German police seized €34 million ($38 million) in crypto from the platform eXch on May 8. This was part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged use of eXch for laundering funds stolen during Bybit’s record-breaking $1.4 billion hack in February 2025. Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and Frankfurt’s main prosecutor’s office announced the seizure, which marks the third-largest crypto confiscation in the BKA’s history. The seized crypto includes a mix of assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Dash (DASH). The authorities also seized over eight terabytes of data stored on eXch’s German server infrastructure, effectively shutting down the platform. The BKA stated that a large portion of the Bybit exploit’s proceeds was funneled through eXch, making the platform an important player in the network of illicit crypto transactions. eXch’s Role in Crypto Laundering and its Unlawful Operations Launched in 2014, eXch marketed itself as a privacy-centric “swapping” service, offering users the ability to exchange crypto assets across various blockchains without requiring identity verification or adhering to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This noncompliance made it a magnet for criminals looking to “wash” stolen funds and conceal their origins through obfuscation tactics such as token hopping, cross-chain bridges, and multiple wallets. According to the BKA’s findings, eXch was used in laundering over €1.75 billion ($1.9 billion) worth of crypto, a large portion of which is suspected to originate from criminal activities. Crypto security analyst ZachXBT, who has previously exposed some of the industry’s largest hacks and laundering operations, confirmed that eXch also played a major role in processing funds from other high-profile incidents. Source: ZachXBT This includes the multisig wallet exploits, FixedFloat exchange-related laundering, the $243 million Genesis creditor heist, and numerous phishing drainers and rug pulls over the past few years. ZachXBT further revealed that eXch ignored repeated warnings, refused to block malicious wallet addresses, and did not comply with freeze orders issued by regulators or intelligence-led investigators. Additionally, according to ZachXBT’s February 22 Telegram post, even the North Korean Lazarus Group allegedly used eXch to launder over 5,000 ETH stolen from the Bybit hack. This detail links eXch to state-sponsored cybercrime, which elevates the geopolitical importance of the investigation. Platform Denial, Sudden Shutdown, and Official Response In April, eXch denied helping launder stolen funds for the Lazarus Group. It said only a small portion of the Bybit hack funds passed through its system. eXch has denied allegations of laundering money for North Korea’s #Lazarus Group following the $1.4 billion hack on @Bybit_Official on February 21. #eXch #Bybit https://t.co/FWTnP5hiJS — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) February 24, 2025 Soon after, the platform announced it would shut down by May 1, blaming increasing pressure and signals intelligence targeting its servers. Privacy-focused crypto exchange eXch will shut down on May 1 following scrutiny over alleged ties to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. #bybithack #eXch https://t.co/ZXQCBVbotz — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) April 18, 2025 However, eXch’s shutdown didn’t last. On April 27, the suspension notice disappeared, and the site resumed operations. Despite shutdown claims, crypto mixer eXch still launders illicit funds via active API, linked to Bybit hack and CSAM funding, warns @trmlabs . #CryptoCrime #CryptoMixer https://t.co/DQBOEYPnR3 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) May 5, 2025 A report from TRM Labs revealed that eXch never really shut down. While its websites went offline, its backend API stayed active. This allowed users to continue moving funds using eXch’s signature laundering method, which involves mixing funds in pools that hide where the money comes from. TRM found that eXch was still being used by criminal groups, including the Lazarus Group and those linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Over $300,000 connected to CSAM has passed through eXch, with more expected. The system also made it hard to tell which funds were clean or criminal. The post eXch Crackdown: German Police Seize $38M Linked to $1.4B Bybit Hack appeared first on Cryptonews .
BlackRock met with the SEC Crypto Task Force on May 9, sought guidance on staking, tokenization, ETF approval standards, and options on ETFs.
The cryptocurrency market has reached unprecedented heights, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000 and Ethereum achieving substantial gains post-upgrade. This surge reflects growing investor confidence and positive news regarding significant trade agreements,
Web3 ai Breaks the Mold With Real Utility & 1747% ROI as XRP Tracks Key Levels & Aave Announces $50M Move Price forecasts in crypto often shift quickly. Traders are monitoring XRP’s setup for possible movement, and Aave’s buyback has drawn fresh interest. Yet beyond these updates, some are looking at long-term use cases. Projects like Web3 ai offer more than price moves. They focus on tools and features that can shape how people interact with the crypto space. Unlike tokens that depend only on market cycles, Web3 ai’s system uses real-time data, automated strategies, and AI-supported tools. For those searching for the best crypto to invest in now, this approach highlights how function could lead the next wave. XRP Chart Outlook: A Period of Calm Before the Next Move? XRP is holding around $2.10, forming a tight range between $2.05 and $2.23. Current signs, such as a flat MACD and price tracking near the 50-period EMA, point to low activity that may come before a shift in trend. Views differ. Some analysts expect a breakout during July, following past seasonal trends. Others, including Peter Brandt, warn of a possible decline, even suggesting XRP’s market cap could fall sharply if bearish trends continue through 2025. The XRP forecast depends on near-term levels. A move above $2.23 could open targets at $2.35 and $2.48. But if XRP slips below $2.05, it might drop toward $1.93 and $1.84. Aave’s Next Phase: DAO-Led Buyback Shows Confidence Aave has launched a $50 million buyback program, approved with strong support from the community. This move signals confidence from its DAO and reflects a focus on token strength and stability. The goal is to improve both liquidity and long-term utility for the AAVE token. Recent data supports this momentum. Wallet activity has increased, showing growing interest from both retail and larger holders. The staged buyback also helps manage market effects, reducing sharp swings in price. The Aave update points to a larger trend of active governance. With this plan, Aave is reinforcing its treasury strategy and building long-term value through careful management. Web3 ai ($WAI) Offers 12 AI Tools That Do More Than Sit in a Wallet Many tokens offer little beyond holding. In contrast, $WAI focuses on what users can actually do. It powers access to Web3 ai’s full range of 12 AI-supported tools, giving holders something functional from day one. These include automated trading bots that adjust to market shifts, portfolio managers, scam filters, and risk-tracking systems. With $WAI, users go from passive holders to active participants in the Web3 ai ecosystem. The presale is getting momentum as crypto whales pour over $2 million into the project in record time. At its current presale price of $0.000331 in stage 3, and a set launch price of $0.005242, $WAI offers a potential return of up to 1747% for early buyers. But the key point is not just the returns, it’s real-time use. Holders can immediately start using these tools to automate trades, improve portfolio decisions, detect scam risks, and track shifts across multiple blockchains. That is what sets $WAI apart for anyone looking for the best crypto to invest in now. Each token brings access to AI-driven support that works around the clock. Whether it’s improving trade timing, navigating DeFi safely, or reading live market signals, $WAI offers practical tools. Instead of hoping for price spikes, it gives users direct value. This ai crypto presale is not just about early pricing, but about gaining a working advantage from the beginning. Utility Could Be the Real Driver in Crypto’s Next Phase Speculation often drives short-term attention, but long-term results may come from what users can do with their tokens. XRP’s movement depends on price action, and Aave’s buyback shows belief in its future value. But both are still tied to broader market conditions. Web3 ai presents another direction. By offering tools that help users decide, manage risk, and act in real time, it moves away from watching prices and toward using data. This kind of real-world function may be what defines the next standout. For those seeking the best crypto to invest in now, tokens like $WAI, built around active use, could offer a more stable approach in a space known for fast changes. Join Web3 ai Now: Website: http://web3ai.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/Web3Ai_Token X: https://x.com/Web3Ai_Token Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/web3ai_token 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 .
Why a crypto VC believes that Ethereum's scaling efforts won't solve its problems.
Ethereum's Pectra upgrade went live on the mainnet, introducing several enhancements including improved wallet user experience, increased validator stake limits from 32 to 2,048 ETH, and upgrades to deposit and exit mechanisms along with Layer 2 scalability features. The upgrade marks the first major shift in Ethereum's positioning in two years, enabling new use cases and facilitating adoption to better compete in the crypto space. Despite a modest initial market reaction with ETH price rising only 0.96% and a slight decline in daily active addresses, Ethereum experienced a 20% price surge shortly after, representing its largest gain in four years. The Superchain, Ethereum's Layer 2 ecosystem, activated the Pectra upgrade within 48 hours of its mainnet launch, becoming the first L2 ecosystem to implement it. The Superchain currently handles 12.9 million daily transactions, collects 83% of Layer 2 fees, and contributes to over half of Ethereum’s blob fee burn. The upgrade is expected to enhance these metrics further. Additionally, EIP-7702 was enabled on Superchain Layer 2s, with adoption metrics forthcoming. This is an AI-generated article powered by DeepNewz, curated by The Defiant. For more information, including article sources, visit DeepNewz . To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io
Ethereum has finally broken above the long-watched $2,000 resistance level—and it didn’t just edge past it, it blasted through with force. In under 48 hours, ETH surged more than 35%, reaching as high as $2,490 and sending a strong signal that a new phase may have just begun. The breakout, which comes after months of sluggish price action and uncertainty, has reignited bullish sentiment across the market. Related Reading: Cardano Approaches Critical Resistance – Break Above Could Trigger Move To $0.80 Top analyst Jelle described the move in dramatic terms, noting that Ethereum aggressively broke straight through a massive resistance level, “like it wasn’t even there.” More importantly, ETH has now made a higher high, flipping the market structure and confirming the strength of this rally. This is the kind of breakout that often marks a shift in trend, not just a temporary spike. With Bitcoin flirting with $100K and altcoins waking up across the board, Ethereum’s explosive move may be the start of something much bigger. The $2,000 level had been a significant psychological and technical barrier for months, and now that it’s gone, bulls are in control. All eyes are on whether ETH can hold these gains and continue leading the charge in the next leg of the crypto bull cycle. Ethereum Forms Bullish Structure As Momentum Shifts After months of relentless selling pressure and persistent bearish sentiment, Ethereum is finally showing signs of structural recovery. The market environment, long dominated by doubt and underperformance, is now shifting as ETH begins to establish a new, more bullish formation. This shift isn’t just about price—it’s being reinforced by meaningful developments on the fundamental side. One of the most important catalysts is the upcoming Pectra update, a major improvement designed to make Ethereum more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective. The update focuses on enhancing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and optimizing smart contract performance, key changes that could significantly improve network usability and reduce transaction costs. This technical progress renews investor interest and builds a fresh narrative around Ethereum’s long-term potential. The price action confirms the change in sentiment. Jelle highlights that Ethereum easily broke past the $2,000 resistance, as ETH surged more than 21% only yesterday, blasting through $2,200 and hitting a high near $2,490. More importantly, ETH has made a higher high, signaling a trend reversal. According to Jelle, holding the $2,200 level is now key—if this support holds, “ETH could actually be back.” Analysts are beginning to call for continued upside, pointing to the combination of washed-out bearish sentiment, fresh technical structure, and growing network optimism driven by the Pectra upgrade. With ETH now breaking out and flipping resistance into support, the conditions are aligning for a potentially massive recovery phase. If momentum holds and the $2,200 level is respected, Ethereum could be entering the early stages of a powerful and sustained rally. Related Reading: Ethereum ‘Extremely Undervalued Against BTC’ – Supply Pressure May Delay Recovery ETH Price Analysis: Bulls Take Over Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,334 after a stunning rally that saw it surge more than 35% in less than 48 hours. The daily chart shows a massive breakout above the long-standing $2,000 resistance level, with price reaching as high as $2,490 before pulling back slightly. This breakout decisively ends months of downtrend structure and signals the formation of a new bullish leg. This move came with substantial volume, validating the breakout and showing clear market conviction. ETH also printed a higher high for the first time in months, confirming a shift in trend. However, the price is now approaching the 200-day EMA at $2,428 and remains below the 200-day SMA at $2,701—two levels that could serve as medium-term resistance. If ETH can hold the $2,200–$2,250 zone as support, this breakout could turn into a full trend reversal. The recent volume spike suggests that both retail and institutional players are stepping back in, possibly driven by growing optimism around Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade and improving macro sentiment. Related Reading: Bitcoin Shows Impressive 4H Strength – A Shift Toward Upside Break Overall, the chart shows strength and momentum. If bulls maintain control and reclaim the 200-day SMA in the coming sessions, ETH could be set for a sustained run toward higher levels. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
The cryptocurrency market continued to surge this past week as the overall digital asset market capitalization exceeded $3.27 trillion, an 8.6% increase over the previous week. Bitcoin ( BTC ) reached a high of $103,600 on May 8 after reclaiming $100,000 for the first time since January. Its market dominance also surged above 60%, reflecting more bullish BTC sentiment. This marked the third time BTC has broken through six figures since it reached the milestone on Dec. 5, 2024, and again on Jan. 20, ahead of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The BTC rise coincided with Trump announcing a trade deal with the United Kingdom, which may include removing a 10% blanket tariff on all imports. In the wider crypto space, Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade implemented much-needed improvements for the crypto ecosystem. The upgrade was followed by a 26% price surge for Ether ( ETH ), rising from $1,800 on May 7 to over $2,300 on May 9. Total crypto market cap, 1-year chart. Source: CoinMarketCap Bitcoin DeFi sees surge in mining participation despite drop in TVL Messari's “State of Rootstock” report for 2025 showed that merged mining participation surged to an all-time high of 81% in Q1 2025, up from 56.4% in the previous quarter. The surge was attributed to onboarding major mining pools SpiderPool and Foundry. The influx of mining support boosted Rootstock's hash power above 740 exahashes per second. This surpassed Bitcoin's total network hashrate recorded in October 2024, marking a more mature phase for the platform's merged mining growth. The surge in merged mining participation came as Rootstock's ecosystem faced headwinds. In Q1 2025, Rootstock’s total value locked (TVL) declined. Its Bitcoin TVL dropped 7.2%, while the dollar-denominated TVL fell by over 20% quarter-on-quarter. Rootstock overview for Q1 2025. Source: Messari This mirrored a broader downward trend across the DeFi sector, with Ethereum-based DeFi TVL showing a 27% decline in the same period. Continue reading Hacken CEO sees “no shift” in crypto security as April hacks hit $357 million Crypto hacks in April saw nearly $360 million in assets stolen across 18 incidents. This represented an almost 1,000% increase over the amount lost in March. The largest loss came from an unauthorized Bitcoin transfer. On April 28, blockchain investigator ZachXBT reported a suspicious transaction of Bitcoin worth $330 million. He later confirmed that it was a social engineering attack that targeted an elderly American. Source: PeckShield In a Cointelegraph interview at the Token2049 event, Hacken CEO Dyma Budorin told Cointelegraph that the industry continues to rely on limited security measures even after the $1.4 billion Bybit hack incident. Budorin said that the space implements limited measures instead of deploying comprehensive strategies. “Most of the projects think, ‘Okay, we did pentests. That’s enough. Maybe bug bounty. That’s enough.’ It’s not enough,” Budorin told Cointelegraph. Continue reading AI decentralized apps are coming for the Web3 throne: DappRadar While gaming and DeFi held on to the top spot in the decentralized applications (DApps) ecosystem, artificial intelligence is slowly catching up. Blockchain analytics platform DappRadar showed that Gaming and DeFi saw 21% DApp dominance in April. However, AI DApps climbed to 16%, up from the 11% recorded in the platform's February data. “As user interest in artificial intelligence tools grows across industries, AI-powered DApps are steadily carving out their place in the decentralized ecosystem,” DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas said. AI DApps have seen a jump in market dominance this month, while market leaders have declined slightly. Source: DappRadar Gherghelas added that if the trend continues, AI could challenge the dominance of DeFi and gaming, signaling a "new era" in the DApp landscape. Continue reading Bitcoin-backed loans “obvious” next step — Xapo Bank CEO Bitcoin holders are becoming more confident in using their BTC to borrow funds. In a Token2049 interview, Xapo Bank CEO Seamus Rocca told Cointelegraph that investors' moods have shifted from short-term speculation to a more long-term outlook on Bitcoin. Rocca said that the confidence comes from broader institutional adoption and Bitcoin's price levels that are "nowhere near" liquidation. Rocca said Bitcoin-backed loans allow holders to stay exposed to the asset when facing unexpected expenses. The executive said the smart thing to do is not sell the asset when the price increases. Xapo Bank CEO Seamus Rocca at the Token2049 media lounge. Source: Cointelegraph However, when life gets in the way, Rocca said investors can avoid liquidating their Bitcoin by borrowing against the asset and paying interest. This way, they can hold on to the assets despite needing liquidity for their expenses. Continue reading DeFi Market Overview According to data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView, most of the 100 largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization ended the week in the green. The memecoin Pepe ( PEPE ) rose by over 53% as the week’s biggest gainer, followed by the Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) token, which was up by 47% during the past week. Ether ( ETH ) was the third-biggest gainer, showing an increase of 35%. Total value locked in DeFi. Source: DefiLlama Thanks for reading our summary of this week’s most impactful DeFi developments. Join us next Friday for more stories, insights and education regarding this dynamically advancing space.
The post Kaanch Presale Breakdown: Price, Utility, Timeline, and How to Participate. appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News If you want a presale with well-defined terms, working technology, and huge upside, start here. Kaanch Network is a governance protocol to assist Web3 projects in launching DAOs, staking systems, and on-chain voting tools. It’s in Stage 5 of presale right now, priced at $0.16 , and early access is still open. Here’s what you need to know. 1. Current Presale Price Stage 5 price: $0.16 Stage 6 price: $0.32 Tokens are available at a fixed price per stage — no dynamic pricing Buyers entering now get the lowest remaining rate before public launch. 2. What the Token Does Kaanch isn’t a meme coin or placeholder. The token is used for: DAO creation and voting Staking module deployment Governance actions Fee routing across the protocol The tools are already live and being used — the token unlocks full functionality. 3. What’s Already Working Web-based DAO dashboard On-chain governance tools Staking and yield config modules Live integrations with early teams This is a working product — not a roadmap promise. You can see how it works here . 4. How to Join the Presale Steps: Visit https://presale.kaanch.com Connect MetaMask or WalletConnect Choose your token (USDT, ETH, or BNB) Enter your desired amount Confirm and complete the transaction Tokens are reserved for you and claimable post-launch No KYC. No centralized exchange needed. 5. What’s Next Stage 6 presale Token listing DAO partner expansion Community governance phase Protocol fee routing live Presale buyers are positioning now, ahead of the Stage 6 price jump and first listings. FAQ What is the token used for? It powers all on-chain actions within the Kaanch platform — from staking to governance. What chains does Kaanch support? The protocol is chain-agnostic. It integrates with major L1s and L2s via modular tools. Is the product live? Yes. Teams are using it now. Where do I buy? Directly at https://presale.kaanch.com
US Democratic senators have expressed concerns over possible ties between cryptocurrency exchange Binance and digital asset ventures owned by former President Donald Trump and his family. The letter, spearheaded by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, was delivered to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi. It was also signed by Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. The senators’ call comes on the heels of Senate Democrats blocking a long-awaited stablecoin bill, following revelations that a Trump family-controlled company’s USD1 digital token was used to finance a $2 billion investment in Binance by Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX in March. The same company reportedly also contributed to a $100 billion artificial intelligence infrastructure fund that Trump announced a day after his inauguration. Thus, indirect ties between the Trump family and Binance, which was found guilty of violating US laws, came to the fore. Binance's former CEO Changpeng Zhao also pleaded guilty, resigned from his position and spent four months in prison in the US. Related News: A Historic Turning Point for Cryptocurrencies: Coinbase Makes the Anticipated Announcement “Our concerns about Binance’s compliance obligations have been heightened by recent reports that the company has partnered with foreign investment firms using the Trump family’s stablecoin,” the senators wrote in the letter. According to Bloomberg, an organization with ties to the Trump family, World Liberty Financial, is also reportedly considering partnership opportunities with Binance. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family is in talks to acquire a stake in Binance’s U.S. subsidiary, Binance.US. The same report also claimed that Zhao has requested a presidential pardon from the Trump administration. “The possibility that this administration would allow Binance, which has repeatedly violated federal laws and regulations, to continue operating in the United States is deeply troubling,” the senators wrote in the letter. The letter asked the Treasury and Justice Departments to report on Binance’s compliance with the plea agreement. It also asked for clarity on the company’s plans to exit the US, the timeline for that process, and whether a possible pardon for Zhao had been discussed with any officials. It also asked whether Binance had made any contact regarding World Liberty or its plans to list a new stablecoin. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Binance and Trump Crisis in the US Senate: Here are the Details