18 May 2025, 19:46

Crypto millionaires are hiring bodyguards to avoid being kidnapped

Crypto millionaires are now treating personal security like they treat cold storage wallets – essential. A rising number of wealthy investors are hiring private protection teams, not because of price swings, but because people are literally trying to snatch them or their families off the street. The change began before Coinbase Global Inc. admitted hackers had stolen user addresses and balances, but that breach threw gasoline on a fire that was already burning. According to Bloomberg, Jethro Pijlman, managing director of Amsterdam-based Infinite Risks International, said his firm has seen a steady rise in long-term contracts from clients with large crypto holdings. Jethro explained, “We’ve had more inquiries, more long-term clients, and more proactive requests from crypto investors who don’t want to be caught off guard.” His clients are now taking security just as seriously as their portfolios — armored vehicles, threat assessments, and total digital footprint scrubs are becoming routine. Hackers steal addresses, attackers knock on doors The Coinbase data breach has added a terrifying new layer to the risks. Hackers got hold of names, addresses, ID images, transaction logs, and even account balances — exactly the kind of data someone would need to target high-value individuals. Coinbase claimed less than 1% of active monthly users were affected, but those accounts stayed exposed for months. During that time, criminals used stolen information to manipulate users into handing over their wallets or transferring funds. Several affected users refused to speak publicly, citing safety concerns. Ronghui Gu, co-founder of CertiK and professor at Columbia University, told Bloomberg: “Crypto traders are acutely concerned about their privacy during data leaks. Cryptocurrency can be transferred with just a private key and is extremely difficult to recover. This makes crypto traders prime targets for criminals.” What’s worse is that this trend isn’t limited to cyberspace. Charles Marino, head of Sentinel — a security firm tracking crypto threats — said attackers are now focusing on physical crime because online defenses have improved so much. “Right now, the crypto threat landscape is very high,” he said. That’s not an exaggeration. In January, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger SAS, was kidnapped alongside his partner. Balland was left with a mutilated hand. Just last week in Paris, criminals attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of the CEO of Paymium. The plan failed, but it shook the community. France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, responded by announcing a special emergency police line for the crypto industry and promising elite unit support for security briefings and home protection assessments. Crypto firms spend big to protect their own It’s not just private holders taking action. Coinbase itself dropped $6.2 million last year to protect CEO Brian Armstrong. That’s more than JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Nvidia spent combined on their top execs. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Source: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg And while Coinbase’s business might not match those giants in size, the danger is clearly more immediate. Robinhood spent $1.6 million to protect Vlad Tenev. Circle Internet Group put $800,000 into keeping Jeremy Allaire safe. Meta and Alphabet still outspend them all, but the contrast is striking — crypto companies are smaller, but the threats to their leaders are bigger. Security now includes everything from private drivers and 24-hour bodyguards to sweeping people’s social media for real-time location leaks. Infinite Risks International monitors posts to make sure clients aren’t dropping clues that could help would-be attackers. Jameson Lopp, a well-known Bitcoin security advocate, maintains a running database of physical attacks on crypto holders. He logged more than 20 incidents worldwide already this year. These cases aren’t just happening in France or the Netherlands. It’s global. Kidnappers, scammers, and gangs are watching wallets, tracking down names, and showing up at doors. Events are changing too. Organizers of EthCC, an annual crypto conference in Cannes, announced increased coordination with French police, special forces, and private contractors for this year’s edition. Last year, local police handled security. This year, it’s a full-blown operation. And traders are taking note. Many are now publicly saying they’re skipping trips to France entirely. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now

18 May 2025, 19:15

Binance Once Too Looked Risky but Qubetics Now Ranks Among Top Cryptos for Significant Returns

Have you ever looked back at a crypto project you dismissed early on, only to see it now dominating the market? Binance was once considered a risky venture, yet it has grown into a leading cryptocurrency exchange. Similarly, Helium (HNT) began with modest expectations and has since achieved significant milestones. These examples highlight the importance of recognizing potential in emerging projects. Now, a new contender, Qubetics ($TICS), is making waves and could be among the top cryptos for significant returns. Qubetics is currently in its 34th presale stage, offering $TICS tokens at $0.2532. The presale structure includes a 7-day cycle with a 10% price increase at the end of each stage, incentivizing timely participation. This approach provides an opportunity for early adopters to engage with a promising project at an advantageous stage. Qubetics’ innovative Real World Asset Tokenization Marketplace is setting the stage for the future of digital finance, offering users a platform that bridges the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain world. Qubetics: A Missed Opportunity Among Top Cryptos for Significant Returns Early participants in Qubetics’ presale secured $TICS at just $0.01 when it quietly launched in September 2024. Since then, multiple low-price stages have passed, each offering substantial growth potential for those who recognized early value. Currently, in Stage 34, $TICS is priced at $0.2532, with over $17 million raised and more than 512 million tokens sold to over 26,400 holders. With its strategic structure and rising demand, Qubetics has emerged as one of the top cryptos for significant returns , giving the community a chance to join a presale that’s steadily gaining institutional and retail attention. Investing at the current price presents compelling ROI projections that position Qubetics ahead of many other contenders in the market. For instance, a $2,000 investment could yield approximately $7,896 if $TICS reaches $1 post-presale, translating into a 294.84% ROI. Should the token achieve $10 after the mainnet launch, the same investment could grow to around $79,684, marking a 3,848.42% ROI. These numbers clearly demonstrate why Qubetics is gaining recognition as one of the top cryptos for significant returns, especially for those seeking early entry into a project with long-term growth potential and real-world use cases. Qubetics’ Real World Asset Tokenization Marketplace enables users to tokenize tangible assets such as real estate, art, and commodities. This platform allows individuals and businesses to buy, sell, and trade these assets in a decentralized and secure manner. For example, a small business owner needing quick liquidity can tokenize equipment or property, accessing funds without selling the assets outright. This innovation opens up markets previously reserved for the elite, providing broader access to investment opportunities. Helium (HNT): Reflecting on Past Opportunities Helium (HNT) launched its ICO in 2019, initially priced at approximately $0.27. The project aimed to create a decentralized network for IoT devices, allowing them to communicate and share data across the network. By November 2021, HNT reached an all-time high of $55.22, showcasing substantial growth from its initial offering. Despite its impressive rise, HNT has experienced significant volatility, a common trait in the cryptocurrency market. The token’s value has fluctuated due to various factors, including market dynamics and technological developments. Nevertheless, Helium’s journey underscores the potential for substantial returns when investing in innovative crypto projects at an early stage. Seizing the Moment: Top Cryptos for Significant Returns Reflecting on the trajectories of Binance and Helium, it’s evident that early skepticism can overshadow potential opportunities. Qubetics ($TICS) is currently presenting such an opportunity, with its innovative approach to asset tokenization and a structured presale model. As the project progresses towards its mainnet launch in Q2 2025, engaging with this top crypto presale could position participants to benefit from one of the top cryptos for significant returns. Embracing such prospects requires foresight and a willingness to act before the broader market fully understands what’s taking shape. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Presale: https://buy.qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics The post Binance Once Too Looked Risky but Qubetics Now Ranks Among Top Cryptos for Significant Returns appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

18 May 2025, 19:06

Russian Court Detains Former Binance Executive and Blum Co-Founder on Fraud Charges

Russian Authorities Arrest Blum Co-Founder in Criminal Fraud Case Russian authorities have arrested Vladimir Smerkis, a co-founder of the tap-to-earn cryptocurrency app Blum and ex-regional head at Binance, in relation to a criminal fraud case. The Moscow Zamoskvoretsky District Court approved a request by investigators to place Smerkis under arrest, according to state news agency TASS. He is under investigation by Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to fraud. The type of charges remains unspecified and thus subject to speculation within both legal and crypto circles. The arrest was formally sanctioned by the court, showing that prosecutors believe that there is sufficient initial evidence to support detention. Smerkis has not issued a statement on the case in the public sphere. Sudden Departure from Blum One day prior to news of the arrest, Blum shared on social media that Smerkis had officially resigned as co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer. “Smerkis no longer involves in the project development or any co-founder position,” the company posted on X (formerly Twitter). The company posted a second statement, thanking him for the work done on the project and reassuring users that its everyday business and development would go on as normal. The timing of the announcement having been made at this point, shortly prior to his arrest, is what brought eyebrows in terms of whether the two incidents are connected or the company had prior knowledge of the probe. What Is Blum? Blum is a Telegram-integrated tap-to-earn (T2E) crypto mini-app that combines gamified earning mechanics with decentralized exchange (DEX) functionality. Created by a team that includes several former Binance executives, Blum seeks to make crypto trading easier and more fun for new and younger consumers. The app is founded on the concept of earning cryptocurrency via meaningful activities and aspires to bring forth a middle ground between casual use of cryptocurrency and higher-level trading. Legal Issues Cast Shadow The arrest of Smerkis is extremely troubling to the Blum project and its backers, even though the company has attempted to distance itself from it. Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code, on which Smerkis is being charged, relates to grand fraud and carries the weight of severe punishment. The generality of information regarding the charges does raise doubts as to whether charges relate to his activity at Blum, Binance, or other commercial undertakings. So far, neither the Russian authorities nor Blum representatives have issued additional statements. The crypto community is watching to see what comes next regarding a case that could have additional ramifications for Russian-based high-level crypto business leaders.

18 May 2025, 18:58

Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM) Providing Instant Payment Remittance Services in Malaysia

The global remittance landscape continues to evolve as digital payment solutions gain traction, particularly in regions with significant unbanked populations. Recent reports highlight how Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM), two major blockchain-based payment platforms, are making considerable strides in providing instant remittance services in Malaysia. A recent X post by SMQKE emphasized the critical role these blockchain networks play in enhancing payment efficiency and accessibility. Ripple and Stellar —> Providing Instant Payment Remittance services in Malaysia pic.twitter.com/VrvJJxjTJP — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) January 28, 2025 Ripple (XRP) and Its Role in Cross-Border Payments Ripple (XRP) is renowned for its partnership with over 100 banks worldwide, forming a robust network that facilitates seamless cross-border transactions. The platform’s primary goal is to eliminate intermediaries in the payment process, allowing for quick and cost-effective international transfers. By leveraging blockchain technology, Ripple ensures that transactions between banks are completed almost instantaneously, significantly reducing processing time and transaction fees. In Malaysia, the adoption of Ripple’s technology for remittance services is driven by the need for a more efficient and affordable way to transfer funds across borders. The integration of XRP into financial ecosystems supports the seamless exchange of currency, with funds being converted to XRP and subsequently to the local currency within seconds. This feature has proven particularly valuable for migrant workers sending money back to their families. Stellar (XLM) and Financial Inclusion Stellar (XLM) takes a slightly different approach, focusing on providing financial inclusion to underserved communities. Unlike Ripple’s strong banking partnerships, Stellar operates as a non-profit organization aiming to reach economically marginalized areas. The platform facilitates low-cost transactions and supports unbanked individuals by enabling peer-to-peer payments without requiring a traditional banking infrastructure. In Malaysia, Stellar’s presence is growing as more remittance companies adopt its technology to offer quicker, more affordable cross-border payment solutions. The network’s ability to process transactions in real time while maintaining minimal costs aligns well with the financial needs of both rural and urban communities. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Real-World Implementation: Mobile Money and bKash An important milestone for blockchain remittance services in Malaysia came earlier this year when Malaysian remittance company Mobile Money partnered with Bangladesh’s remittance company bKash to utilize RippleNet for cross-border payments. This collaboration facilitates remittances amounting to approximately $1.82 billion annually between the two countries. Through RippleNet, funds are transferred efficiently, enabling faster and cheaper transactions compared to conventional methods. This partnership demonstrates the practical application of blockchain technology in cross-border remittances , particularly for populations heavily reliant on sending and receiving money internationally. As Ripple’s network continues to expand, more companies are expected to leverage its ecosystem to streamline their payment services. The adoption of Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM) in Malaysia underscores the growing acceptance of blockchain solutions in the financial sector, especially for international remittances. By enabling fast, reliable, and cost-effective transactions, both platforms are contributing to the modernization of the global payment infrastructure. As financial technology continues to evolve, Ripple and Stellar remain at the forefront of innovation, bridging the gap between traditional banking systems and the digital economy. 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 Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM) Providing Instant Payment Remittance Services in Malaysia appeared first on Times Tabloid .

18 May 2025, 18:46

Germany’s BaFIN grants crypto license to Trade Republic amid slow MiCA rollout

European fintech giant Trade Republic has secured a full license from Germany’s financial regulator (BaFIN) to offer crypto services. With the move, it became the latest company to get licensed under the Market in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework. According to Circle Senior Director for EU Strategy and Policy, Patrick Hansen, who shared the development on X, the firm is now authorized to custody crypto assets, execute orders, receive and transmit orders, and provide crypto transfers on behalf of clients. The license allows Trade Republic to offer all these crypto services throughout the 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries. However, it would still rely on trading platforms and market makers to execute trades. Hansen described the move as evidence of how financial institutions in the region are already making efforts to get licensed under the MiCA before the transition period ends. He said: “The race is on: neobanks, brokers, other fintechs, and even traditional banks are all moving quickly to secure their MiCA licenses before transition periods end.” The transition period for the unifying crypto regulation for Europe is when crypto entities can operate without MiCA licenses in the EU. It is expected to end by the start of July 2026 or until the regulator grants or refuses authorization for companies that have applied. Trade Republic is one of the leading online brokers in Europe, with over 100 billion in assets under management and eight million customers across several European countries. It expanded to Italy earlier this year. 25 companies have secured MiCA licenses Meanwhile, Trade Republic getting authorization to offer crypto services by BaFIN means that 25 companies have now gotten licenses under the MiCA framework. This highlights how slow the licensing process has been in Europe, given that MiCA went into full force in December 2024. There have been concerns that the region’s regulatory approach may harm its efforts to attract crypto entities, especially when other regulators in Asia, the US, and the Middle East have become more permissive of the industry. However, it appears companies are still making efforts to comply with the new regulatory standards in Europe. Interestingly, the German financial regulator is leading in approval rate, with the BaFIN licensing nine out of the 25 countries. Hansen noted that this is 36% of all regulating crypto service providers on the continent. So far, the biggest name to have secured a license appears to be Circle , the issuer of USDC stablecoin. The company remains the only MiCA-licensed global stablecoin issuer after getting authorization as an electronic money institution from France’s ACPR, allowing it to issue USDC and EURC. Other crypto firms that have obtained licenses include OKX, BitGo Europe, MoonPay, Hidden Road, Socios.com, and BitStaete have also secured licenses. Interestingly, Ripple recently bought Hidden Road, likely to gain easier access to the European markets. Potential impacts of MiCA on the European crypto sector While a few major crypto companies already have MiCA licenses, others, such as Binance, Kraken, Robinhood, and Tether, are currently not licensed in the region. Although most of them have started the application process, there is a risk that some of these companies may not operate in Europe. Tether, for instance, has already decided against getting a MiCA license for its USDT stablecoin, claiming that the requirements are dangerous for stablecoins. This has made MiCA-compliant platforms in the region that delist USDT. However, it is not just the big companies that this affects. Some experts believe that MiCA could leave lasting damage on the crypto startup scene in Europe as most startups may not meet the licensing standards or be able to bear the cost of the process. Crypto attorney Ilja Nikiforov predicted that around 75% of European registered crypto companies would lose their registration by mid-2025 if they cannot get a MiCA license. He added that funding for European crypto startups has declined by more than 90% from the 2022 peak. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

18 May 2025, 18:23

Blum co-founder arrested, GENIUS Act proceeds, Trump’s WLFI integrates Chainlink | Weekly Recap

Today’s edition of the weekly recap covers the arrest of Blum co-founder Vladimir Smerkis, progress on U.S. stablecoin legislation, and World Liberty Financial’s blockchain integration. Russian authorities arrest former Binance exec The Zamoskvoretsky Court of Moscow initiated the arrest of a former Binance executive and co-founder of the Blum tap-to-earn app, Vladimir Smerkis. Per Russian media, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court granted an investigator’s request to detain Smerkis for alleged fraud. Details regarding the charges remain unclear. News of the arrest comes one day after Blum posted on social media that Smerkis has stepped down from his role as CMO. Alabama man sentenced for SEC social media hack A 26-year-old Alabama resident received more than a year in jail for his involvement in the SEC hack The individual used a SIM-swap technique with a fraudulent ID to hijack a phone number connected to the SEC’s account. Stablecoin legislation approaches Senate debate The “Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins” (GENIUS) Act is heading toward debate and potential passage next week despite recent setbacks. Senator Hagerty of Tennessee, the bill’s Republican sponsor, stated that “the Senate will make history” by establishing “the first ever pro-growth regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.” You might also like: Coinbase breach strikes PayPal Mafia royalty, Sequoia Capital boss World Liberty integrates Chainlink for cross-chain capabilities World Liberty Financial announced Friday that its USD1 stablecoin now operates across multiple blockchains through integration with Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). The announcement came during Consensus 2025 from World Liberty Financial’s team, Chainlink ( LINK ) co-founder Sergey Nazarov, and Eric Trump. French crypto executives face security threats The daughter and grandson of a French crypto exchange CEO were targeted in an unsuccessful kidnapping attempt in Paris, according to France 24’s Tuesday report. Video footage showed three masked individuals attacking a woman and another person before a shop owner intervened with a fire extinguisher. In response to multiple incidents targeting industry figures, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau agreed Friday to implement better security measures for cryptocurrency professionals. You might also like: NFT sales jump 17% to $130.7m, Newcomer collection boasts 470% sales growth DOJ continues case against Tornado Cash developer The Department of Justice announced it will proceed with its case against Roman Storm despite an internal memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. The case has been modified to drop charges related to money-transmitter business registration violations. Judge rejects SEC-Ripple settlement proposal U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres denied a joint request from the SEC and Ripple Labs to approve their settlement. The ruling stated that even if she had jurisdiction, she would still reject the motion. FTX creditors to receive $5 billion distribution The FTX Recovery Trust announced Thursday that creditors will begin receiving over $5 billion in distributions starting May 30. Four classes of creditors will receive payments ranging from 54% to 120% of their original claims, based on the U.S. dollar value of customer holdings at FTX’s November 2022 collapse. You might also like: New XRP ETF hits an inflow record as XRP price wavers Coinbase offers $20 million bounty for blackmail information The cryptocurrency exchange is offering a $20 million reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of individuals who attempted to blackmail the company over stolen user records. According to Coinbase’s blog post, criminals obtained account data for less than 1% of monthly users by bribing overseas support agents. The extortionists demanded $20 million in Bitcoin to prevent releasing sensitive customer information. SEC investigates Coinbase user number disclosures Coinbase confirmed Thursday that the SEC is investigating whether the exchange has misstated its user numbers. The inquiry focuses on the “verified users” metric, which Coinbase has reported as exceeding 100 million in various securities filings and marketing materials. Telegram shuts down massive crypto-fueled black market The messaging platform terminated thousands of accounts linked to Haowang Guarantee (formerly Huione Guarantee) on Monday. This has effectively shut down what has been described as the most prolific crypto-fueled black market online. The network reportedly helped launder over $27 billion across Asia’s cyber scam economy before its removal. DeFi Development Corp. expands Solana treasury The real estate software firm, which has pivoted to building a Solana-focused treasury, purchased 172,670 Solana ( SOL ) worth approximately $23.6 million. The recent announcement revealed the firm purchased SOL at $136.81 each. The company now holds a total of 595,988 SOL. India orders increased surveillance of border region crypto transactions Cryptocurrency platforms operating in India have been instructed to ramp up monitoring of transactions from Jammu and Kashmir and other border areas. The directive forms part of broader government efforts to combat illicit finance and cross-border terrorism funding. Strategy continues aggressive Bitcoin acquisition Strategy, previously MicroStrategy, purchased 13,390 more Bitcoin ( BTC ). It now holds 568,840 BTC. The purchase was made for $1.34 billion between May 5-11. Read more: Hack? SEC probe? Coinbase stock soars despite difficult week