Finnish authorities also placed Richard Heart on Europe’s most wanted list. In a separate case, influencer Haliey Welch is cooperating with legal representatives after allegations of a pump-and-dump scheme involving the Hawk Tuah token. Meanwhile, financial educator Scott Pape exposed crypto scams impersonating him. Additionally, the SEC fined Jump Trading’s Tai Mo Shan $123 million for deceptive practices related to stabilizing TerraUSD (UST) during its 2021 depeg event. Interpol Issues Red Notice for Hex Founder Interpol issued a Red Notice for Richard Schueler, better known as Richard Heart, who is the founder of Hex. The notice was issued for alleged tax fraud and assault. This Red Notice is a global request for law enforcement to locate and provisionally arrest an individual, and was prompted by Finnish authorities. However, it does not constitute an international arrest warrant. Schueler has also been placed on Europe’s most wanted fugitives list, accusing him of assaulting a 16-year-old by grabbing their hair, dragging them into a stairwell, and knocking them to the ground. Richard Schueler’s Red Notice (Source: Interpol ) The remand order for Schueler was issued three months ago, on Sept. 13, with Finnish authorities suspecting him of tax evasion from June of 2020 to April of 2024. The allegations include discrepancies in Schueler’s reported income compared to estimates from tax authorities. On Sept. 18, a Helsinki police detective, Harri Saaristola, told Finnish broadcaster Yle that Heart’s financial disclosures did not align with the tax service’s calculations. Schueler has not publicly addressed the Red Notice just yet, but is still active on social media . In a Dec. 21 post, he commented, “If the haters really wanted to get me down, they could raise more than the $27M I did for medical research.” Schueler is also embroiled in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations of unregistered offerings of three cryptocurrency tokens: Hex, PulseChain (PLS), and PulseX (PSLX). The SEC accused Schueler of raising more than $1 billion through these unregistered sales, and claimed he marketed them as a way to achieve wealth. Schueler tried to dismiss the $1 billion lawsuit in August, but the SEC maintained its authority to pursue the case. Haliey Welch Addresses Hawk Tuah Token Scandal Richard Heart is not the only crypto founder currently facing some serious legal troubles. Haliey Welch, the influencer behind the viral “Hawk Tuah” video, addressed the controversy surrounding a meme coin bearing her nickname that experienced a dramatic pump and dump shortly after its launch in December. In a Dec. 20 post on X, Welch stated that she is “fully cooperating” with lawyers representing investors in the Hawk Tuah (HAWK) token. While Welch was not named as a defendant yet, crypto users have filed a lawsuit against the project’s creators and partners, accusing them of promoting and selling an unregistered securities offering. The HAWK token was launched on Dec. 4, and reached a market capitalization of about $500 million before crashing by 90%. This prompted allegations of a rug pull. Welch shared that she is very serious about the matter and encouraged the affected people to contact legal representatives. The controversy stems from her promotion of the token, which used her likeness and branding, as she transitioned from her TikTok fame into the cryptocurrency space. Welch initially gained internet fame in June after a viral clip earned her the nickname “Hawk Tuah” girl. Blockchain data revealed suspicious activity surrounding the token’s launch as one wallet acquired roughly 18% of the HAWK supply and sold it for a profit of over $1 million shortly afterward. Meanwhile, many investors suffered big losses during the token’s rapid decline. It is still uncertain whether Welch or the project’s founders could face criminal or regulatory actions in the United States. The SEC, under Chair Gary Gensler, has taken a very firm stance when it comes to treating most tokens as securities, though the agency’s leadership is expected to shift to Republican control in January. Barefoot Investor Exposes Crypto Scam Tactics Scott Pape, who is known as the “Barefoot Investor,” recently exposed how he tackled crypto scammers who used his identity to defraud his followers. Pape is an Australian financial educator, and shared that he and his team reported hundreds of fake Facebook groups impersonating him to scam people. Frustrated by the slow response from Facebook, Pape decided to engage directly with the fraudsters and investigate their methods. By using a fake name, Pape contacted a fraudulent Facebook page and was invited to join an exclusive WhatsApp group called the “DB Wealth Institute.” A quick search of the group revealed automated press releases about the supposed institute, bragging about its achievements and partnerships with well known platforms. Pape also discovered that U.S. regulators previously warned of similar fake “wealth institutes” that operated through WhatsApp and offered fraudulent crypto trading lessons. The scam followed a familiar pattern: members of the group were provided fake trading signals, encouraged to share fabricated successes, and pressured into making large investments. Bots likely generated the constant flow of messages claiming profitable trades. Pape was guided by an assistant named “Ally,” and even followed one of these signals and saw an 81% profit on a trade, which is a tactic to build confidence and greed. Soon after, he was pressured to invest larger sums, with exclusive programs starting at $20,000 and going up to $5 million. Part of the scam’s strategy is to instil fear and desperation in victims to extract even more money from them. He pointed out that scammers often target victims again after the initial scam by urging them to borrow money in an attempt to recover losses. Pape is the author of the best-selling book The Barefoot Investor, and has been very vocal about fighting financial fraud. According to Chainalysis, crypto scams and hacks in 2024 stole $2.2 billion, a 21% increase from 2023. SEC Fines Tai Mo Shan $123M In May of 2021, after a temporary depegging of the algorithmic TerraUSD stablecoin (UST), the token appeared to stabilize back to its $1 peg automatically. However, according to an SEC complaint , a subsidiary of Jump Trading’s crypto unit, Tai Mo Shan, intervened with $20 million in purchases to stabilize the token. This action allegedly misled investors in UST and its counterpart token, Luna, by giving the impression that Terraform Labs’ stabilization mechanism functioned as intended. The SEC and Tai Mo Shan reached a settlement which requires the firm to pay $123 million in fines, including over $86 million in disgorgement and $36 million as a civil penalty. The disgorgement amount was based on profits Tai Mo Shan allegedly earned by purchasing UST during the depeg event and subsequently receiving and selling unlocked luna tokens. These actions, according to the SEC, deceived investors about the efficacy of Terraform Labs’ arbitrage mechanism. Earlier SEC allegations also suggested that Tai Mo Shan profited $1.28 billion from these transactions, but the settlement was reached without the firm admitting or denying the findings. Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon publicly claimed that TerraUSD survived a severe stress test, and used the situation as proof of the algorithmic mechanism’s robustness. However, the SEC pointed out that the lack of transparency about Tai Mo Shan’s involvement misled the market about UST’s stability. Jump Crypto’s president, Kanav Kariya, invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during a previous deposition about the deal. As part of the settlement, Tai Mo Shan agreed to pay the penalty without admitting any wrongdoing. Overall, the SEC holds firm that the intervention misrepresented UST’s stability and Terraform Labs’ system. Terraform Labs also agreed to pay over $4 billion in fines after the collapse of its ecosystem and received permission to start winding down operations under U.S. bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year.
Despite significant gains this year, Bitcoin trails behind cocoa as the standout commodity in 2024, reflecting shifting market dynamics and global events. The cocoa market, driven by severe production issues
Cocoa has managed to outperform Bitcoin in terms of yearly gains
The post Pepe (PEPE) Consolidates Around $10 Billion Market Cap, Could It Run To Over $100 Billion In 2025? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Pepe (PEPE) has been making waves in the crypto market, holding steady at a $10 billion market cap. As interest grows, analysts debate whether the token has what it takes to break into the $100 billion range by 2025. With meme coins often driven by community enthusiasm and speculative trends, PEPE’s trajectory will likely depend on sustained investor interest and market conditions. PEPE Holds Steady On Blockchain Activity According to data from Coinglass, PEPE spot metrics revealed over $2.61 billion in outflow over the past week. This massive outflow from exchanges typically indicates potential upside momentum as investors hold on to tokens in personal wallets or cold storage. The less PEPE in exchanges, the higher the value of its scarce tokens. On December 14 , a dormant whale account became active, moving its entire balance worth 2.1 trillion PEPE. The investor initially bought these tokens for $27, and now, the same tokens are worth over 1,900,000 times that amount. These kinds of big shifts typically indicate that whales have faith in the asset or are getting ready for price changes. At 4.15, Binance’s PEPEUSDT Long/Short Ratio shows a high level of trader interest. At the moment, around 20% of top Binance traders hold short, while 80% hold long positions. What are The PEPE Technicals Saying? Per technicals, PEPE has formed a descending triangle pattern after a short consolidation period around the $10 billion market cap. PEPE could close a week-long candle above the $0.000032 level with a breakout imminent. According to price prediction analysis , PEPE is forecast to rise by 226% and reach $0.000074 by January 16, 2025. With a 14-day RSI of 51, PEPE is neither overbought nor oversold, indicating a chance for an upside rally. Combining these metrics, it makes sense that PEPE is slightly above its mid-November price. However, PEPE continues to trade above its moving averages as bull traders expect a significant surge in the coming days. Currently, large transactions are up to $1.82 billion on PEPE with 6,230 active addresses. With 90% of holders in profit, the token has experienced heightened investments in expectation of a bullish incline. According to data from IntoTheBlock, about 20% of PEPE holders came in the past month. The Next Thing For PEPE Holders As the Ethereum network expands, so have PEPE and RTX. With the launch of its cross-border payment system, Remittix (RTX) is forecast to yield a higher return on investment. The hot new crypto is focused on overcoming the hurdle of international payments with a crypto-to-fiat structure, low fees, and resilience to location restrictions. With the cross-border payments market projected to exceed $250 billion by 2027, Remittix has more than enough support to navigate through the fast-growing industry. Currently in its ongoing presale, the hot new crypto is changing hands for $0.0156 apiece. Holding $RTX early opens the door to premium features, like an account manager and staking rewards. Invest now and take your chance at their time-limited giveaway for investors worth $250,000 in USDT. Discover the Exciting Opportunities of the Remittix (RTX) Presale Today! Website: https://app.remittix.io/ Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix
SEI traders face uncertainty as the asset shows conflicting signals for bullish and bearish outcomes.
The meme coin frenzy isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and why would it? These cheeky cryptos have turned heads by blending internet culture with serious financial gains. With an influx of new projects offering unique utilities, meme coins have proven they’re not just for laughs. Now, seasoned investors and crypto newbies alike are eyeing these coins for their potential to deliver explosive short-term returns. Leading the pack is the BTFD Coin (BTFD) , which has reactivated its Stage 7 pricing during its 12th presale stage. Let’s dig into this list of the top meme coins to buy this month and see why they’re worth holding onto for a chance at significant gains. 1. BTFD Coin: Bringing Bulls to Centre Stage BTFD Coin is on everyone’s lips right now, and for good reason. This viral presale has already surpassed $4.3 million in funds raised, selling over 57 billion tokens to more than 6,300 holders. Currently in its 12th presale stage, BTFD is offering investors a golden ticket to buy at its Stage 7 price of $0.000064—a jaw-dropping 837.5% ROI when it lists at $0.0006. But this isn’t just a pump-and-dump. BTFD has built an ecosystem with real utility. Its Play-to-Earn (P2E) game is already live in beta form, allowing users to dive into a thrilling gaming experience. And while the beta doesn’t dish out rewards yet, the full version is set to redefine how gaming and crypto collide. Then there’s the staking feature, which offers a whopping 90% APY. It’s a passive income dream for anyone wanting to hold and grow their investment. Combine that with a referral programme that keeps the buzz alive and a community-driven Bulls Squad, and it’s clear that BTFD is more than just hype—it’s a movement. Here’s a scenario to put things into perspective: invest $35,000 during the Stage 7 presale, and you’ll bag 546.8 million tokens. When $BTFD lists at $0.0006, your initial investment could swell to a staggering $328,080. Why did this coin make it to this list? BTFD’s innovative ecosystem, robust community, and unbeatable presale pricing make it a no-brainer for anyone scouting the top meme coins to buy this month. 2. Floki Inu: A Viking Among Meme Coins Floki Inu isn’t just a meme coin; it’s a rallying cry for a new wave of DeFi and blockchain gaming enthusiasts. With its Valhalla metaverse gaining traction, Floki Inu is creating a buzz in both the gaming and crypto worlds. Recent partnerships have expanded its reach, and the coin’s FlokiFi platform offers advanced DeFi solutions, including staking and farming. This utility-driven approach sets Floki apart from other meme coins, ensuring it has both staying power and growth potential. Why did this coin make it to this list? Floki Inu’s creative branding and tangible use cases make it a strong contender for the best meme coins to buy this month. 3. Dogwifhat: The Underdog That Packs a Punch Dogwifhat is a playful addition to the meme coin universe, but don’t let its lighthearted name fool you. This coin has shown consistent growth thanks to its community-driven approach and fun, relatable branding. While Dogwifhat doesn’t boast an elaborate ecosystem, its simplicity and meme appeal have made it a favourite among first-time investors. As the market continues to fluctuate, Dogwifhat offers a refreshing option for those looking to diversify. Why did this coin make it to this list? Dogwifhat’s charm and growing community make it a promising pick for investors seeking top meme coins to buy this month. 4. Popcat: Gaming Meets Meme Coins Popcat taps into the viral nature of internet memes while bridging the gap between gaming and crypto. With a solid player base from its popular Telegram game, Popcat has already proven its ability to capture attention and keep users engaged. What makes Popcat stand out is its seamless integration of gaming rewards into real-world value. Players can monetise their in-game achievements, making Popcat a gateway for gamers entering the Web3 ecosystem. Why did this coin make it to this list? Popcat’s unique approach to linking gaming and crypto makes it an exciting investment for anyone hunting top meme coins to buy this month. 5. Book of Meme: Turning Pages in Crypto Book of Meme (BOME) takes a literary spin on meme coins, weaving storytelling and humour into its branding. This innovative approach has created a buzz in the meme coin space, capturing the imagination of investors and meme enthusiasts alike. With plans for a decentralised library and NFT integration, BOME is positioning itself as a project with both entertainment value and utility. Its roadmap is ambitious, and its growing community is already rallying behind the vision. Why did this coin make it to this list? Book of Meme’s creative spin on meme coins and its clear roadmap make it a standout choice for this month’s top picks. 6. Brett: The Rising Star Brett has quickly risen through the ranks as one of the most promising meme coins. With its sharp marketing campaigns and growing social media presence, Brett has managed to capture the attention of both casual investors and meme coin veterans. Collaborations with influencers and strategic partnerships have propelled Brett into the spotlight. While still a newcomer, its rapid growth trajectory signals it’s a coin to watch closely. Why did this coin make it to this list? Brett’s meteoric rise and community-driven success make it a must-have for those seeking top meme coins to buy this month. How to Secure Your Spot in the BTFD Coin Presale If you’re ready to jump on one of the best meme coin opportunities of the year, securing your BTFD Coin during its viral presale couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps to lock in your tokens at the discounted Stage 7 price of $0.000064 (a remarkable 837.5% ROI). 1. Visit the BTFD Presale Page Head over to the official BTFD Coin presale page at https://www.btfd.io/buy-now/. 2. Connect Your Wallet Click on “Connect Wallet” and select the wallet you’re using for your transaction. Popular options include MetaMask and Trust Wallet, both widely trusted in the crypto community. 3. Enter the Bonus Code Locate the bonus code field, enter the code BIG50 , and hit “Apply.” This code is your ticket to the discounted Stage 7 price, giving you an edge in your investment. 4. Input Your Purchase Details Decide how much BTFD you want to buy and input the amount. The platform will display the discounted price, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you commit. 5. Confirm and Buy Click “Buy Now” and confirm the transaction in your connected wallet. Once the transaction is complete, your BTFD tokens will be added to your wallet. This straightforward process makes it easier than ever to join the BTFD Coin presale and capitalise on one of the hottest opportunities in the meme coin market. Don’t wait too long—this discounted price won’t be available forever, and the presale is moving fast with over $4.3 million already raised! End the Year with a Bang! Secure Your Spot in the BTFD Coin Presale Based on our research and market trends, BTFD Coin emerges as the top contender for the best meme coins to buy this month. Its innovative ecosystem, unmatched presale pricing, and strong community backing make it an unmissable opportunity. Join the BTFD Coin presale now to take advantage of the discounted Stage 7 pricing and set yourself up for significant gains. Don’t let this chance slip away—secure your spot and be part of the Bulls Squad today ! Find Out More: Website: https://www.btfd.io/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/BTFD_COIN Telegram: https://t.me/btfd_coin Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here .
President-elect Donald Trump has made headlines with his latest selection of Bo Hines as executive director of the newly formed Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, also known as the “Crypto Council.” This announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social account, is a key step in shaping the incoming administration’s stance on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. A New Era For Cryptocurrency Hines, a 29-year-old Yale graduate and former college football player, is slated to serve as the leader of this advisory group, in addition to David Sacks, who has been designated as the “Crypto Czar.” Trump’s remarks highlighted the council’s goal: to create an atmosphere encouraging innovation in the digital assets industry. Hines will work with Sacks to make sure business leaders have the necessary tools to succeed. Trump underlined the need of this project in order to maintain America’s technical superiority in a fast changing financial landscape. Hines described his excitement at getting hired as “an honor of a lifetime” to serve under Trump’s presidency. He reiterated his will to see a strong bitcoin market developed, which is necessary for the technical advancement of the country. The council aims to establish a link between the government and the crypto sector, therefore fostering more innovative standards and open policies. Key Appointments Trump’s strategy encompasses more than just Hines and Sacks. Michael J.K. Kratsios serves as the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, while Dr. Lynne Parker serves as the executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. Sriram Krishnan will function as the senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence. I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks . Thank you @realDonaldTrump for this opportunity. pic.twitter.com/kw1n0IKK2a — Sriram Krishnan (@sriramk) December 22, 2024 It is anticipated that this cohesive team will collaborate on initiatives that encompass both AI and crypto, reflecting Trump’s vision for the alignment of these technologies to stimulate economic development. The Crypto Council’s establishment coincides with substantial fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market. Trump’s administration appears to be dedicated to the establishment of a comprehensive framework for digital assets, despite recent challenges. This framework has the potential to provide the much-needed stability in an unpredictable market. Looking Ahead Trump’s emphasis on technology, particularly in the fields of blockchain and AI, indicates a transition toward the integration of innovation as a fundamental component of American policy as he prepares for his second term. The appointments that have been made thus far suggest a desire to prioritize regulatory clarity and technological advancement in these emerging disciplines. The potential for significant changes that could redefine the integration of cryptocurrencies into the broader economy exists with Hines at the helm of the Crypto Council. The impact of these appointments on both domestic policy and America’s global tech position will be revealed in the months ahead. All eyes will be on Hines and Sacks as they assume their new positions to guarantee that digital assets not only endure but also flourish under Trump’s leadership. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView
Cointelegraph obtained data set samples packed with sensitive information of crypto conference attendees that could be a treasure trove for scammers.
Daddy Pepe could turn early investors into multi-millionaires, like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Dogecoin (DOGE) did. Daddy Pepe (DADDPEPE), a new Solana memecoin that was launched today, is set to explode over 11,000% in price in the coming days. This is because DADDPEPE is set to soon be listed on numerous crypto exchanges, according to reports. This will give the Solana memecoin exposure to millions of additional investors, who will pour funds into the coin and drive its price up. Currently, Daddy Pepe can only be purchased via Solana decentralized exchanges, like Jup.ag and Raydium.io, and early investors stand to make huge returns in the coming days. Early investors in SHIB and DOGE made astronomical returns, and Daddy Pepe could become the next viral memecoin. Daddy Pepe launched with over $9,000 of liquidity, giving it a unique advantage over the majority of other new memecoins, and early investors could make huge gains. How to Buy To buy Daddy Pepe on Raydium.io or Jup.ag ahead of the CEX listings, users need to connect their Solflare, MetaMask or Phantom wallet, and swap Solana for Daddy Pepe by entering its contract address – 9UFnMabUe7wecdEEzAYPoQPZiuTJ1hTFpNz6qtsiB3FA – in the receiving field. If you don’t have one of these wallets already, you can create a new wallet in a few minutes and transfer some Solana to it (which will then be used to buy the memecoin), from an exchange like Coinbase, Binance and many others. In fact, early investors could make returns similar to those who invested in Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Dogecoin (DOGE) before these memecoins went viral and exploded in price. If this happens, a new wave of memecoin millionaires could be created in a matter of weeks – or potentially even sooner. The Solana memecoin craze continues amid larger memecoins, like Shiba Inu (SHIB), Dogecoin (DOGE) and DogWifHat (WIF) trading sideways in recent weeks and losing momentum. This is why many SHIB, DOGE and WIF investors are instead investing in new Solana memecoins, like DADDPEPE. Such memecoins have no utility and no inherent value, but investors looking for high gains have been investing in them due to their potential to rapidly rise in price.
Gate Group Acquires Coin Master Co., Ltd., Rebrands as Gate Japan Co., Ltd. to Launch Compliant Digital Asset Platform in Japan ————— 💰Coin: GT ( $GT ) $13.07 ————— NFA.