MoonPay execs allegedly duped in $250K crypto fraud

Two top executives of MoonPay, a major cryptocurrency payments company, reportedly became victims of an elaborate online fraud that led to them losing $250,300, a recent filing with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) reads. The filing , filed to recover 40,350 USDT (a stablecoin pegged to the value of the US dollar) that crypto company Tether is currently holding in frozen accounts, refers to the victims only as “Ivan” and “Mouna.” But coverage from crypto outlet NOTUS suggests they are Ivan Soto-Wright, co-founder and chief executive of MoonPay, and Mouna Ammari Siala, the company’s chief financial officer. The DOJ says that the two executives were scammed into moving funds to an account controlled by an individual they believed was Steve Witkoff, a high-profile US real estate developer and co-chair of President Donald Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee. Blockchain data analysis indicates that the USDT was transferred to a wallet associated with Binance. The wallet is associated with Ehiremen Aigbokhan, a Nigerian citizen residing in Lagos. The episode represents an unusual public case in which senior industry players, who had access to advanced crypto tools and security protocols, proved to be as susceptible to what investigators call a fairly simple form of social engineering as the average rank-and-file email user. Scammer employed ‘insulting typo’ to imitate a public figure Unlike other crypto-crimes that rely on hacking or exploiting blockchain vulnerabilities (and perhaps for that reason alone), this scam was executed through deception through discreet email manipulation. The scammers employed bogus email addresses nearly identical to correct ones — substituting a capital “I” for a lowercase “l” in domain names — to deceive their targets. In this situation, emails were sent from steve_witkoff@t47lnaugural.com and financersvp@t47lnaugural.com — addresses spoofing the names of well-known people and events. This practice, called typosquatting, is used frequently in phishing scams and has proven effective at scamming even professionals who are security aware. “IP geolocation data consistently showed emails from these accounts originating from Nigeria, and not the United States,” the DOJ filing says. According to the authorities, Aigbokhan likely obtained the USDT due to a scam involving an international money transfer in the US. The con artists didn’t have to hack into or exploit the blockchain in any way; they only needed a ruse and a convincing pitch to steal the funds. Wallet activity raises further doubts about MoonPay The filing noted that one of the wallets involved in the scam is a marked MoonPay wallet on Etherscan, suggesting that the individuals affected are likely Ivan Soto-Wright and Mouna Ammari Siala. As of press time, MoonPay has not yet publicly replied to requests for comment from multiple outlets, including The Block and NOTUS . The timing of the case is particularly delicate. And in the latest expansion, MoonPay, a popular payment infrastructure for cryptocurrency purchases, made its services available in only a few US states. Still, last month, the NYDFS granted it a BitLicense, which has the consequence of allowing the company to operate in all 50 United States. It is one of the most difficult-to-obtain crypto regulatory licenses in the US and vital for doing business in the financial capital. The incident may raise additional questions about MoonPay’s internal security controls , vetting processes, and executive oversight, particularly if the victims in this case had indeed used the official company wallets to conduct what seem to be personal or poorly vetted transactions. Amid the boom in crypto adoption, the case is a sobering reminder that no one is immune to digital fraud, not even the executives of companies that help build the infrastructure of the crypto economy. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

Read more

CoinDCX Denies WazirX Allegations Over User Funds Custody Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

CoinDCX, a prominent Indian cryptocurrency exchange, has publicly refuted claims regarding the alleged transfer of user funds to an unregistered entity in Lithuania. These accusations were initially made by rival

Read more

Best Crypto to Buy: Top Altcoins Every Long-Term Investor Should Be Holding in 2025

As crypto markets heat up this summer, one altcoin is charging ahead of the pack, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) . The 5th round of Mutuum Finance presale has already sold out over 65%. It is priced at $0.03 in phase 5 and the price will spike by 16.67% in the next phase. The amount raised so far is over the $12.1 million barrier with over 13100 unique token holders. Smart money is already moving in, and those watching for what to buy before July ends are locking in their positions now, before the next leg up. In addition, Cardano (ADA) continues to hold ground in long-term portfolios, offering stability amid the rising momentum of new coins. Mutuum Finance is stealing the spotlight this summer. Steady Gains Keep Cardano on Track At the current price of approximately $0.63, Cardano (ADA) is a steady price as it exhibits a strong trend after slightly dropping at the beginning of this month. Advances in the Cardano ecosystem have continued to increase, as the scaling solution Hydra continues to gain greater use to enhance its transactions and make the ability to write and develop easier. Another driver can be the next Cardano Summit, which is conducted in the middle of July, especially when some information about governance or scaling tools is presented. All in all, ADA remains an interesting investment opportunity to long-term investors interested in a well-planned, gradually developing blockchain with strong fundamentals, thus completing the portfolio of more risky bets on Mutuum Finance (MUTM). Strong Investor Demand Drives Mutuum Finance Presale Growth More than $12.1 million has been raised and over 13100 investors have invested in Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as presale 5 soars. This shows investor confidence in the project during its early stages is increasing. MUTM is priced at $0.03 before a 17% spike in phase 6. Smart investors are rushing to catch this lowest price. Peer-to-Peer and Peer-to-Contract Lending Protocol Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is a double-sided lending platform that will serve active as well as passive users of DeFi. Users will receive passive income from lending their USDT through stable passive income-generating smart contract pools providing stable passive income in the project’s Peer-to-Contract (P2C) lending system. Additionally, the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) model permits lenders and borrowers to be as active as they like when it comes to swapping as it does not require a third party. The trend is more prevalent among customers of less secure assets. CertiK-Audited with an Additional $50K Bug Bounty for Enhanced Security Mutuum Finance (MUTM) will launch a stablecoin that is pegged to the US dollar (USD) on the Ethereum network. Besides, the project is audited by CertiK with a 95.0 trust score. This type of audit provides evidence of the readiness of the platform to become reliable and be institutional-graded transparent. Mutuum Finance has launched a $50,000 USDT Bug Bounty. The bounty will be rewarded on the basis of four levels of severity: critical, major, minor and low. The Mutuum Finance (MUTM) $100,000 Giveaway Mutuum Finance values its new investors and has launched a $100,000 giveaway that will give 10 lucky winners $10,000 MUTM as a gesture of gratitude for the investors’ initial trust in the project. The crypto market is good in the first half of 2025, the future of the crypto market thus far is Mutuum Finance (MUTM). Having raised more than $12.1 million, having more than 13,100 token holders, and just 65% of the Phase 5 being sold out, it is obvious that the ball is already rolling. Investors who lock in now are getting the best entry price of the first stage because the next 16.67% in Phase 6 triggers. This will increase the price to the next joint in just $0.03 per token. Mutuum provides innovation and security with a dual-model DeFi lending system, a CertiK audit trust score of 95.0, and a following additional bug bounty of $50K dollars. Get in now and before the price goes even higher. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below Website: https://mutuum.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

Read more

US inflation rises for first time in 5 months as tariff costs ripple through economy

After a prolonged stretch of subdued inflation, US consumer prices peaked in June as businesses began passing on the rising costs of imported goods affected by tariffs. According to a Bloomberg survey of economists, the core Consumer Price Index (CPI)—which excludes food and energy—rose 0.3% last month, marking the largest monthly gain since January. This follows a modest 0.1% increase in May. The annualized core inflation rate is expected to accelerate to 2.9%, its first pickup since the start of the year. While this suggests a slight pass-through of increased import duties, most economists anticipate inflation will gather steam over the coming months, despite retailers’ reluctance to burden consumers who are already tightening their wallets amid a cooling labor market. Fed holds firm as retail sales limp and tariff pressures linger Retail sales data due Thursday is projected to show only marginal growth in June, after two consecutive monthly declines. This will offer deeper insight into consumer behavior and help refine second-quarter GDP estimates. Though consumer spending has moderated, Federal Reserve officials remain cautious about cutting interest rates—their concern: persistent inflation risks tied to tariffs. The next policy meeting is scheduled for July 29-30. Economists at Bloomberg—including Estelle Ou, Stuart Paul, Eliza Winger, and Chris G. Collins—predict that inflation trends in June will mirror May’s: limited tariff-related price increases in goods, offset by continued weakness in services. Web-scraped data shows firmness in items like appliances and furniture, but softness in categories like airfares and used vehicles. Global inflation pulse quickens as central banks brace for tariff fallout Global markets are also waking up to changing inflation trends. In Canada, June inflation figures will be key before the Bank of Canada’s rate decision on July 30. And in China this week, there will be data on gross domestic product as well as retail sales and trade that should give some readings on the effect of American tariffs on its economy. In Japan, inflation is expected to fall to 3.3%, adding pressure on the central bank. There is expected to be no respite from stubbornly high inflation in the UK, keeping the pressure on policymakers even as wage growth cools. In other places, G20 finance ministers are gathering in South Africa at a time of intensifying trade standoffs and escalating global inflation danger. Wednesday could have marked a crucial deadline, ending Trump’s pause on the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs announced in April. However, this week, he introduced a new round of tariffs, many set to take effect on August 1. Despite the escalation, most investors remain optimistic that the US will sidestep steeper tariff rates, with hopes that Washington will reach trade agreements in the coming weeks with key partners like Japan and South Korea, according to Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise Financial. “That’s what the market has built in,” Saglimbene said. “If we don’t get that, then I think there is probably some risk that we would see higher near-term volatility if the White House implements some of these aggressive tariff measures.” With tariff effects spreading through the global supply chains, inflation-growth data and central bank reactions will continue to get close attention in the back half of the year. KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage

Read more

Robert Kiyosaki Plans Big Bitcoin Buy After ‘Hog Slaughter’ — Is a BTC Dip Coming?

Signaling a massive bitcoin buying window, Robert Kiyosaki takes a strategic pause, anticipating panic-driven sell-offs before the next explosive leg higher accelerates momentum. Robert Kiyosaki Waits for Bitcoin ‘Hog Slaughter’ Before Next Big BTC Purchase Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad, has reiterated one of his classic lessons about investing

Read more

Dutch PM terms US’ incoming EU tariffs as worrying

The US decision to impose a 30% tariff on EU products concerns the Netherlands’ Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Mayors and industry representatives have denounced the tariffs , which are scheduled to take effect Aug. 1, from the city to the CDU and across Europe. He said that the EU could count on the Netherlands to support it fully and stressed that the bloc should remain united and act decisively in searching for a proper outcome that would benefit both sides of the Atlantic. EU leaders appeal for unity and dialogue European leaders have quickly urged calm and unity. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says she is still open to talking and that the EU will stand up for its economic interests. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said introducing 30% tariffs on EU exports would be “a lose-lose situation for everyone.” She said it could risk thousands of jobs in the United States and reduce trade between the two partners. The EU has always prioritized dialogue with the US and will always have a constructive approach to the transatlantic partnership.” In a post on X, the French leader also said countermeasures could be employed if a deal couldn’t be reached by August. She noted that they condemn the tariffs in the strongest possible way, as the President of the European Commission has done. She added that when European unity and resolve are crucial, the Commission must show it has the political will to defend European interests by acting swiftly and using tools such as the anti-coercion instrument if no agreement is reached. In this context, France stands alongside the European Commission in the discussions and ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching, by August 1, an agreement which is acceptable to all, indeed the kind of agreement between two major trading partners that are the European Union and the US, between interests and value chains shared. Officials in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Ireland had all issued similar statements, warning that the tariffs could trigger a new phase of trade conflict with reverberations in markets worldwide. European Union diplomats are pleading with the United States to come back to the table. They say that higher tariffs will harm consumers, hamper the economic recovery, and erode trust among allies. US turns to tariffs to gain trade advantage The 30% tariff announcement has shocked many, although some European officials think it could be a negotiating stance. Brussels reports indicate that Washington uses tariffs as leverage to obtain better trading terms, particularly on technology, agriculture, and digital services. Unnamed US officials that European media have quoted have suggested the tariffs could be lessened or removed if negotiations advance in the next few weeks. However, it is unclear if President Trump is willing to lessen the tariff burden as August 1 approaches faster. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites

Read more

Cardano Price Explodes 30% In Past Week — Analyst Calls $5 Next Market Top

The Cardano price has witnessed an exhilarating run over the past few days, experiencing a significant breakout from consolidation beneath the $0.6 level. Before its recent price surge, the altcoin had been moving mostly sideways within the $0.5 and $0.6 range. Interestingly, the Cardano price seems to just be at the beginning of what is expected to be a monstrous rally over the next few months. A crypto expert on the social media platform X has come forward with an exciting pathway to unprecedented price highs for the ADA token. ADA In Distribution Phase — Perfect Buying Opportunity? In a July 11 post on X, Alphractal founder & CEO Joao Wedson shared an exciting bullish picture for the Cardano price over the coming months. The on-chain expert put forward the $4.9 mark as the market top for the ADA token in the next leg up. Related Reading: XRP Price Builds Momentum — $2.50 Break Sparks Fresh Bullish Wave This bold projection is based on a persistent ascending channel pattern on the daily Cardano price chart. An ascending channel is a chart pattern in technical analysis characterized by two major (rising) trendlines: the upper line acting as the resistance level and the lower line acting as the support level. Typically, the gap between these trendlines is considered a channel within which prices move over a period—while indicating a sustained long-term bullish trend. Traders often use this pattern to identify optimal entry and exit points, as the price usually bounces off the upper resistance level and lower support trendline. As observed in the above chart, the Cardano price has been trading within the ascending channel since the first half of 2019. After falling to the lower trendline earlier this year, the price of ADA soon found support and rebounded to above the $1 level in 2025’s first quarter. However, the altcoin — as with the rest of the crypto market — witnessed a severe downturn that saw the Cardano price return to the lower trendline in late June. Interestingly, the token’s price seems to have found support and is recovering nicely. Wedson, in his post on X, revealed that what the Cardano price is experiencing is more than a mere recovery, as the altcoin might surpass its current all-time high of $3.09 in this phase. According to the on-chain analyst, the ADA token could be trading well above the $3 mark by late October or early November 2025. Furthermore, Wedson noted that the current level might be the right time for investors to jump into the ADA token, as it is still in the distribution phase in the short term. “This might break some technical analysis patterns, but the on-chain analysis looks promising in several aspects — and that’s what I like,” the analyst concluded. Cardano Price At A Glance As of this writing, the price of ADA stands at around $0.7124, reflecting an almost 6% in the past 24 hours. This positive single-day action underscores the general bullishness that the altcoin has witnessed in the past few days. According to data from CoinGecko, the ADA coin is up by roughly 30% in the last seven days. Related Reading: Dogecoin (DOGE) Rockets to $0.20 — Can It Go Even Higher? Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Read more

Best Crypto For Beginners: BlockDAG, BONK, CRO & KAS Could Be This Cycle’s Breakout Picks

Looking for the best crypto for beginners means finding more than just trending names. You want projects with actual use, new developments, and price setups that show real potential. BlockDAG is leading this list with a record-breaking presale and talk of a big U.S. partnership. BONK remains active below $0.00003, driven by meme momentum and Solana connections. CRO, trading around $0.09, powers real-world payment features and DeFi use. Meanwhile, Kaspa (KAS) sticks near $0.15 as it upgrades its fast blockDAG structure and keeps developers interested. 1. BlockDAG: Final Presale Stage & Sports Collaborations Create Buzz BlockDAG is quickly becoming the best crypto for beginners, with explosive presale numbers, a user-friendly mobile mining app, and attention-grabbing real-world partnerships. So far, it’s pulled in over $336 million, sold more than 23.8 billion coins, and onboarded 18,480+ miners. Its X1 Miner app lets anyone with a smartphone mine BDAG, making it easy for new users to join the action. Tech-wise, BlockDAG ’s structure allows fast, scalable, and energy-efficient transactions, something traditional chains struggle with. But what’s turning heads is how BDAG is going mainstream. It already has deals with the Seattle Seawolves and Seattle Orcas have already launched their names into major sports circles, and rumours hint at an even bigger American partnership in the pipeline. Add to that its clear, inflation-resistant emissions model, and BlockDAG looks serious about long-term sustainability. Right now, its presale price is locked at just $0.0016 until August 11. With a launch target of $0.05, early supporters could potentially see a massive 3,025% return. BlockDAG isn’t just hype. Its strong funding, clever marketing, and easy-to-access mining ecosystem make it a real contender for those looking to get in before the crowd. With the presale window closing fast, the upside could be huge. 2. CRO: Real Payment Features & DeFi Expansion Keep It Steady CRO remains a solid pick for those who want real-world use, not just speculation. Priced around $0.09, it fuels Crypto.com’s network, debit cards, and its Pay feature. A fixed supply and token burn system helps CRO avoid inflation, supporting its long-term price story. Analysts watching CRO believe it could retest the $0.12 to $0.15 range if DeFi and payments volume pick up again. It checks the boxes as one of the best cryptos for beginners, especially with the Cronos Chain expanding. Regulatory pressure is something to watch, but steady product upgrades and the platform’s strong brand keep CRO in the running for a comeback. 3. BONK: Meme Power Meets the Speed of Solana BONK is the meme coin to watch if you’re okay with some risk and love community-driven energy. It’s still trading under $0.00003, built on Solana’s speedy, low-fee network. Constant NFT drops, new exchange listings, and frequent supply burns keep BONK buzzing with life. If Solana’s ecosystem continues growing, BONK might revisit its earlier highs near $0.00005. For anyone exploring the best crypto for beginners, BONK’s viral charm and limited supply make it one of those coins that can spike when least expected. While it competes with meme giants like SHIB and DOGE, BONK’s fresh approach keeps it on the watchlist. 4. Kaspa: High-Speed Network With Loyal Developer Support Kaspa is gaining slow but steady attention. Still holding around $0.15, its predictable emissions schedule helps reduce long-term selling pressure. Recent price action suggests that if upgrades and wallet integrations continue, Kaspa could head toward $0.40. If you’re looking for the best crypto for beginners with a simple structure and community backing, Kaspa has its strengths. It’s still under the radar compared to bigger projects, but its fast blockDAG tech and steady rollout of features are helping it gain traction. Long-term success will depend on whether it can stay relevant and compete for attention in a crowded space. Four Projects Bringing Real Potential for New Buyers BlockDAG, BONK, CRO, and Kaspa each offer something unique for anyone exploring the best crypto for beginners . BlockDAG leads with huge presale funding, sports-backed visibility, and a strong mining model. BONK adds high-risk, high-reward energy with its meme strength. CRO delivers real-world payment utility and strong brand presence. Kaspa, while still emerging, offers solid design and consistent development. Out of the four, BlockDAG is clearly the project with the most early momentum, especially with a limited-time $0.0016 entry and whispers of another U.S. deal on the way. Still, all four are worth tracking as market conditions evolve. Getting in early, with the right strategy, could make all the difference this cycle. The post Best Crypto For Beginners: BlockDAG, BONK, CRO & KAS Could Be This Cycle’s Breakout Picks appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

Read more

Bitcoin Nears $113K Amid Retail Exit and Whale Accumulation, Supported by Rising RSI and Volume

Bitcoin has surged past the $113,000 mark, driven by a notable retail sell-off and strategic accumulation by large holders, signaling a pivotal shift in market dynamics. The rally is supported

Read more

Whale Moves 26,000 ETH Worth $74M to CEX in Three Days

In the last 72 hours, a significant transfer of 26,000 ETH was executed from a major whale or institutional holder to a centralized exchange (CEX), representing a substantial value of

Read more