Spain cracks down on €460M crypto fraud network in Europol-backed operation

Spanish authorities, with Europol and international partners, arrested five suspects in a major operation targeting a €460 million crypto fraud network. On 25 June, the Spanish Guardia Civil, backed by Europol and law enforcement partners from Estonia, France, and the United States, executed coordinated raids that led to the arrests of five individuals behind one of Europe’s largest crypto fraud operations to date. Three arrests were carried out on the Canary Islands and two in Madrid. The group allegedly operated through a network of sales representatives worldwide who persuaded people to invest in fraudulent crypto schemes. They collected funds from victims through cash withdrawals, bank transfers, and crypto-transfers. According to investigators, the criminal network defrauded over 5,000 victims around the world, laundering an estimated €460 million in illicit profits. Investigators believe the organization set up a complex corporate and banking network based in Hong Kong, using payment gateways and accounts opened under different names across various crypto exchanges. This system allowed them to receive, store, and move criminal proceeds while making it difficult for authorities to trace the money. The investigation is still ongoing. You might also like: a16z recovers X account after hack promoting fraudulent token A similar, though smaller-scale, case was uncovered just weeks earlier, when a coalition of authorities from Germany, Cyprus, Albania, the UK, and Israel — with support from Eurojust and Europol — dismantled a €3 million online investment fraud scheme. The group operated fake trading platforms and used psychological tactics via bogus brokers to convince victims to invest increasing amounts, which were never actually traded. In Europol’s Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment released in March, online fraud has been identified as one of the main threats to the EU’s internal security. Furthermore, Europol anticipates that online fraud will soon surpass other forms of organized crime, driven by the growing use of AI. You might also like: Crypto firm CLS Global sanctioned in FBI’s ‘Token Mirrors’ sting op

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MICROSTRATEGY PURCHASED 4,980 BITCOINS BETWEEN JUNE 23 – JUNE 29 AT AN AVERAGE PRICE OF $106,801 (TOTAL: $531.9 MILLION)

MICROSTRATEGY PURCHASED 4,980 BITCOINS BETWEEN JUNE 23 – JUNE 29 AT AN AVERAGE PRICE OF $106,801 (TOTAL: $531.9 MILLION) $BTC #Bitcoins

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Ethereum beats Bitcoin in Q2, but is BTC still the safer long-term bet?

Ethereum leads the quarter, but is Bitcoin quietly winning the cycle?

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Analyst Begs XRP Holders to Take Initial Deposit at This Price After Calling $40 Optimistic Target

Egrag Crypto has issued a passionate advisory to the XRP community, urging holders to exercise discipline and lock in profits early, even as his latest analysis points to a potentially explosive breakout. Sharing a detailed chart on X, Egrag unveiled what he labeled as the tenth instance of a classic “W” pattern on the XRP chart, a technical formation historically associated with significant bullish reversals. The “W” Pattern and Price Projections Egrag’s chart analysis illustrates a well-formed “W” structure, commonly interpreted as a double-bottom reversal that signals a bullish shift. Based on this technical framework, Egrag outlined three potential price targets for XRP: Conservative Target: $15 Average Target: $22 Optimistic Target: $40 #XRP – W Pattern Number 10 & Targets! Here’s a visual of the classic 'W' pattern and the targets to watch: Conservative: $15 Average: $22 Optimistic: $40 But please, I beg you, literally Begging you take your initial capital at lower targets, starting… pic.twitter.com/TotTaGfefx — EGRAG CRYPTO (@egragcrypto) June 30, 2025 The analyst emphasizes that these levels are derived from historical symmetry, Fibonacci extensions, and previous market cycles. While the $40 projection has captured attention, it’s the cautionary message behind these predictions that’s generating serious reflection among investors. A Plea for Strategic Profit-Taking Rather than celebrate only the upper price bands, Egrag delivered a sobering appeal to his followers: “Please, I beg you, literally begging you, take your initial capital at lower targets, starting around $6–$7, and secure profits along the way.” His tone conveys a sense of urgency, rooted in experience and a realistic understanding of market dynamics. Egrag’s advice is simple but powerful: “What if everyone, including me, is wrong?” In a volatile and often unpredictable market like crypto, he argues, even the most compelling chart patterns can fail. The key to survival and success, according to Egrag, is not predicting the perfect top or bottom but learning to navigate the range in between. The Game of Buying and Selling In one of his most insightful remarks, Egrag explains the essence of crypto investing: “It is the game of selling between the bottom and top and at the same time the game of buying between top and the bottom.” This quote captures the duality of market strategy, knowing when to take profits during hype cycles and having the courage to re-enter during fear-driven selloffs. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 In addition, Egrag said, “Trust me, I’ve played these games before. You cannot catch the bottom, and you cannot sell the top.” This sentiment echoes a mantra shared by seasoned traders who understand that precision is a myth, and consistency comes from discipline. XRP Sentiment and Market Outlook XRP is currently trading around the $2.18 mark, having seen renewed interest amid ongoing legal clarity and market-wide bullish momentum. Egrag’s forecast aligns with broader optimism within the XRP community, yet it also brings a layer of grounded realism often missing in euphoric bull markets. With his blend of chart precision and psychological insight, Egrag Crypto continues to be a trusted voice among XRP investors. While the targets of $15, $22, and $40 are exciting milestones to watch, his message is ultimately one of caution: profit isn’t made at the peak, it’s secured along the way. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst Begs XRP Holders to Take Initial Deposit at This Price After Calling $40 Optimistic Target appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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Ripple CTO Discusses XRP Valuation Within Private and Public Ledgers

Crypto proponent Lord XRP recently emphasized the clarity and factual approach taken by David Schwartz, Chief Technology Officer of Ripple. In a tweet, Lord XRP expressed appreciation for Schwartz’s straightforward communication style, highlighting his ability to discuss XRP without emotional opinion and strictly based on facts. Lord XRP reinforced his belief that XRP is set to play a pivotal role in the emerging financial system. The tweet included a video clip from an interview featuring David Schwartz, where the Ripple CTO provided in-depth commentary on the value of XRP, particularly addressing questions related to its valuation within private ledgers compared to the public XRP Ledger. ALWAYS NICE TO LISTEN TO DAVID SCHWARTZ THE CTO OF #RIPPLE . HE SPEAKS VERY CLEAR WORDS BASED ON FACTS WITHOUT EMOTIONAL OPINION. #XRP WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN OUR NEW FINANCINAL SYSTEM pic.twitter.com/0qW37GZT87 — Lord XRP (@Bitforcoinz) June 28, 2025 David Schwartz Explains XRP’s Consistent Value Proposition In the video, Schwartz was asked whether the value of XRP would be the same on private ledgers as it is on the public XRP Ledger. Schwartz responded affirmatively, making it clear that XRP’s value remains consistent regardless of the environment it is used in. He explained that the fundamental value proposition of XRP lies in its global liquidity pools, which are designed to function without artificial barriers or price discrepancies. He emphasized that it does not make sense for XRP to have different valuations in different environments because the mechanisms of arbitrage naturally eliminate such disparities. Schwartz drew a parallel to gold, explaining that there is no place where gold is worth twice as much as it is elsewhere. If such a situation were to arise, market participants would simply buy gold where it is cheaper and sell it where it is more expensive, balancing the price difference. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Arbitrage Mechanisms Prevent Price Disparities Schwartz elaborated that unless there is significant friction, such as regulatory barriers or capital controls, the value of an asset like XRP should remain uniform globally. He mentioned that if friction does exist, it often creates business opportunities for those who can eliminate it. In his view, any scenario where XRP holds a significantly different value in one environment compared to another indicates a malfunction or an unusual market condition. He referenced a real-world example known as the “kimchi premium,” a situation where the price of XRP in certain Asian countries was temporarily higher due to capital controls. Schwartz clarified that such instances do not reflect a healthy market dynamic but rather indicate that something is not functioning correctly within that market. XRP’s Global Usability as the Core Value Schwartz further explained that the entire value proposition of XRP is its global usability and accessibility. Using another analogy, he stated that if someone were to sell gold that could only be used for a specific purpose, such as jewelry, it would significantly diminish its value. Likewise, if XRP were restricted to certain environments, it would undermine the core purpose it serves in the financial ecosystem. He concluded by affirming that XRP’s value is inherently tied to its borderless nature, which allows it to serve as a universal bridge asset without fragmentation. This characteristic is central to XRP’s role in the evolving financial system. Lord XRP Reinforces XRP’s Role in the Future In his tweet, Lord XRP reiterated his strong belief that XRP is poised to play an integral role in the new financial system. He commended Schwartz for delivering a message based purely on factual analysis and logical reasoning, free from speculation or emotional influence. According to Lord XRP, the clarity provided by Schwartz further strengthens the case for XRP’s significance as a core component in the next generation of financial infrastructure. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CTO Discusses XRP Valuation Within Private and Public Ledgers appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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The Blockchain Group Increases Bitcoin Holdings to 1,788 BTC Following Recent Capital Raises

The Blockchain Group has expanded its Bitcoin treasury by acquiring 60 BTC, reinforcing its position as a leading Bitcoin Treasury Company in Europe. This strategic purchase was funded through recent

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JPMorgan Sees Circle Well-Positioned but Notes Competition and Regulatory Risks Could Affect USDC Growth

JPMorgan analysts have issued an underweight rating on Circle (CRCL), citing competitive pressures and regulatory risks despite the company’s strong position in the stablecoin market. The investment bank projects Circle’s

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Binance May Temporarily Pause Polygon Deposits and Withdrawals During July Network Upgrade

Binance will temporarily halt Polygon (MATIC) deposits and withdrawals to facilitate a critical network upgrade scheduled for July 1, 2025. The pause aims to ensure a seamless transition during Polygon’s

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Spanish Police Arrest 5 in Suspected $540M Crypto Fraud Operation

Spanish police arrested five members of a suspected crypto fraud operation that allegedly laundered 460 million euros ($540 million) stolen from over 5,000 victims. The bust, carried out by Guarda Civil, the armed wing of the country's law enforcement agencies, saw three arrests from searches in the Canary Islands and two in Madrid on June 25. The investigation was supported Europol, as well as police forces from Estonia, France and the U.S. The criminal network raised funds through cash withdrawals, bank transfers and crypto payments, Europol said in a statement on Monday . Investigators suspect the organization of having set up a corporate and banking network out of Hong Kong to receive, store and transfer criminal funds through accounts in different names and in different exchanges. The investigation is still in progress, Europol added.

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South Korea wants to extend trade talk deadline with the US

South Korea wants trade negotiations with the US to keep going even after next week’s deadline as Seoul continues to court Trump’s administration in hopes it is exempted from US tariffs. According to a senior South Korean trade official, who asked to be kept anonymous for discussing internal matters, it is not feasible to expect negotiations to end before across-the-board tariffs are set to rise on July 9. The official believes a lot of countries may have to work out the details of their negotiations long after the initial deadline. However, they admitted that it is also not certain if South Korea will be able to secure an extension of the grace period due to a “fluid situation” in the US. South Korea wants an extension South Korea’s newly appointed Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is working hard on the matter and was in Washington up until Sunday after he held his first meeting with US counterparts. South Korea is considered a key US ally and major manufacturing hub for products like cars, semiconductors, and batteries, but its companies were not exempt from President Donald Trump’s tariff campaign. Plus sectoral duties, South Korea has to pay a 10% tax on shipments to the US and that value will reportedly rise to 25% next week, barring a deal or an extension of the grace period. In the past, US officials had insisted that sectoral tariffs would not be a subject of their talks. However, the anonymous official said some have hinted during more recent negotiations that they could be willing to consider discussing that topic depending on what South Korea has to offer. Talk of the tariffs is happening at a critical time for South Korea as the new President Lee Jae-Myung seeks to revive an economy destabilized by tariff uncertainty. Already, the Asian country, which has an export-reliant economy, has already suffered from US levies, with its central bank having slashed its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 0.8% from 1.5%. The Trump administration is fluid on extending deadlines Despite the efforts of South Korea’s trade minister, there is no certainty that the country will be awarded an extension. Trump himself has already indicated he has no intention to extend the deadline on talks with any trading partners. “I don’t think I’ll need to,” he said during an interview on Fox News from Friday before adding, “I could, no big deal.” The statement came after Trump said on Friday that the administration could do “whatever we want” with the deadline, but he seems to be leaning towards making it shorter according to what he told the press. “I’d like to make it shorter. I’d like to just send letters out to everybody, ‘Congratulations, you’re paying 25%,’” he said at a press briefing. His stance seemingly contradicts what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox Business, which is that countries are approaching the US with very good deals that might not have been concluded by the time Trump’s April 2 country-based tariffs kick back in. He noted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s previous comments that the White House plans to reach agreements with 10 major trading partners. “If we can ink 10 or 12 of the important 18 — there are another important 20 relationships — then I think we could have trade wrapped up by Labor Day,” Bessent said. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now

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