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9 Mar 2026, 19:50

China’s Supreme People's Court doubles down on efforts against crypto money laundering and misuse of assisted driving features

China’s Supreme People’s Court has revealed its plans to continue actively pursuing crypto money laundering, cyber violence and misuse of assisted driving features. The President of China’s Supreme People’s Court recently reported a 158.5% increase in tried cybercrime cases over the past five years, which is a part of a nationally coordinated effort to tackle violations committed using emerging technologies like AI and digital assets. How have China’s laws adapted to AI? During the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Zhang Jun, the President of the Supreme People’s Court, delivered a comprehensive work report on how China’s judicial system handles incidents when advanced technology and the law intersect. The report revealed that in the past five years, Chinese courts have tried 9,326 cases involving crimes that endanger network security. This involved 22,000 individuals and represents a sharp increase of 158.5% in the number of cases compared to the previous five-year period. The court has stated that it will strictly punish crimes such as money laundering and foreign exchange evasion conducted through virtual currencies. Beyond money laundering, the Supreme People’s Court has clarified that drivers are fully responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are using assisted driving features. Drivers have recently been abusing the assisted driving features , engaging in dangerous acts like sleeping or using mobile phones while their vehicles are in motion. Some have even tampered with safety mechanisms to trick the vehicle into thinking a human is actively monitoring the steering wheel. In 2025, China’s automobile production and sales both exceeded 34 million units. Many of these units are New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) that are equipped with driving assistance systems. The court cited a specific case involving a defendant named Wang who, after consuming alcohol, activated his vehicle’s assisted driving function. The car’s safety sensors usually require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel, but Wang used an illegally installed device to trick the machine before moving to the passenger seat and falling asleep while the car was moving. The car eventually stopped near its destination, but it blocked the road, and passersby had to call the police. Wang was convicted of dangerous driving. He was sentenced to one month and 15 days of criminal detention and ordered to pay a fine of 4,000 yuan (approximately $580). Why is the SPC focusing on virtual currency and cyber violence? The report points out that virtual currency has become a primary tool for individuals attempting to move money out of the country illegally or hide the proceeds of crime. The SPC hopes that singling out crypto-based money laundering will deter these bad actors. The report also focused on “cyber violence” and the protection of personal privacy. The court noted that it is actively punishing online rumors and pyramid schemes. In one notable example, two young individuals were convicted for “human flesh searching”—a term used for doxxing or maliciously broadcasting a person’s private information online to incite harassment. The court’s focus on cyberspace security is intended to create a comprehensive management of the internet that ensures that digital interactions do not result in real-world harm. There have been safety concerns regarding retractable handles on EVs, as they can fail during an accident, especially if the vehicle loses power. If the handles do not pop out as they are designed to, rescuers cannot open the doors from the outside to save trapped passengers. The government has announced that starting January 1, 2027, retractable handles on EVs are banned. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.

9 Mar 2026, 19:41

Ethereum Price Prediction as ETH Foundation Begins $140M Staking

Ethereum price is on the verge, with the Ethereum Foundation beginning a new treasury staking plan worth about $140 million. The move came as Bitmine also expanded its Ethereum treasury and raised its total holdings to 4.535 million ETH. Together, both updates added fresh attention to Ethereum’s supply, staking activity, and near-term price outlook. The Ethereum Foundation said it started with a deposit of 2,016 ETH. It plans to increase that amount to about 70,000 ETH over time. Bitwise Onchain Solutions is developing and maintaining the open-source tools used for the initiative. At the same time, Bitmine said it bought more ETH during the recent weakness and kept building its treasury strategy. Ethereum Foundation Starts ETH Treasury Staking The Ethereum Foundation said it will use Dirk and Vouch for its treasury staking program. These open-source tools were originally built by Attestant, which Bitwise acquired in 2024. Bitwise said the software supports stronger security, better resilience, and wider client diversity. Dirk works as a distributed signer across different jurisdictions. This setup helps reduce the risk of one failure stopping validation. Vouch supports multiple client pairings and aims to reduce broader network risks. The foundation said it began with 2,016 ETH and plans to stake about 70,000 ETH. Bitwise Head of Onchain Solutions Sreejith Das said, “Seeing the Ethereum Foundation adopt these tools for its own treasury is validation.” Bitwise CTO Hong Kim said the selection showed confidence in the firm’s open-source infrastructure. The plan also adds another source of staking demand as Ethereum price traders monitor supply conditions. Bitmine Expands Holdings as Staking Becomes a Larger Focus Amid the ETH Foundation moves, Bitmine has added to its ETH holdings, reaching 4,534,563 ETH as of March 8. The company valued that position at $1,965 per token. It also reported 195 Bitcoin, $1.2 billion in cash, and two equity stakes. Those holdings lifted total crypto and cash assets to $10.3 billion. The company said its ETH position now equals 3.76% of total supply. Bitmine added that it remains over 75% of the way to its 5% supply target. Chairman Tom Lee said the firm bought 60,976 ETH in the past week. He said that pace was above its recent weekly average. Bitmine also said 3,040,483 ETH are now staked. Based on its own valuation, that stake equals about $6.0 billion. Lee said annualized staking revenue reached $174 million. He added that full-scale staking could raise yearly rewards to $259 million. Ethereum Price Forecast Amid Accumulation Ethereum’s price outlook now reflects both treasury accumulation and technical support levels. The Ethereum Foundation’s staking plan reduces liquid supply from its treasury holdings. Bitmine’s continued buying also adds another layer of demand during a weak market phase. Bitmine’s Tom Lee said crypto may be in the late stage of a “mini-crypto winter.” He cited DeMark Analytics, which pointed to a possible bottom between March 8 and March 14. He said Bitmine used that view to increase ETH accumulation slightly. That approach linked treasury growth directly to the current price setup. Source: X Analysts on X also shared bullish signals. Jonathan Carter said Ethereum rebounded from ascending channel support on the weekly chart. He listed recovery targets at $2,350, $2,800, $3,550, $4,700, and $5,700. Concurrently, crypto analyst Ali Charts earlier this week noted that the MVRV pricing bands placed ETH near levels that had matched past market bottoms. Consequently, analysts are forecasting an ETH price recovery to its highs if the bearish momentum wears off. At press time, the Ethereum price was trading at $2,010.78, a 4.5% jump from the 24-hour low.

9 Mar 2026, 19:37

Bitcoin Price Bounces, But Bears Are Still in Control: Analysis

Bitcoin broke the descending triangle with a massive candle—then crept right back inside. Today, it's trying again, but the daily chart isn't convincing.

9 Mar 2026, 19:35

Top Ripple Exec Meets Democratic Senator

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty has expressed renewed optimism for a bipartisan breakthrough in U.S. crypto regulation.

9 Mar 2026, 19:33

Jito Foundation acquires SolanaFloor days after platform shutdown

The move to revive Solana ecosystem journalism comes after a $40 million treasury wallet breach at its parent Step Finance led to its shuttering.

9 Mar 2026, 19:32

Maximize Your BTC Stack: Top Passive Income Tools for Long-Term Holders

Market conditions in 2026 remain volatile. Bitcoin continues to experience sharp swings driven by macro uncertainty, liquidity shifts, and changing regulatory sentiment. For long-term holders, these fluctuations can be psychologically demanding and financially disruptive—especially when idle BTC contributes nothing during downturns. A growing number of investors now treat Bitcoin not only as a long-term store of value but also as an asset that can generate passive income . Crypto savings accounts, staking alternatives, liquidity tools, and structured financial products offer a level of predictability that helps smooth volatility. They can function as a safety cushion: earning steady interest when markets move sideways or correcting, and adding incremental growth on top of long-term BTC appreciation. Put simply: making your BTC work while you hold it is becoming a standard part of responsible crypto portfolio management. Below are the top passive income tools that help long-term holders maximize their Bitcoin stack in 2026. 1. BTC Savings Accounts: Predictable Returns With Minimal Complexity Crypto savings accounts are among the most straightforward tools for earning yield on BTC without entering high-risk DeFi strategies. Platforms like Clapp.finance provide both flexible and fixed savings products, giving holders a simple way to earn passive income while maintaining clarity around risk and returns. Flexible Savings: Daily Interest With Full Liquidity Flexible savings accounts give you daily yield while keeping funds accessible. Key features: Up to 3.2% APY on BTC No lock-up; withdraw anytime Daily interest payouts Automatic compounding Minimum deposit from 10 EUR/USD equivalent This model suits long-term holders who want to maintain liquidity while improving capital efficiency. Fixed Savings: Higher, Guaranteed Yields Fixed Savings accounts on Clapp offer higher returns for committed capital: Up to 8.2% APR Terms: 1, 3, 6, 12 months Guaranteed rate locked at sign-up Optional auto-renewal The predictability of fixed BTC interest can offset market volatility, providing stable income regardless of price movement. 2. BTC Liquid Staking Alternatives (Synthetic or Wrapped BTC) Since Bitcoin does not operate on Proof-of-Stake, traditional staking is not possible. However, BTC holders can participate in yield generation through wrapped or synthetic BTC on PoS chains. Examples include: WBTC on Ethereum sBTC or synthetic representations on L2s BTC bridged via trust-minimized protocols Yield sources often include: Staking rewards (via PoS chain exposure) DeFi incentives Protocol-based rewards Key considerations: Smart contract and bridge risk Counterparty exposure Liquidity constraints These tools are best for experienced users comfortable with multi-layered risk. 3. Lending BTC Through Decentralized Protocols BTC lending continues to evolve with the growth of on-chain liquidity solutions. How it works: Deposit BTC or wrapped BTC into lending protocols Borrowers pay interest You earn a share of the interest revenue Returns vary based on market demand but often range from 1% to 4% for BTC. Risks: Smart contract vulnerabilities Market-driven interest fluctuations Liquidation risks for borrowers (affects yield stability) Lending offers more transparency than centralized custodial platforms, but users must evaluate protocol security. 4. BTC Options Vaults and Covered Call Strategies Options vaults have become a popular risk-managed yield strategy for long-term BTC holders. Covered call vaults: Sell call options against deposited BTC Earn option premiums Keep BTC unless price exceeds strike Typical annualized yields vary but often land between 5% and 15%, depending on volatility. Benefits: Income from volatility itself No need to manage options manually Good fit for sideways markets Risks: Upside is capped if BTC rallies sharply Strike selection depends on market conditions This strategy suits holders comfortable earning yield in exchange for limited short-term upside. 5. BTC Liquidity Provision on Bitcoin L2s With the rise of Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystems, new liquidity pools are emerging where BTC or wrapped BTC plays a central role. Examples: AMMs on BTC L2s Liquidity markets for BTC-backed stablecoins LN or sidechain-based liquidity tools Yield sources: Trading fees Incentive programs Native protocol rewards Risks: Impermanent loss (depending on pool structure) L2 security assumptions Token model sustainability Liquidity provision can be attractive for BTC holders who also explore emerging Bitcoin ecosystems. Choosing the Right Passive Income Method for BTC Your approach should reflect your risk tolerance and liquidity needs. Low-risk, predictable income: Clapp Flexible and Fixed Savings Moderate-risk, higher potential yield: Lending Covered call vaults Higher-risk, advanced strategies: Wrapped BTC DeFi Liquidity provision on L2s Diversifying across multiple yield streams can reduce risk concentration while enhancing long-term return. Final Thoughts Volatility is unavoidable in crypto—but passive income tools can counterbalance it. By earning consistent yield on your BTC holdings, you create stability during downturns and compound your long-term gains. Savings accounts like Clapp add predictability. Options vaults monetize volatility. Lending and liquidity strategies expand your earning potential. Each tool converts static Bitcoin into a productive asset. For long-term holders, maximizing your BTC stack in 2026 is not just about price appreciation; it’s about strategic yield generation that strengthens your position through every market cycle. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.