US Could Seize $7.1M in Crypto from Global Oil Investment Scam

The post US Could Seize $7.1M in Crypto from Global Oil Investment Scam appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The US government is trying to seize $7.1 million in cryptocurrency linked to a major oil and gas investment scam. According to the Seattle US Attorney’s Office, the money was seized by Homeland Security in December 2024, and is part of a much larger fraud that allegedly collected $97 million from investors between June 2022 and July 2024. Victims were told their money would go into oil tank storage facilities – an investment that promised big returns. But once they sent funds, the people behind the scheme simply stopped responding. “The co-schemers in this fraud moved their ill-gotten gain through various cryptocurrency accounts to try to launder the money stolen from victims,” said Acting US Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Funds Moved Through Russia, Nigeria, and Binance The fraud quickly turned into a global money-laundering operation . Prosecutors say victims’ money was used to buy Bitcoin (BTC) , Tether (USDT) , USDC, and Ether (ETH) , and then moved through accounts connected to people in Russia and Nigeria. A large part of the stolen crypto was reportedly sent to Binance , the world’s biggest crypto exchange. One person, Geoffrey Auyeung, has already been indicted. He was charged in August 2024 for receiving most of the stolen funds and converting them into crypto. At the time of his arrest, US officials also seized $2.3 million from his bank accounts. The U.S. government is setting its sights on $7.1M in crypto, clawed back from an oil and gas investment scam. Even in the digital age, old-school scams find their new playgrounds. Always vet before you bet! #CryptoCrackdown #InvestmentScam — Shaco AI (@Shaco_Ai) July 23, 2025 $17.9 Million Already Tracked, More Expected So far, prosecutors have identified $17.9 million in losses, but expect more victims to come forward. If the court approves the $7.1 million seizure, the total amount recovered would rise to $9.4 million, which will go toward reimbursing verified victims. Part of a Larger Crackdown Not an isolated case, actually. In recent weeks, US and international authorities have stepped up action against crypto-related fraud: OmegaPro promoters were charged in a $650 million scam. Ex-rugby player Shane Donovan Moore was sentenced for a $900,000 Ponzi scheme. In Hong Kong , police arrested four people linked to a $382,000 investor fraud. The suspected ringleader fled overseas. The US oil scam shows how easily crypto can be misused across borders but it also shows that global enforcement is catching up fast.

Read more

World Liberty Financial Surges with Bold Ethereum Acquisition

World Liberty Financial acquired 3,473 ETH for 13 million USD. The ETH assets were staked on the Aave platform. Continue Reading: World Liberty Financial Surges with Bold Ethereum Acquisition The post World Liberty Financial Surges with Bold Ethereum Acquisition appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

Read more

HancomWITH Enters RWA Market with Gold-Backed Stablecoin to Digitize Traditional Asset Trading

BitcoinWorld HancomWITH Enters RWA Market with Gold-Backed Stablecoin to Digitize Traditional Asset Trading Gyeonggi-do, South Korea – July 17, 2025 — HancomWITH, the holding company of South Korea’s leading tech group Hancom, has officially launched a strategic initiative into the real-world asset (RWA) sector through the development of a gold-backed stablecoin, signaling a major step toward bridging traditional commodities with digital financial infrastructure. Bringing Informal Gold Transactions Into the Digital Economy CEO Sang-Yup Song emphasized the untapped potential of the global gold market, noting that over 40% of gold transactions occur outside of regulated systems due to logistical barriers. “Gold is one of the most trusted safe-haven assets,” Song stated. “But a large portion of this market remains informal. With digital exchange infrastructure, we can bring these transactions into the formal economy with transparency and efficiency.” To address these inefficiencies, HancomWITH acquired Hancom Gold Exchange in 2020, establishing a foundation for digital transformation in precious metals trading. The exchange has since become one of Korea’s top four gold trading platforms, achieving its best performance ever in H1 2025. Arowana Token Unlocks Global Access to Tokenized Gold HancomWITH’s RWA initiative is being launched in collaboration with Arowana Hub, a strategic affiliate within the Hancom ecosystem. On July 2, the company’s native asset Arowana Token (ARW) was successfully listed on GATE.io and MEXC , allowing real-time, global trading of gold-backed digital assets. By tokenizing gold, HancomWITH is offering a bridge between real-world value and digital liquidity, enabling users worldwide to access gold markets without the friction of physical storage, custody or cross-border exchange complications. Positioned for Regulatory Alignment in the Stablecoin Sector The move comes amid growing efforts by the Korean government to legislate the stablecoin market. CEO Song commented on the shifting regulatory landscape: “Until now, converting physical assets like gold or real estate into fiat or crypto has involved excessive bureaucracy. A gold-backed stablecoin allows seamless circulation across jurisdictions—but this requires clear legal frameworks and robust custody solutions that protect users.” HancomWITH Leverages Software Expertise for Next-Gen Financial Solutions With KRW 350 billion (~$250 million) in estimated assets and a legacy as the largest shareholder of Hancom, Korea’s leading software company, HancomWITH is strategically positioned to deliver secure, compliant, and tech-forward RWA solutions. The company plans to expand its portfolio of AI- and security-driven software, including quantum-resistant encryption and AI facial recognition technologies. “In a world of escalating digital threats, our mission is to provide next-generation infrastructure that secures both data and digital assets,” said Song. “Our evolution from software to asset-backed digital services is both natural and necessary.” About HancomWITH HancomWITH is a Korean technology holding company focused on digital innovation, RWA tokenization, cybersecurity, and AI solutions. Through its subsidiaries, including Hancom Gold Exchange and Arowana Hub, the company is pioneering new standards for safe and accessible digital finance, while maintaining deep roots in enterprise-grade software. Company: Arowanahub CEO: Seung Jung Ro Location: Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea Website: www.arowana.finance X (Twitter): @Arowana_Main Email: help@arowana.finance This post HancomWITH Enters RWA Market with Gold-Backed Stablecoin to Digitize Traditional Asset Trading first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Keshav Aggarwal

Read more

Ethereum Spot ETFs See Strong Inflows Amid Signs of Cooling Price Momentum

🚀 Are You Chasing New Coins? Catch the newest crypto opportunities. Be the first to buy, be the first to win! Click here to discover new altcoins! Ethereum’s recent surge

Read more

The RBA is expected to cut interest rates three times by early 2026

Economists now expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to deliver three interest-rate cuts by early 2026, lowering the cash rate from 3.85% to 3.1%. This update raises the forecast from the earlier estimate of just two cuts. More experts now agree that the RBA will slowly lower borrowing costs because the job market is weakening, and the bank wants to move carefully. RBA sticks to slow and steady plan for lowering rates Central Banks of the UK, Canada, and New Zealand quickly lowered interest rates due to slowing growth and easing inflation , but the RBA delays action with a cautious approach. Officials at the July 7–8 meeting agreed that cutting rates too fast goes against their plan to ease policy slowly and steadily. Analysts and investors expected another cut earlier this month, but the RBA kept its cash rate steady at 3.85%, which surprised markets. Because of this, economists say the bank wants to avoid influence from market expectations and instead rely on real data. The July meeting also confirms their observations, as officials said they want to base their actions on real economic changes and not external investor or trader pressure. In addition, the chief economist at Westpac and former RBA assistant governor, Luci Ellis, said that the central bank often makes rate decisions when it releases its economic forecasts. She believes the RBA will make its move in the next quarterly forecast around August. Luci backed her timeline prediction with public data that showed Australia’s unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 4.3% in June (the highest in four years) because hiring slowed across several industries. The Reserve Bank of Australia policymakers say the latest data doesn’t point to a sharp downturn—it aligns with what they expected. They’re using each rate cut to see how the economy reacts before making the next move. This approach shows they care more about managing risk and keeping things stable than trying to match the faster pace of other central banks worldwide. Rising unemployment makes a rate cut more likely soon The Reserve Bank of Australia expected the recent rise in unemployment and still sees about 2% job growth for the year. However, the latest data suggests things may not be going as planned. Businesses are pulling back on hiring as demand weakens and uncertainty grows, making them more cautious. While the numbers are still within the RBA’s forecast, they point to early signs that the job market is slowing down. If that trend continues, it could hit household income and slow down consumer spending. Because of that, some economists think the RBA should lower interest rates again, but they should do it carefully. They warn against moving too fast. Nick Stenner, an economist at Bank of America who correctly predicted the RBA’s July pause, now expects one or two more cuts over the next year. He says inflation is still easing slowly, so the RBA will likely stay cautious. Grant Feng from Vanguard Australia shares the same outlook. He says the RBA will likely wait for clear and steady progress before making another move. Even so, markets expect three rate cuts by early 2026. Most experts think the Reserve Bank of Australia will go at its own pace. While other countries have their central banks cutting rates to manage lower inflation and decelerating growth, Australia’s RBA is in no rush. The data suggests Australia’s economy is under pressure, but not in crisis. That allows the RBA to go slowly and not cut too soon, which could cause inflation to rise again. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot

Read more

Ethereum DeFi Landscape Reveals 88% of Protocols Generate No Revenue, Highlighting Network Inefficiencies

🚀 Are You Chasing New Coins? Catch the newest crypto opportunities. Be the first to buy, be the first to win! Click here to discover new altcoins! According to recent

Read more

Analyst Suggests Solana Could Face Long-Term Weakness Despite Recent 20% Surge and Network Upgrade

🚀 Are You Chasing New Coins? Catch the newest crypto opportunities. Be the first to buy, be the first to win! Click here to discover new altcoins! Solana (SOL) has

Read more

BNB Overtakes Rolls-Royce in Market Cap

The post BNB Overtakes Rolls-Royce in Market Cap appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News BNB has overtaken Rolls-Royce Holdings in market capitalization, marking another major milestone for the Binance ecosystem. The price of BNB recently hit an all-time high of $801.83, reflecting strong investor confidence and growing utility across the BNB Chain. In the latest development, Binance also announced new integrations with major DeFi platforms, further boosting network activity. With increasing adoption and price momentum, BNB continues to solidify its position among top global assets.

Read more

No Pay for Hackers: UK Targets Ransomware in Public Services

The UK Home Office is preparing new rules that would block public sector organisations and key national service providers from sending money to ransomware attackers .

Read more

US Dollar’s Pivotal Moment: Navigating Safe Haven Status and Key Housing Data

BitcoinWorld US Dollar’s Pivotal Moment: Navigating Safe Haven Status and Key Housing Data In the dynamic world of global finance, where digital assets like cryptocurrencies are constantly challenging traditional norms, understanding the pulse of conventional markets remains absolutely crucial. For crypto investors, macro-economic indicators, particularly the strength or weakness of the US dollar , can have a profound ripple effect on risk appetite and capital flows. The mighty greenback, often seen as the ultimate safe haven, has recently been treading water near its multi-month lows, even as critical housing data looms on the horizon. What does this mean for its pivotal role, and how might these shifts impact the broader forex market and global economic outlook ? Why is the US Dollar a Key Indicator for Global Markets? The US dollar stands as the world’s primary reserve currency, a status that grants it immense influence over international trade, finance, and investment. Its stability or volatility directly impacts everything from commodity prices to corporate earnings for multinational companies. For crypto enthusiasts, a stronger dollar can sometimes signal a ‘risk-off’ environment, where investors pull back from speculative assets, including cryptocurrencies, and flock to perceived safety. Conversely, a weaker dollar might suggest a ‘risk-on’ sentiment, potentially benefiting crypto markets. Several fundamental factors constantly tug at the dollar’s value: Interest Rate Differentials: Higher interest rates in the U.S. compared to other major economies typically make dollar-denominated assets more attractive, drawing in foreign capital. Inflation: Persistent inflation can erode the dollar’s purchasing power, though the Federal Reserve’s response to inflation (e.g., rate hikes) can strengthen it. Geopolitical Events: In times of global uncertainty or crisis, the dollar traditionally acts as a safe haven, seeing inflows from investors seeking stability. Economic Performance: Strong U.S. economic growth, robust employment figures, and healthy consumer spending generally bolster confidence in the dollar. Trade Balances: A large trade deficit, where the U.S. imports more than it exports, can put downward pressure on the dollar. Currently, the dollar’s “near lows” reflect a market grappling with expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, combined with optimism about global economic recovery outside the U.S. This complex interplay of factors keeps the dollar in a constant state of flux, making its movements a fascinating study for anyone interested in global finance. Is the Safe Haven Asset Status of the Dollar Still Strong? For decades, the US dollar has been synonymous with a safe haven asset . When global economic or political turmoil strikes, investors traditionally rush into dollar-denominated assets, particularly U.S. Treasury bonds, valuing their perceived safety and liquidity above all else. This flight to quality often strengthens the dollar, even if the crisis originates in the U.S. However, recent years have seen discussions emerge about the enduring strength of this status. While the dollar undoubtedly retains its safe haven appeal, some challenges and alternative considerations have surfaced: Mounting U.S. Debt: The rapidly increasing U.S. national debt raises long-term concerns about fiscal sustainability, potentially chipping away at investor confidence over time. Rise of Alternative Assets: Gold has always been a traditional safe haven, but now, some investors are exploring cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation or geopolitical instability, albeit with significantly higher volatility. Diversification Efforts: Central banks globally are exploring diversification away from overwhelming dollar reliance, albeit at a slow pace. Inflationary Pressures: Sustained high inflation in the U.S. could make holding dollar assets less attractive if real returns are negative. Despite these considerations, the dollar’s unparalleled liquidity, the depth of U.S. financial markets, and the sheer volume of global transactions conducted in dollars ensure its continued dominance as a primary safe haven. In moments of acute crisis, the dollar’s role remains largely unchallenged, proving its resilience even near its current lows. How Will Upcoming Housing Data Influence the Dollar’s Trajectory? The release of fresh housing data is a significant event on the economic calendar, offering a crucial snapshot of the U.S. economy’s health. Housing is a foundational sector, impacting everything from employment in construction and real estate to consumer spending on furnishings and appliances. Strong housing figures often signal a robust economy, potentially leading to a more hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve (meaning higher interest rates), which can be supportive of the US dollar . Key housing metrics to watch include: Housing Starts: Measures the number of new residential construction projects started during a given month. A rise indicates builder confidence and future economic activity. Building Permits: Reflects the number of permits issued for new construction, serving as a leading indicator for housing starts. Existing Home Sales: Tracks the sale of previously owned homes, providing insight into market demand and affordability. New Home Sales: Measures the sale of newly constructed homes, reflecting buyer demand for new properties. Housing Price Indexes: Such as the Case-Shiller Index, which tracks changes in home prices, indicating inflationary pressures and wealth effects. The market will closely scrutinize these figures for clues about the overall economic momentum and, more importantly, the Federal Reserve’s potential path for monetary policy. Here’s a simplified view of potential impacts: Housing Data Scenario Economic Interpretation Potential Fed Response Impact on US Dollar Stronger-than-expected data Robust economic activity, potential inflationary pressure Maintain higher rates longer, or even hike Strengthens (due to higher yield prospects) Weaker-than-expected data Slowing economy, easing inflationary pressure More likely to cut rates sooner Weakens (due to lower yield prospects) Any surprises in the upcoming housing data could trigger significant movements in the forex market , influencing not just the dollar but also other major currencies and, by extension, broader financial asset classes. What Are the Current Dynamics in the Forex Market ? The forex market is a vast, interconnected network where currencies are traded globally, 24 hours a day, five days a week. The US dollar ‘s current position “near lows” reflects a confluence of factors, including the market’s anticipation of the Federal Reserve potentially cutting interest rates sooner than other major central banks. This expectation tends to diminish the dollar’s yield advantage, making it less attractive to hold compared to currencies where rates might remain higher for longer, or even rise. Key dynamics at play include: Interest Rate Expectations: The primary driver. If the market believes the Fed will cut rates aggressively, the dollar tends to weaken. Relative Economic Performance: If other major economies (e.g., Eurozone, Japan) show signs of stronger recovery or less inflation, their currencies may gain against the dollar. Risk Sentiment: In a “risk-on” environment, investors might favor higher-yielding or growth-sensitive currencies over the dollar. Technical Levels: Traders also monitor key support and resistance levels on currency charts, which can influence short-term movements. For instance, the EUR/USD pair might be trending higher if the European Central Bank is perceived as being slower to cut rates than the Fed. Similarly, the USD/JPY could be volatile depending on the Bank of Japan’s stance on its ultra-loose monetary policy. Investors and traders in the forex market are constantly re-evaluating these relative strengths and weaknesses, leading to continuous price adjustments. Actionable Insight: For those tracking the dollar, paying close attention to central bank rhetoric, especially from the Fed, European Central Bank (ECB), and Bank of Japan (BOJ), is paramount. Their policy signals are often the most potent drivers of currency movements, providing invaluable insights into future trends. Navigating the Broader Economic Outlook : What’s Next for the Dollar? The broader economic outlook for the US dollar is a tapestry woven from various threads: inflation trends, employment figures, global growth prospects, and geopolitical stability. While the dollar has steadied near its lows, its future trajectory will largely depend on how these factors evolve and, crucially, how the Federal Reserve responds. Key Considerations for the Future: Inflation Path: If inflation proves stickier than expected, the Fed might be forced to maintain higher rates for longer, potentially supporting the dollar. Conversely, a rapid disinflation could accelerate rate cuts, weakening it. Global Growth Divergence: If the U.S. economy significantly outperforms or underperforms its global peers, the dollar’s value will adjust accordingly. Geopolitical Developments: Any major global conflict or instability could re-ignite the dollar’s safe haven demand, causing it to strengthen irrespective of domestic economic data. Fiscal Policy: U.S. government spending and debt levels will continue to be a long-term factor influencing the dollar’s perceived stability. Challenges: The primary challenge for the dollar’s long-term strength lies in the potential for persistent inflation, which erodes purchasing power, and the ongoing debate about U.S. fiscal sustainability. Additionally, efforts by other nations to de-dollarize trade could present a gradual, long-term headwind. Opportunities: The dollar’s enduring liquidity and the U.S. economy’s capacity for innovation and resilience continue to offer compelling reasons for its strength. Periods of global uncertainty will likely continue to see capital flow into dollar assets, reaffirming its unique position. Actionable Insights for Investors: Given the nuanced landscape, investors should consider: Diversification: Spreading investments across different asset classes and geographies can mitigate risks associated with dollar fluctuations. Monitoring Key Economic Indicators: Beyond housing data, keep an eye on CPI (inflation), employment reports, and GDP figures. Understanding Central Bank Narratives: The language used by Fed officials often provides crucial hints about future policy. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Views: Distinguish between temporary market noise and fundamental shifts in the dollar’s outlook. The dollar’s journey is a reflection of global economic health and investor sentiment. Its steadiness near recent lows, coupled with the anticipation of fresh housing data , underscores a moment of critical evaluation for its future path. Conclusion: The US dollar , a cornerstone of global finance and a primary safe haven asset , finds itself at a pivotal juncture. While currently steadied near its lows, its future is intricately tied to upcoming housing data , the broader dynamics of the forex market , and the evolving global economic outlook . For investors across all asset classes, including the burgeoning world of cryptocurrencies, understanding these complex interdependencies is not just an academic exercise; it’s essential for navigating the ever-shifting tides of global capital. The dollar’s resilience and its profound impact on financial markets ensure that its trajectory will remain a central focus for analysts and investors worldwide. To learn more about the latest Forex market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the US Dollar and interest rates liquidity. This post US Dollar’s Pivotal Moment: Navigating Safe Haven Status and Key Housing Data first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

Read more