December 2024 appeared first on Times Tabloid .