The post Breaking: SEC Charges Unicoin and Top Execs in $100 Million Crypto Scam appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged New York-based Unicoin Inc. and several of its top executives for misleading thousands of investors and raising over $100 million through false promises. What Happened? The SEC claims that Unicoin and its leaders, including CEO and Board Chairman Alex Konanykhin, board member Silvina Moschini, and former Chief Investment Officer Alex Dominguez, tricked investors with big promises about their crypto project. They sold “rights certificates” that were supposed to give people access to Unicoin tokens in the future — tokens they claimed would be backed by valuable real estate and investments in private companies. But according to the SEC, these promises were mostly made up. The real estate the company bragged about was worth only a small portion of what was advertised, and the company raised nowhere near the $3 billion it claimed — bringing in only about $110 million from over 5,000 investors. Unicoin reportedly went big with their marketing. Ads popped up in airports, taxis across New York City, on TV, and all over social media. The company presented itself as a next-generation crypto investment opportunity, supposedly safe, stable, and profitable. They even told investors their offerings were “SEC-registered,” when in reality, they weren’t. The SEC says Konanykhin personally sold millions of these certificates, targeting investors the company had previously tried to avoid so they wouldn’t lose their legal exemptions. The Charges and What’s Next The SEC has officially charged Unicoin and its executives with breaking federal securities laws, including fraud and making unregistered sales. The legal action demands they pay back the money they gained unfairly, along with extra fines and bans from holding executive positions in public companies. Even Unicoin’s general counsel, Richard Devlin, wasn’t spared. He’s been accused of spreading misleading information through investor documents. Devlin has agreed to settle his charges without admitting or denying the allegations and will pay a $37,500 penalty.
Similarities to 2021 are abound - will there be a similar rally?
In a macro-focused interview with the Bankless podcast, Arthur Hayes, the former BitMEX CEO and current Maelstrom CIO, laid out his bullish thesis on Ethereum, arguing that a move to $10,000 or even $15,000 is a realistic outcome as global liquidity shifts and capital controls take hold in the next monetary regime. Asked why ETH had rallied over 50% in a week, Hayes dismissed technical triggers and pointed instead to sentiment. “The most hated asset goes up the fastest in the next cycle,” he said. “It’s just human nature.” For Hayes, the Ethereum comeback was long overdue after years of being overshadowed by Solana and other high-beta tokens. “ETH was kind of dead. Everyone hated it. The BTC/ETH ratio was falling, Solana was running… it was time.” Why Ethereum Could Soar To $10,000 Despite not having added to his position, Hayes said he remained long Ethereum and was unfazed by the current price. “It’s great it’s going up, but okay—let’s talk at $10,000 or $15,000. Let’s talk when it’s meaningful.” Related Reading: Ethereum Flashes Golden Cross Signal – Can Bulls Push ETH To $3,000? Hayes placed Ethereum’s rebound in the broader context of what he calls a global monetary “phase shift”—a transition away from the US Treasury as the world’s reserve asset, toward a bifurcated system where store-of-value flows increasingly shift toward gold and Bitcoin. In this paradigm, Ethereum benefits not just from speculative risk flows, but also from structural changes in how capital moves under increasing financial repression and capital controls. While he reiterated his belief that gold and Bitcoin are the two neutral reserve assets in a politically fractured world, Hayes sees Ethereum as a powerful high-beta trade in the coming wave of liquidity expansion. “They print the money,” he said bluntly. “And the consequence will be gold and Bitcoin going through the roof.” Still, Ethereum’s path won’t be linear. Hayes acknowledged ETH’s underperformance versus Bitcoin so far, but suggested that ETH’s moment is coming—particularly if regulatory clarity improves or if decentralized finance regains traction with sustainable cash flows. He singled out projects like EtherFi and Pendle as examples of token ecosystems that might finally justify valuation through fundamentals. Related Reading: Ethereum Headed For Crucial Encounter At $4,000 – Here’s Why The potential for Ethereum to outperform dramatically remains, Hayes argued, especially as the market continues to digest what he sees as the beginning of the end for the 50-year US Treasury-based global financial system. “If you want to preserve access to capital and spend it how you want, the only things you can own are gold and Bitcoin,” he said. But for the investor with appetite for asymmetry, ETH is “a hard slog” now—yet still in the early stages of what could be a runaway rally. Whether Ethereum reaches the $10,000 mark in 2025 or beyond, Hayes is positioning for that outcome. “Mailstream is about 60% Bitcoin, 20% ETH and then you know a lot of other shitcoins and term sheets of token deals and stuff. On my non-crypto stuff, it’s physical gold and gold miners and T bills. That’s it,” Hayes revealed. At press time, ETH traded at $2,477. Featured image from YouTube, chart from TradingView.com
According to the latest data from CoinGecko, as of May 21st, Upbit’s trading volume has notably surged to $16.64 billion over the past 24 hours. This robust activity indicates a
Introduction As May 2025 unfolds, conviction-driven capital is flowing into a new set of crypto leaders . From institutional buyers to early-stage speculators, the spotlight is on four tokens: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), MAGACOIN FINANCE (MAGA), and Stellar Lumens (XLM). Each brings a distinct edge—macro leadership, DeFi infrastructure, early-stage asymmetric potential, and cross-border utility. But for those seeking the biggest ROI, MAGACOIN FINANCE is now the most aggressively positioned altcoin in the space. Why MAGACOIN FINANCE Is Being Backed for Major Returns CLICK HERE – FINAL CHANCE BEFORE PRICE JUMPS 35x MAGACOIN FINANCE is quickly becoming the top early-stage play of Q2 2025 , with Stage 8 live, over $8 million raised, and a listing target of $0.007. Its scarcity-driven 100 billion token supply and Hashex audit have analysts forecasting 35x–50x returns before listings.MAGA’s blend of viral narrative, transparent tokenomics, and a presale structure attracting both retail and whale capital is fueling unmatched momentum. As Stage 8 accelerates, those entering now are acting on a clear risk-reward model, not just hype. The window for early entry is closing fast, and MAGACOIN FINANCE is increasingly ranked as the #1 altcoin presale for 2025. Bitcoin Holds Ground as Institutional Confidence Grows Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $95,000, consolidating after a strong recovery from April lows. Analysts are targeting $104,000–$109,000 as key resistance, with the next leg of the supercycle potentially pushing BTC to $150,000 or higher.As Bitcoin anchors the market, it’s enabling capital to cascade into high-upside altcoins like MAGACOIN FINANCE, where the opportunity for exponential gains remains open. Ethereum: Technical Breakout and DeFi Expansion Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,356, retreating from its recent high of $2,728 but still up significantly for May. Technical analysis points to a potential retest of $2,600–$2,700 if ETH holds above $2,250, with long-term targets as high as $4,500 by late 2025.As the cornerstone of Web3 and DeFi, Ethereum’s rising institutional interest and rapid Layer 2 adoption continue to bolster its outlook. Solana: Ecosystem Growth Drives Major Momentum Solana (SOL) is trading at $162.08, reflecting a modest pullback after recent highs near $183. For May 2025, the expected trading range is $158–$175, with a breakout above $175 potentially leading to a retest of $183 resistance. Solana’s positive trend remains supported by DeFi growth, Web3 participation, and strong investor confidence. Stellar Lumens: Quiet Utility and Cross-Border Reach Stellar Lumens (XLM) is quietly gaining traction as a cross-border payments leader. While not as headline-grabbing as BTC or ETH, XLM’s consistent utility and adoption make it a favorite for those seeking stable, long-term growth.As capital rotates, some XLM holders are also looking to MAGACOIN FINANCE for sharper, early-stage upside. EARLY ACCESS ENDING SOON – ACT NOW Conclusion The smart money in May 2025 is moving with conviction—rotating into tokens with strong fundamentals, clear narratives, and explosive upside potential. Bitcoin and Ethereum provide the foundation, Solana and XLM offer scale and utility, but MAGACOIN FINANCE stands out as the strategic early entry for those seeking life-changing returns.With Stage 8 heating up and listings on the horizon, this could be the defining moment to secure a position before the next wave begins. Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: What’s the Next Big Move? MAGACOIN FINANCE, Ethereum, and Solana Are Leading the Shift
Crypto mining has long felt out of reach for most people, limited to those with expensive gear and deep technical knowledge. But BlockDAG (BDAG) is changing that, making mining available to anyone through practical tools and mobile-friendly options. Whether you’re a full-time miner or just someone with a smartphone, BlockDAG opens the door to earning. With $258 million raised during its presale, 20.9 billion coins sold, and a 2,520% ROI since batch 1, the numbers are speaking for themselves. There’s a reason people call it the crypto with 20,000x potential. From BDAG’s Powerful X-Series Miners to X1 App, Mining Is Now for Everyone Mining isn’t just for those with high-end setups anymore. BlockDAG has created a toolkit that works for both pros and newcomers. The X10, X30, and X100 miners, over 17,600 units of which have already been sold, offer top-tier power and performance for serious miners. But the biggest shift is the X1 mobile app. With only a smartphone, anyone can start mining. There are no upfront fees, no complicated setup. That simplicity opens doors to a much broader user base, giving more people access to the crypto with 20,000x ROI potential. It’s smooth, easy, and perfect for beginners. What makes this important is BlockDAG’s focus on real-world usage. The X1 app isn’t just a gimmick, it helps grow the network and rewards users for activity, referrals, and time spent engaging. Even if traditional miners doubt mobile mining, BlockDAG’s hybrid PoW and DAG design ensures that every miner, big or small, helps power a strong, scalable system. Whether you’re using a $1,000 miner or a basic phone, you’re part of a broader mission to grow a decentralized network. A $258M Presale That’s Building More Than Hype BlockDAG’s rise isn’t driven by empty promises. With more than $258 million raised, 28 batches released, and 20.9 billion coins sold, this project is building real value. While the current batch is priced at $0.0262, a limited-time offer brings it back to just $0.0020 until June 13. That’s the same as the batch 1 price, offering late buyers a shot at early-stage ROI. This isn’t just about catching a dip, it’s about seeing an entire system in motion. The mining hardware is ready. The beta testnet is active. The X1 app is already gaining users. Unlike other projects that offer promises, BlockDAG is giving users an ecosystem to engage with before the mainnet even goes live. When you combine all this, tools, adoption, and accessibility, it’s easy to understand why people believe it’s the crypto with 20,000x potential. What also sets BlockDAG apart is its transparency. The team has rolled out multiple video keynotes, giving real updates on features, roadmap progress, and community milestones. That kind of openness gives both retail buyers and institutions confidence that they’re backing more than just a whitepaper; they’re backing results. Making Regular Users Active Earning Nodes BlockDAG’s smart approach to mining isn’t just technical, it’s about how people behave. Many crypto platforms struggle to bring in new users, and even more fail to keep them involved. BlockDAG avoids that by making mining fun and interactive with its X1 app. Users become active nodes by simply participating, earning rewards, making referrals, and competing in real time. A good example is the Buyer Battles contest, which hands out 150 million BDAG daily to the top participants. This adds fun and competition to the mix, turning mining into something people want to do daily. Instead of asking people to “learn” first, BlockDAG lets them earn while they learn. That strategy removes the usual barriers that stop people in low-income areas or those who aren’t tech-savvy. With mining options that include everything from pro-level machines to a free mobile app, BlockDAG is ready to grow fast and far. For people who care about more than just flipping a coin, BlockDAG offers a full system. It brings together technology, economics, and a community setup built around real use. This is mining made simple. And if BlockDAG keeps building this way, it may not only live up to the crypto with 20,000x potential, it could redefine what crypto utility actually means. Final Chance to Get In BlockDAG isn’t chasing crypto trends, it’s setting its own path. With physical miners from the X10 to the X100, and a user-friendly X1 app, it gives every user a way to mine and earn. The crypto presale speaks for itself: $258 million raised, a 2,520% ROI from batch 1, and a rare $0.0020 offer open until June 13. This isn’t just another presale, it’s the beginning of a bigger vision. If you’re searching for a real opportunity with long-term value, BlockDAG isn’t just a name to watch. It’s a chance to join something early, something real, and possibly the crypto with 20,000x potential ready to be realized. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu The post Here’s How BlockDAG Is Making Mining Easy & Accessible for Everyone: The Crypto with 20,000x Potential! appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told senators on Tuesday that the United States would hit Russia with fresh sanctions if talks over a Ukraine peace deal remained stuck. He also rejected claims that the White House is easing military help for Kyiv. Rubio spoke in a Senate hearing one day after President Donald Trump spent two hours on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a call that ended without a clear step toward ending the war that began when Moscow invaded its neighbour. Several Democratic lawmakers said the president squandered the chance to raise the heat on the Kremlin. They faulted him for not warning Putin that Washington and its European partners would widen sanctions unless the Russian leader agreed to a cease-fire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking at a Senate hearing. Source: PBS NewsHour During testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio was asked about a bill led by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The proposal would slap wide-ranging new punishments on Moscow, aiming to choke the money it uses to fight the war. The measure calls for a 500 percent tariff on goods coming from countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, along with other limits on finance and technology. “If in fact it is clear that the Russians are not interested in a peace deal and they want to keep fighting a war, it may very well come to that point,” Rubio said. But he added that Trump thinks “right now if we start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking. There’s value in us being able to talk to them and drive them to get to the table.” Democratic committee member Senator Jeanne Shaheen said Putin offered no “meaningful negotiation that would end this war in Ukraine.” She added, “As President Trump has admitted, Vladimir Putin is taking him for a ride.” Senator Chris Van Hollen went further, telling Rubio, “You’ve teamed up with President Trump to throw the Ukrainian people under the bus, and have been played like a fiddle by Vladimir Putin.” Rubio affirmed that the Trump administration has leverage against Russia Rubio insisted that the administration has the “same leverage today that we had under the previous administration.” He noted that “when Vladimir Putin woke up this morning, he had the same set of sanctions on him that he’s always had since the beginning of this conflict,” and he stressed that American weapons are still moving into Ukraine. “Putin hasn’t got a single concession, he hasn’t got a single sanction lifted,” Rubio said. Even so, the Florida Republican argued the war can end only through a negotiated deal. “What the president’s trying to do is end a war,” he told the panel, saying the United States must keep channels open so both sides will sit down. His remarks did little to calm allies who had hoped for tougher language in Monday’s Trump-Putin talk . The call produced no pledge from Moscow to halt its attacks. Instead, Putin suggested that both parties draft a “memorandum” that would outline future treaty terms, a move critics dismissed as a stalling tactic that allowed Russian troops to keep fighting while talks dragged on. European and Ukrainian leaders also voiced unease after Trump floated the idea of stepping back as mediator and proposing that the Vatican take over the role instead. They warned that every day without a truce brings more civilian deaths and damage across Ukraine. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
Japan’s leading online shopping company, Rakuten, has announced support for Ukrainian weapons technology at a major military trade show. The ‘Amazon of Japan’ has noted it “will not enter the defense industry right away.” Given Japan’s self-described “defense geek” prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, a Christian, Westernized supporter of the U.S. military machine and Donald Trump, perhaps online shopping giant Rakuten’s recently announced support for actual weapons startups should not be too shocking. Diapers, detergent, and… Vampire drone strikes? Japanese online shopping leader Rakuten is now backing Ukraine military startups. Image source: Rakuten . Still, Rakuten, Amazon’s largest competitor in the land of the rising sun, isn’t typically viewed as being connected with such deadly endeavors. The multi-industry behemoth announced Tuesday it will be supporting Ukraine military startups via Brave 1, a Ukraine government organization.Support will come in the form of a dedicated booth at DSEI Japan 2025, which the press release calls (translated): “Japan’s only large-scale comprehensive defense and security exhibition.” DSEI Japan kicks off on Wednesday, May 21. DSEI Japan 2025 is a major military trade show that kicks off Wednesday in Japan. Source: DSEI . Rakuten’s move towards military involvement While massive corporations backing the governments they are embedded within is (unfortunately) nothing uncommon in war time, the Japanese state and it’s native commercial megaliths are headed more and more toward peacetime involvement in military matters.The currently debated “ Active Cyber Defense ” legislation pushed by Ishiba is just one example, which would see peacetime monitoring of communications from telecom giants like Softbank. This has some residents of the archipelago understandably worried they will be spied on and threatened by the preemptive nature of punishments outlined by the law.Six Ukrainian startups supported by Brave 1 will be showcased at the “Brave1 Powered by Rakuten” booth: • Dwarf Engineering LLC • FarsightVision LLC • Griselda • LifesaverSIM • Skyfall Industries LLC • Swarmer Notably, Skyfall Industries (what a name) makes a drone called “Vampire,” which according to Rakuten, “has earned a high reputation for its efficiency and versatility.” Anyone who has ever attended or seen footage of state-level weapons trade shows can attest to the bizarre and disturbing nature of the events. Military brass, mega-corporations, and politicians gather to toast champagne in celebration of killing machines. This likely has more than a few folks in Japan worried about the future of their beloved Rakuten. And more importantly, the land where they live. Still, Rakuten executive Hideaki Mukai has reportedly said at a press conference that his company “will not enter the defense industry right away.”DSEI Japan 2025 is held from May 21 to May 23 with Rakuten hoping to support the defense startups and “their entry into the Japanese market.” Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites
SB 21, Texas’s bill to create a state-level Bitcoin Reserve, has passed its second reading in the House with overwhelming support. It now requires one more vote and Governor Greg Abbott’s signature to become law. The bill draws inspiration from successful efforts in other states, notably New Hampshire’s model for adding new tokens to its Reserve. Under SB 21, Texas would allow altcoins to be included only if they maintain a market capitalization of at least $500 billion for a continuous period of two years. Texas is rapidly headed to form its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Legislators voted resoundingly to advance the bill. This legislation hopes to see Texas become the third state to own and operate a state-funded Bitcoin Reserve in the United States. The third and final reading would come next, and experts said that was likely to pass easily. SB 21 passes second reading with strong bipartisan support Upon its second reading, the bill, also called Senate Bill 21 (SB 21), received overwhelming bi-partisan support. The vote was 105 to 23. This demonstrates clear partisan agreement. With SB 21, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will oversee a state-held Bitcoin reserve. The fund plans to invest the government’s money in Bitcoin as a strategic asset. The goal is to diversify Texas’s financial holdings beyond conventional investments. The bill contains provisions to safeguard the state’s investment. Only digital assets worth over half a billion dollars and held for at least two years will be included in the reserve. This is to promote a reserve consisting of stable, trusted cryptocurrencies. Legislative appropriations and other state funds are to be made available for the operation of the reserve. The comptroller’s office will manage the purchasing, holding, and selling of Bitcoin for the reserve. Bill advances toward Governor’s signature Texas is on its way to being the third state to create an official reserve of Bitcoin after New Hampshire and Arizona. This is just one example of an emerging trend in the US as more states turn to Bitcoin to help fortify their finances. Popularity has been rising for the initiative to hold Bitcoin after President Donald Trump suggested it was a good idea for states to hold Bitcoin; parties such as the South Carolina GOP found this a good time to ask followers to give their opinions. Supporters believe holding Bitcoin can enable states to hedge against inflation and economic instability. The cryptocurrency market has already felt the impact of news of the bill. Amid the state-backed interest in Bitcoin reserves, the asset price has soared to $106,000, targeting an all-time high. There is growing evidence of faith in Bitcoin and state-run digital asset initiatives. And while it is supposedly a Bitcoin reserve, it allows some $500 billion worth of other assets. SB 21 has that, too, but only for 24 of the 36 months mentioned above. Lawmakers rally behind bill as it moves to Governor Abbott’s Desk for signature The bill has yet to be voted on for a third and final time. With broad bipartisan backing from lawmakers, it is expected to move without a problem. The bill now heads to the desk of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it. Abbott has previously expressed support for cryptocurrency projects and is widely expected to sign SB 21 into law. KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage
China’s move to ease its new export controls on rare earths has begun, but industry participants warn the approvals are coming too slowly to keep global supply chains running. Beijing placed fresh restrictions on seven key rare-earth elements and on the permanent magnets made from them. The minerals are crucial for electric cars, wind turbines, humanoid robots, and advanced fighter jets. Under the rules, Chinese exporters must secure a licence from the Ministry of Commerce before each shipment can leave the country. Exporters and trade bodies now say those licences are being approved at a slow pace. Some shipments to Europe have been cleared, but the pace is far behind demand. “The window to avoid significant damage to production in Europe is rapidly closing,” said Wolfgang Niedermark, a member of the executive board of the Federation of German Industries, or BDI. Big US manufacturers are also sounding the alarm. In recent briefings, executives at Tesla, Ford, and Lockheed Martin told investors that China’s new export controls could slow or even halt supply chains. One European executive based in China, who asked not to be named, called the present delays “untenable” for foreign firms. “What I’m witnessing on the ground is that there is really incompetence; they underestimated what the impact would be and what you would need to prepare at the working level,” the executive said. Beijing widened its export controls just after US President Donald Trump announced steep new tariffs on Chinese goods on 2 April. Many analysts saw the rare-earth move as a direct response, highlighting China’s leverage as the world’s dominant supplier of minerals. China’s rare-earth controls may be a strategic response to US tariffs So far, it is not clear whether any shipments bound for the United States have received licences since Washington and Beijing declared a 90-day ceasefire in their tariff war earlier this month. Yantai Zhenghai Magnetic Material, based in Shandong Province, confirmed it had secured export permits and had “resumed” taking orders from certain buyers. Two people familiar with the situation said at least one consignment destined for Volkswagen’s operations in Germany had also been cleared. Volkswagen stated that its supply of parts containing rare earths remained stable and that its suppliers had received “a limited number of these [export] licences.” Inside the industry, companies fear the ministry will be overwhelmed as licence applications pour in. One executive said European importers “are not sure how to prove” that their shipments will not be re-exported to the United States, a step that would break the permit rules. Slow license approvals would affect Western companies Tesla chief Elon Musk told investors last month that Chinese officials had asked for assurances that the rare-earth magnets used in the company’s robot arms would not go into military hardware. “That is an example of a challenge there. I’m confident we’ll overcome these issues,” he said. Permanent magnets made from rare earths are found in combat aircraft such as Lockheed’s F-35. Short-term shortages could disrupt production lines, and experts predict that the new controls will speed up long-term efforts in the West to build alternative supply chains. Evan Scott, chief financial officer at Lockheed, told investors this week that the company had enough rare-earth material for the rest of the year. He added that he expected US authorities to give priority to Lockheed’s needs “given the importance of our programmes.” Cameron Johnson, partner at the Shanghai-based consulting firm Tidalwave Solutions, said he believes some big companies with long histories in China have managed to move rare-earth cargoes even before their licences were formally approved. “There is still material going out,” he said. Cory Combs, associate director at Trivium China, a Beijing consultancy, noted that there is “certainly no evidence” that China has “bluntly cut everyone off.” With the 90-day tariff truce now in place, he expects the commerce ministry to grant more permits, but he warned that uncertainty remains high. “Everyone wants Mofcom to provide clarity,” Mr Combs said. “But China’s strategic leverage relies partly on the ability to pull the export control lever to the extent that the US does not provide a satisfying deal.” KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage