$200M Crypto Scam: OFAC Sanctions Funnull as Experts Find Ties to Huione Pay, Triad Nexus

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Funnull Technology Inc., a technology firm headquartered in the Philippines, and its administrator, Liu Lizhi. The company has been implicated in running a “pig butchering” scam. $200M Scam Uncovered According to the official press release, Funnull has stolen over $200 million from American investors. OFAC has also placed two of Funnull’s cryptocurrency addresses on its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List to restrict their access to financial systems. In response, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued a public advisory, outlining key technical indicators, such as infrastructure components and IP addresses tied to Funnull’s scam operations. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender, in an official statement , said “Today’s action underscores our focus on disrupting the criminal enterprises, like Funnull, that enable these cyber scams and deprive Americans of their hard-earned savings. The United States is strongly committed to ensuring the continued growth of a legitimate, safe, and secure digital asset ecosystem, including the use of virtual currencies and similar technologies.” Connection to Triad Nexus and Huione Pay According to the findings by blockchain intelligence Chainalysis, Funnull Technology Inc. enabled cybercriminals by purchasing IP addresses in bulk from major cloud service providers and selling them to operators of fraudulent investment platforms. This infrastructure allowed scammers to host malicious websites that mimicked legitimate investment platforms, thereby deceiving victims into investing in non-existent opportunities. Funnull was a central player in a network dubbed by security researchers as “Triad Nexus,” which includes more than 200,000 unique hostnames, many of which are associated with investment scams, fake trading apps, and suspect gambling networks. OFAC identified two crypto addresses linked to Funnull Technology Inc., used for receiving cybercriminal payments. These addresses are tied to scam-related infrastructure and show connections to Huione Pay, which was recently flagged by FinCEN as a major money laundering concern. Further investigation by blockchain security firm Elliptic revealed that the two addresses in question received more than $4 million in total. The post $200M Crypto Scam: OFAC Sanctions Funnull as Experts Find Ties to Huione Pay, Triad Nexus appeared first on CryptoPotato .

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Crypto VC funding: $161m floods startups as token prices sway

Venture capital appetite for crypto startups is showing signs of resilience despite broader market turbulence. This week, at least 15 firms across different slices of the ecosystem secured fresh funding. According to Crypto Fundraising data , the last week of May ended with $161.1 million in crypto funding activity. Twenty One, a new Bitcoin treasury company, raised a massive $100 million; Conduit Pay landed $36 million to expand its crypto-native banking services; and Donut, a newcomer focused on wielding artificial intelligence, secured $7 million in a pre-seed round. The flurry of deals highlights investor conviction in crypto’s long-term potential, even as asset prices wobble. The investment rounds ranged from pre-seed to Series A stages. Here’s a complete breakdown of this week’s crypto funding developments. You might also like: Tornado Cash developer case: Judge declines to order DOJ review Twenty One, $100 million Raised $100 million in an Unknown round Twenty One is focused on improving Bitcoin ( BTC ) adoption Conduit Pay, $36 million Conduit Pay secured $36 million in a Series A round The investment was backed by Dragonfly, Ribbit Capital, and Sound Ventures We’ve raised $36 million in Series A funding to scale global stablecoin payments – a generational change in how money moves. The round was co-led by @dragonfly_xyz and @altosvc , with participation from @sound_ventures_ , Commerce Ventures, @circle_ventures , @DCGco and existing… pic.twitter.com/UGQjRRqlsp — Conduit (@ConduitPay) May 28, 2025 Donut Labs, $7 million Donut raised $7 million in a pre-seed round to build an AI-powered crypto browser. Donut’s investors include BitKraft, Hack VC, and HongShan Beam Cash, $7 million Beam Cash gathered $7 million in an Unknown round The investment was backed by Castle Island Ventures, Archetype, and Bankless Ventures The project has raised $14 million so far Cooking City, $7 million Cooking City raised $7 million in an Unknown round Investors include Jump Capital, CMT Digital, and Mirana Ventures You might also like: XRP price approaching critical support: a technical analysis deep dive Projects Rumi, $4.7 million in pre-seed funding Oncade, $4 million in an Unknown round Naoris Protocol, $3 million strategic investment Asigna, $3 million in a seed round Assisterr AI, $2.8 million in an unknown round with $75 million fully diluted valuation Dexari, $2.3 million in a seed funding round H100 Group, $2.2 million in an unknown round BlockSpaces, $2 million backed by Axiom, Sand Harbor Capital Ducat, $1.5 million in a public sale EGO, $800,000 in a pre-seed round Read more: Pullback or power-up? Bitcoin dips as demand roars on

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Google to appeal antitrust ruling over online search practices

Alphabet Inc.’s Google announced on Saturday, May 31, 2025, its intention to appeal a recent US federal court ruling that proposed remedies to address its alleged monopoly in online search and related advertising markets. US District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington heard closing arguments on Friday during the trial focused on potential measures to tackle Google’s purported illegal dominance in these areas. Google shared an X post stating it will await the court’s decision . Still, the search engine company firmly believes that the court’s initial ruling was incorrect, and it has demonstrated its eagerness for upcoming appeals. Google’s antitrust case gets more complex with each round In April, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws in two online advertising technology markets in the US. During the trial, US District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington heard final arguments addressing how to address the tech firm’s illegal monopoly in online search and advertising. The Department of Justice argued that the company should be required to sell at least its Google Ad Manager, including its publisher ad server and exchange. Additionally, the DOJ and a coalition of states demanded that Google share search data and stop its multibillion-dollar deals with Apple and other smartphone makers that secure its position as the default search engine on new devices. John Schmidtlein, a lawyer for Google, tried to defend the company. He explained that even though generative AI is changing how search works, the tech firm has tackled competition issues in AI. Schmidtlein stated that the company has stopped making exclusive deals with wireless carriers and smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung Electronics. According to him, this change allows these companies to install competing search and AI apps on their new devices. However, despite these assurances, antitrust regulators remain concerned that Google’s dominance over search results gives it a competitive advantage in AI products such as Gemini — and that this influence works both ways. Judge Mehta shifts his attention to artificial intelligence Last year, Judge Mehta found that Google broke antitrust laws to maintain its monopoly in search and shifted his attention to artificial intelligence , which many technological stakeholders believe will upend search. Since AI products are already transforming the tech industry, the judge mentioned he was struggling with whether these proposals might encourage a new competitor to step up and create a general search engine. He then asked the government if it thinks there is a chance for a new search engine to emerge like the ones they have today. The government responded that AI products are linked to the future of searching online. Following this, analysts anticipate that Judge Mehta’s ruling might reshape a company synonymous with online search at a time of tremendous power in the business community. Google is fighting with other tech companies, like Microsoft, Meta, and the start-up OpenAI, to get consumers to use generative AI tools that can spit out humanlike responses to queries. However, Judge Mehta’s decision might hinder Google’s attempts to create its own AI and could give an advantage to its rivals as they compete to develop their own AI-driven search tools. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

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Key deals this week: EOG Resources, VivoPower, Servotronics, Eli Lilly and more

More on M&A tickers, etc. EOG Resources: Quality Energy Player Makes A Quality Move e.l.f. Beauty: The Risks Associated With The Balance Sheet Increased During An Already Turbulent Time British American Tobacco Outshines Philip Morris As A Dividend Buy EOG Resources to buy Encino Acquisition Partners from CPP in $5.6B deal e.l.f. Beauty bets big on rhode

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JPMorgan Chase CEO Warns US Bond Crisis Coming After Massive Money Printing, Says Regulators Will Panic

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon just issued a major warning on the state of the US economy. At an event organized by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Dimon told regulators that the full effect of all the money printed since 2020 remains to be seen. “You are going to see a crack in the bond market. It is going to happen. And I tell this to my regulators, some of you who are in this room, I’m telling you it’s going to happen and you’re going to panic. I’m not gonna panic. We’ll be fine. We’ll probably make more money, and then some of my friends will tell me, ‘We like crises because it’s good for JPMorgan Chase.’ Not really.'” Dimon says bond vigilantes are back, selling bonds to protest unsustainable fiscal policies and America’s ballooning debt. In the long run, Dimon says he’s not too worried about China as a potential adversary, and instead believes the US needs to self improve and erase the “enemy within.” “If we are not the preeminent military and the preeminent economy in 40 years, we will not be the reserve currency. That’s a fact. Just read history… We we have to get our act together and we have to do it very quickly.” Dimon says a concerted effort to streamline regulations, immigration, taxation, healthcare and schools is needed. He also reiterated his dissatisfaction with Bitcoin’s emergence as a strategic reserve asset. “We shouldn’t be stockpiling Bitcoin. We should be stockpiling guns, bullets, tanks, planes, drones, rare earths. We know what we need to do.” Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post JPMorgan Chase CEO Warns US Bond Crisis Coming After Massive Money Printing, Says Regulators Will Panic appeared first on The Daily Hodl .

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Bitcoin Price Predictions for 2025 Suggest Potential Rally Driven by Institutional Adoption and Liquidity Trends

As Bitcoin trends higher, experts predict a significant price surge in 2025, driven by institutional adoption and increasing global liquidity. Institutional players are increasingly entering the Bitcoin market, with projections

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Ethereum prepares for the next bull run, is Wall Street Ponke the 100x engine behind it?

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only. Ethereum surges past $2,500 with $91m ETF inflows, while Wall Street Ponke introduces AI-driven risk detection for traders. Ethereum is showing renewed strength, and new projects are stepping up to support its rise. Ethereum has bounced back, trading steadily above $2,500 as institutional and retail investors increasingly recognize its long-term value. Recent reports have shown that net daily inflows into ETH-based ETFs have exceeded $91 million, a sign that investors are betting on continued growth. But in a market where rapid trading and risk management are critical, Ethereum needs more than just a rising price; it needs advanced tools to secure its ecosystem. Wall Street Ponke is built for smarter, safer trading Wall Street Ponke is the first memecoin to integrate artificial intelligence into a dedicated trading platform. Its system does not depend on Ethereum; instead, it adds new layers of security and functionality to the market. The WPonke Trading Platform continuously scans newly listed tokens, analyzes smart contracts, and monitors liquidity patterns. With its AI-powered risk detection engine, the platform assigns each token a risk rating , low, medium, or high, before any trade is made, giving investors the insights they need to avoid scams and malicious projects. A powerful e-learning hub enhances trader confidence In addition to real-time risk management, Wall Street Ponke offers an integrated e-learning platform designed to educate traders at all levels. This hub provides step-by-step courses, real-time market signals, expert insights, and a gamified learning experience. By equipping users with knowledge and practical strategies, it not only reduces their exposure to risk but also builds a stronger, more informed community. Every aspect of the system is supported by a fully audited smart contract, ensuring maximum transparency and security. Early numbers are impressive, Wall Street Ponke has raised over $300k in just a few days. This rapid fundraising is a clear indicator of strong market interest and investor trust. The token is competitively priced at launch, and early backers are already enjoying passive income through staking rewards of up to 10% annually. With such promising numbers, Wall Street Ponke is proving that its model resonates with both cautious investors and aggressive traders. Moreover, a Tier 1 exchange listing is expected to be announced soon, which will likely boost the token’s liquidity and global exposure even further. Here’s what makes Wall Street Ponke stand out: AI-Driven Token Risk Detection: Advanced algorithms scan new tokens to flag scams and vulnerabilities. Real-Time Alerts: Instant notifications keep investors informed about suspicious activity. Fully Audited Smart Contracts: Ensure maximum transparency and security for all transactions. WPonke Trading Platform: A dedicated, secure terminal for safe and informed crypto trading. Comprehensive E-Learning Hub: Provides easy-to-understand courses, market insights, and expert strategies. Rapid Presale Success: Raised over $300k within days, proving strong early market demand. Competitive Staking Rewards: Offers up to 10% annual returns to encourage long-term holding. Upcoming Tier 1 Exchange Listing: Expected soon to drive more liquidity and visibility. Ethereum’s growth is not just about price charts , it’s about strong infrastructure While ETH continues to attract investors with its rising price, the long-term success of the network depends on robust tools that support secure, efficient trading. Wall Street Ponke delivers those tools by combining AI risk detection, real-time alerts, educational resources, and a curated trading ecosystem. It adds a critical layer of support that enables Ethereum to scale safely as more users join the market and trading volumes increase. As Ethereum enters its next phase, platforms like Wall Street Ponke will be essential in protecting users and enhancing the overall ecosystem. With its innovative approach and rapid early success, Wall Street Ponke is setting a new standard in crypto trading , one that promises a smarter, safer future for all. Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.

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Is Bitcoin’s $103,000 Plunge the Start of a Crypto Meltdown?

According to CoinMarketCap data, Bitcoin’s price slipped to $103,700, a 2% drop over 24 hours. This comes just days after it hit an all-time high of $111,970 on May 22. At the same time, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $616 million in outflows, led by BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which saw $430.8 million redeemed, ending its 31-day inflow streak. Is this a healthy market correction or the start of a broader crypto downturn? Bitcoin ETF Outflows Signal Changing Sentiment On May 30, the 11 U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively saw $616.1 million leave their funds according to Farside Investors data. BlackRock’s IBIT alone accounted for $430.8 million—the largest single-day outflow since its January 2024 debut. Just a week earlier, these same ETFs pulled in $2.75 billion for the week ending May 23, a 4.5× increase from the $608 million of the prior week . ETF analyst Nate Geraci noted on X that IBIT has now amassed roughly $70 billion in Bitcoin holdings since launch, calling the recent fund flows “ridiculous.” Kyle Chasse of Master Ventures said the outflows are not driven by retail panic but rather reflect a “quiet transfer of supply to the strongest hands.” Source: X These outflows coincide with Bitcoin’s pullback from its May 22 peak. After surging to $111,970, BTC briefly traded near $108,141 on May 23 before sliding toward $103,700 on May 30. ETF flows and price action appear tightly linked; heavy redemptions placed downward pressure on spot markets, reversing mid-May gains. Bitcoin’s late-May drop also reflects broader macroeconomic factors. On May 30, the total cryptocurrency market cap fell 2.12% to $3.34 trillion. Investors cite renewed geopolitical tensions and U.S. economic concerns as reasons to reduce risk exposure. High Treasury yields and talk of inflationary headwinds have slowed appetite for volatile assets. In traditional markets, the S&P 500 slipped 0.7% on May 22 while Bitcoin hit $111,970, showing a rare decoupling between stocks and crypto. However, equities and crypto felt pressure by the month’s end. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell from 78 (“Extreme Greed”) on May 22 to 66 (“Greed”) by May 30, signaling a slight cooling of investor enthusiasm. Bitcoin has a history of sharp corrections after rapid rallies. After climbing from $60,000 to $69,000 in October 2021, BTC plunged 20% in two days, retracing gains before consolidating. Similarly, following its $69,000 peak in November 2021, BTC fell below $50,000 by January 2022—over a 27% drop. The May 2025 dip to $103,700 marks roughly a 7% pullback from the $111,970 high. That is modest compared to past corrections. Nonetheless, it underscores Bitcoin’s volatility. Analyst Crypto Dan of CryptoQuant pointed out that funding rates remain low relative to previous peaks, suggesting limited leverage-driven excess. What’s Ahead for Bitcoin Price? Traders will watch ETF flows closely in early June. If outflows persist, they may signal waning institutional demand, potentially dragging BTC lower. BTC/USDT Daily Chart| Source: TradingView However, many see the late-May redemptions as a temporary rotation rather than a wholesale exit. As Kyle Chasse noted, supply is shifting to long-term holders, which could support price stability once selling subsidies. Upcoming U.S. macro data—especially the June 13 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report—and any Federal Reserve commentary on interest rates will be crucial. A dovish Fed could buoy risk assets, including Bitcoin. Conversely, hotter-than-expected inflation data might prompt another pullback. On the technical side, traders are eyeing $100,000 as key psychological support. Below that, the next major support zone lies near $94,000, the mid-April low. If BTC holds above $100,000, it may reclaim momentum and attempt new highs. Failure to hold could open the door to a deeper correction. For now, Bitcoin’s $103,700 dip appears more like a correction than a meltdown. Institutional flows have swung rapidly, but large holders seem poised to absorb supply. Macro headwinds remain, but they are not unique to crypto.

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Bitcoin analysts predict $180K to $250K price top in 2025 — Which is most realistic?

Bitcoin traders say market cyclicality, institutional investor adoption and an incoming wave of liquidity will supercharge BTC price in 2025.

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Gold Outperforms Bitcoin in Recent Trends, But Analysts Suggest Bright Prospects Remain for BTC

The ongoing competition between Bitcoin and gold underscores a pivotal moment in the cryptocurrency landscape, highlighting investor sentiment influenced by economic uncertainties. As traditional markets react to geopolitical tensions and

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