6 Aug 2025, 13:00

Russia finds more 1,000 crypto pyramid schemes operating locally in 2025

Regulators in Russia have identified more than 1,000 pyramid schemes offering quick returns on cryptocurrency investments in the first half of the year. The data comes against the backdrop of a significant increase in the number of fraudulent projects in the financial market registered by the Russian central bank. 1,000 crypto pyramids scam Russians in 2025 Between January and June, the Bank of Russia has found 4,183 entities showing signs of illegal financial activities, including many pyramid schemes. That’s almost 20% more than the total from the first six months of last year, the monetary authority announced this week. While the number of traditional pseudo-investment platforms and illegal forex dealers is shrinking, the share of fraudulent projects using crypto as either a vehicle to collect user funds or as an asset to lure investors continues to grow, the bank said in a new study. According to the latest edition of its “Combating illegal activity in the financial market” report , financial pyramids during the said period have been 1.4 times more than in H1 of 2024, and almost all operated as short-term online investment projects. More than 1,000 of these offered “fast and guaranteed” profits from investments in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. The remaining promised quick earnings from money spent on more classic types of assets, such as precious metals, raw materials or various “innovative businesses.” 80% of pyramid schemes asked investors to send crypto The great majority of identified financial pyramids, more than 80%, suggested that participants use cryptocurrencies to transfer funds to the projects, and less than 20% offered potential victims to use foreign payment services. For comparison, 59% of such entities accepted crypto last year. The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) also registered an increase in Internet-based platforms offering opportunities to trade coins on cryptocurrency exchanges. Such projects are taking advantage of domestic and global market developments to promote themselves, the bank noted. It also detailed: “Against the backdrop of declining confidence in foreign securities, scammers have become more active in getting interested audiences, mainly from social networks, involved in betting on differences in cryptocurrency rates.” The CBR has also identified a number of illegal lenders offering short-term loans in cryptocurrency. While the loan amount is indicated in Russian rubles, borrowers would usually get the money in a stablecoin like Tether (USDT) , for example. The debt can be repaid in either crypto or Russian fiat. Regulatory bodies in the Russian Federation have received numerous complaints from clients of illegal lending businesses, including for aggressive debt collection. Fraudsters launched 170 Telegram channels to lure investors To attract victims, fraudsters behind pyramid schemes and illegal lenders used more than 170 Telegram channels. Over 3,000 pages on social media sites and advertising platforms promoting illegal lending services have been blocked by the authorities. In total, more than 11,000 internet resources of illegal participants in the financial market and financial pyramids, with 20 million potential users, have been restricted. Authorities initiated 240 cases under various articles of the Russian Federation’s Code of Administrative Offenses. Besides constantly updating a blacklist of entities involved in illegal financial activities, the Bank of Russia is also recommending a set of anti-money laundering tools that credit institutions can utilize regarding such players, including restricting transactions and blocking bank accounts. The CBR noted: “In the first half of 2025, credit institutions adopted restrictive measures for more than 600 payment details.” The authority also highlighted that a special information system used by Russian law enforcement agencies and banks to track cryptocurrency transactions and establish links between crypto and fiat flows already contains data for more than 1,800 cryptocurrency wallets used by illegal entities. The database, along with Russia’s anti-money laundering rules and payment system law, can also be employed to target ordinary crypto users trading on peer-to-peer platforms by flagging their fiat transactions as “high-risk,” as Cryptopolitan recently reported . Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now

6 Aug 2025, 13:00

Some Liquid Staking Activities May Not Count as Securities: SEC

This statement from the regulator aligns with other recent pro-crypto moves, including approvals for in-kind ETF redemptions and guidance that proof-of-stake mechanisms are not securities transactions. Liquid staking allows users to stake crypto while maintaining liquidity via receipt tokens, and has become a major force in DeFi with over $67 billion in total value locked. However, the SEC’s internal consensus is still very divided. Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw criticized the statement for being speculative and potentially misleading. She also warned stakeholders to proceed with caution. On the other hand, crypto-friendly Commissioner Hester Peirce backed the clarification by comparing liquid staking to traditional custody practices. The rift of tensions in the SEC is becoming more clear as it adapts to the changing crypto space. Liquid Staking Gets Regulatory Green Light The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took a huge step toward providing clarity on digital asset regulation by stating that certain liquid staking activities in the crypto space do not constitute securities offerings. In a statement that was released on Tuesday, the SEC clarified that, depending on the facts and circumstances, liquid staking does not fall under the offer and sale of securities as defined by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Liquid staking is where users stake their digital assets through a protocol and receive a “liquid staking receipt token” as proof of ownership. Statement from the SEC This clarification is part of the agency’s shift in regulatory posture under SEC Chair Paul Atkins, who described the move as a major advancement in defining which crypto asset activities are beyond the SEC’s jurisdiction. The announcement was made at a time of growing institutional interest in liquid staking strategies, particularly those tied to Solana (SOL). In fact, asset managers like Jito Labs, VanEck, and Bitwise are actively pushing for approval of related ETFs. Liquid staking has become a dominant force in decentralized finance, with the total value locked (TVL) in these protocols approaching $67 billion, according to data from DefiLlama . Ethereum alone accounts for approximately $51 billion of that figure. The SEC’s statement also follows several other recent pro-crypto actions taken under Atkins’s leadership. The agency recently launched Project Crypto, which is a regulatory reform initiative that was developed in response to recommendations from the White House’s Working Group on Digital Assets. Atkins has moved away from the previous administration’s enforcement-heavy approach, opting instead for more structured and transparent rulemaking. Statement from the SEC In May, the SEC clarified that proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanisms do not qualify as securities transactions. This was another move welcomed by the crypto community. In July, the agency also approved in-kind creations and redemptions for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which was a critical step that makes it possible for fund participants to exchange ETF shares directly for the underlying digital assets, rather than converting them to cash. These regulatory developments are unfolding alongside other policy shifts in the United States. The recent passage of the GENIUS Act, along with the House’s approval of market structure reforms and anti-central bank digital currency (CBDC) measures, could mean that a new era of legislative support for digital assets is emerging. Crenshaw Slams SEC Liquid Staking Statement Meanwhile, SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw publicly criticized the recent staff statement that was issued by the agency’s Division of Corporation Finance regarding liquid staking. She argued that the guidance adds confusion rather than clarity. Some things are better left unsaid,” Crenshaw began in her response to the SEC’s statement. She also accused it of relying on speculative and unverified assumptions. She argued that the guidance builds a “wobbly wall of facts without an anchor in industry reality” and warned entities engaged in liquid staking to stay cautious. Her comments ended with the phrase “Caveat liquid staker.” Statement from Caroline Crenshaw (Source: SEC ) Her response shed some light on the growing rift in the SEC on how to approach crypto regulation. While Crenshaw is very concerned that the statement may embolden risky interpretations of securities laws, other commissioners are much more supportive. Hester Peirce, which is considered as crypto-friendly, released her own commentary in support of the staff’s view. Peirce compared liquid staking to depositing goods with an agent who issues a receipt, and suggested the activity is not fundamentally different from familiar financial arrangements. Statement from Hester Peirce (Source: SEC ) The disagreement is taking place as the SEC faces increasing pressure to provide regulatory clarity in the still changing digital asset space. The liquid staking sector, which allows users to stake their crypto assets while retaining liquidity through receipt tokens, has grown a lot in recent years. Overall, this internal debate suggests that while the agency may be shifting toward a more nuanced stance on crypto, not all commissioners agree on the best path forward.

6 Aug 2025, 12:56

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Buried Tax Rule in White House Report Could Spark Mining Boom – Could BTC Hit $500,000 in 2025?

Bitcoin (BTC) is holding just above $114,000 as investors digest a new U.S. crypto report that could dramatically ease tax pressure on miners. The White House’s latest 168-page policy proposal recommends taxing mining rewards only when sold, not when received, mirroring how gold is treated. Under current rules, miners pay taxes the moment they earn Bitcoin, even if they don’t convert it to cash. Therefore, they often have to face a mismatch between tax liability and actual real income. So, by deferring taxes until the BTC is sold, the suggested change could improve miners’ profitability and make mining more attractive to long-term investors. Why a buried tax detail in the White House's crypto report could be a game-changer for bitcoin miners | The Block #PoweredByWORLD3 https://t.co/QZpGWAWrOJ — Wolfram Edel (@EdelmanWolfram) August 5, 2025 BitFuFu, now a top global mining firm, says this shift would lower entry barriers, especially as U.S. energy costs remain relatively low despite rising tariffs on imported mining equipment. The proposal also floats the idea of creating a strategic U.S. Bitcoin reserve, managed via the Treasury, using confiscated digital assets. While short on specifics, it shows a growing governmental recognition of BTC’s long-term relevancy. Key takeaways: Mining income may soon be taxed at sale, not when mined Proposal could end double taxation for miners Strategic Bitcoin reserve floated by the U.S. Treasury ETF Outflows & Economic Data Pressure BTC Despite long-term optimism, Bitcoin remains under near-term pressure. Spot BTC ETFs in the U.S. recorded $196 million in outflows on Tuesday, marking four straight sessions of investor exits. Since late July, over $500 million has left major funds, signaling waning institutional demand. This capital flight coincides with weak economic data. July’s ISM Services PMI dropped to 50.1, barely above contraction, while nonfarm payrolls also missed expectations. Coupled with geopolitical risk—Trump’s renewed tariff plans on tech imports—the environment has turned risk-off, prompting a retreat from volatile assets like Bitcoin. LATEST: Japan’s $214B SBI Holdings has filed to launch $BTC and $XRP ETFs. pic.twitter.com/5XdY97xxw5 — Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) August 6, 2025 Yet regulatory clarity may help shift sentiment. Japan’s SBI Holdings recently filed for a Bitcoin and XRP ETF. If approved, this would mark Asia’s first crypto ETF to include both assets and could open the door to increased retail and institutional adoption. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the SEC ruled that liquid staking doesn’t constitute a securities offering, removing a legal cloud over Ethereum-based staking protocols. SEC Chair Paul Atkins also launched “Project Crypto,” aimed at crafting a more supportive framework for digital assets under the Trump administration. Bitcoin Technicals: Bulls Defend $112K, Eyes on $115K Technically, Bitcoin is trading around $114,240, perched just above the 50-period EMA on the 2-hour chart. After bouncing off support at $112,641, bulls have carved out a higher low, hinting at accumulation. However, the price remains squeezed beneath a descending trendline originating from the July 31 peak. Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview Momentum is neutral, with RSI around 51. For bulls, the key battleground is $115,043. A bullish breakout just above this mark can trigger an upside price action toward $116,915 and $118,878, where prior selling pressure exists. However, a failure to violate this resistance mark may see BTC revisit $112,640, or even test deeper supports at $110,7820 and $109,075. Trade setup to watch: Buy above $115,043 with a target at $116,915 Stop-loss below $113,800 to protect against trendline failure Look for bullish engulfing candles or RSI >60 as confirmation Bitcoin Hyper Presale Over $7.3M as Price Rise Nears Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) , the first BTC-native Layer 2 powered by the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), has raised over $7.3 million in its public presale, with $7,310,393 out of a $7,502,850 target. The token is priced at $0.01255, with the next price tier expected to be announced soon. Designed to merge Bitcoin’s security with Solana’s speed, Bitcoin Hyper enables fast, low-cost smart contracts, dApps, and meme coin creation, all with seamless BTC bridging. The project is audited by Consult and engineered for scalability, trust, and simplicity. The golden cross of meme appeal and real utility has made Bitcoin Hyper a Layer 2 contender to watch in 2025. With staking, a streamlined presale, and a full rollout expected by Q1, $HYPER is gaining serious traction. The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Buried Tax Rule in White House Report Could Spark Mining Boom – Could BTC Hit $500,000 in 2025? appeared first on Cryptonews .

6 Aug 2025, 12:55

ZOOZ Power Secures Pioneering $5M for Bitcoin Treasury Strategy

BitcoinWorld ZOOZ Power Secures Pioneering $5M for Bitcoin Treasury Strategy In a significant move that highlights the growing convergence of traditional industries and digital assets, ZOOZ Power , a U.S.-listed electric vehicle (EV) charging company, has successfully completed a private funding round. This initial injection of $5 million is specifically earmarked to advance its ambitious Bitcoin treasury strategy. This development follows the company’s earlier announcement on July 29 regarding a larger $180 million private funding plan aimed at the same innovative initiative, signaling a strong commitment to integrating cryptocurrency into its corporate financial framework. What is ZOOZ Power’s Bitcoin Treasury Strategy? ZOOZ Power is making headlines by adopting a unique crypto strategy for its corporate treasury. Traditionally, companies hold cash or short-term investments. However, a Bitcoin treasury strategy involves converting a portion of a company’s cash reserves into Bitcoin. This approach is gaining traction among forward-thinking companies looking for alternative ways to manage their balance sheets. Diversification: Bitcoin can offer an alternative asset class, potentially reducing reliance on traditional fiat currencies. Inflation Hedge: Many view Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation due to its finite supply. Capital Appreciation: Companies hope to benefit from Bitcoin’s potential long-term value appreciation. This strategic shift by an EV charging firm underscores a broader trend of companies exploring digital assets beyond their core operations. It positions ZOOZ Power at the intersection of two rapidly evolving sectors: sustainable energy and blockchain technology. Why Are Companies Adopting a Crypto Strategy? The decision by ZOOZ Power to pursue a Bitcoin treasury plan reflects a growing sentiment among corporate leaders. They are increasingly recognizing the potential benefits of digital assets. While the cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility, some companies see it as a valuable long-term investment and a way to signal innovation to investors. For a company like ZOOZ Power , which operates in the high-growth EV charging sector, embracing a progressive financial strategy can align with its forward-looking business model. The recent $5 million in private funding demonstrates investor confidence in this bold direction, suggesting a belief that this crypto strategy could yield significant returns or strategic advantages. Challenges and Opportunities in Bitcoin Treasury Management While the prospects are exciting, managing a Bitcoin treasury also comes with its share of challenges. The inherent volatility of Bitcoin means that the value of a company’s reserves can fluctuate significantly. Regulatory uncertainty across different jurisdictions also presents a hurdle that companies must navigate carefully. However, the opportunities are equally compelling. Companies that successfully integrate Bitcoin into their balance sheets could potentially: Attract a new segment of tech-savvy investors. Demonstrate adaptability and innovation in a fast-changing global economy. Potentially unlock new revenue streams or financial efficiencies. ZOOZ Power ‘s move is a clear example of a company willing to explore these new frontiers, aiming to leverage digital assets for long-term financial health and strategic positioning within the competitive EV charging landscape. What’s Next for ZOOZ Power? With the initial $5 million private funding secured, ZOOZ Power is set to implement the first phase of its Bitcoin treasury strategy. The larger $180 million plan indicates a significant, long-term commitment to this approach. This bold move could set a precedent for other companies, especially those in technology-driven sectors, to consider similar financial innovations. It will be interesting to observe how this strategy impacts ZOOZ Power ‘s financial performance and market perception. This decision by an EV charging company to dive deep into Bitcoin highlights the evolving landscape where traditional business models are increasingly intersecting with the decentralized world of cryptocurrency. In conclusion, ZOOZ Power ‘s successful acquisition of $5 million in private funding for its Bitcoin treasury strategy marks a pivotal moment. It not only bolsters the company’s financial capabilities but also underscores a broader trend of corporate adoption of digital assets. As the worlds of sustainable energy and cryptocurrency continue to intertwine, ZOOZ Power is positioning itself as a pioneer, demonstrating how a forward-thinking crypto strategy can drive innovation and potentially reshape corporate finance. This development is a testament to the dynamic nature of both the EV charging market and the ever-expanding reach of Bitcoin. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is ZOOZ Power’s core business? ZOOZ Power is a U.S.-listed company specializing in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Q2: How much funding did ZOOZ Power secure for its Bitcoin treasury strategy? ZOOZ Power has secured an initial $5 million in private funding for its Bitcoin treasury strategy, following an earlier announcement of a larger $180 million plan. Q3: What does a ‘Bitcoin treasury strategy’ entail? A Bitcoin treasury strategy involves a company converting a portion of its traditional cash reserves into Bitcoin, aiming for potential diversification, inflation hedging, and capital appreciation. Q4: Why are companies like ZOOZ Power adopting a crypto strategy? Companies are adopting a crypto strategy for various reasons, including seeking alternative asset classes, potential hedges against inflation, opportunities for capital appreciation, and signaling innovation to investors. Q5: What are the potential risks of a Bitcoin treasury strategy? Potential risks include the high volatility of Bitcoin, which can lead to significant fluctuations in asset value, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies. If you found this article insightful, please consider sharing it with your network! Stay informed about the latest intersections of technology and finance by sharing on social media. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin institutional adoption . This post ZOOZ Power Secures Pioneering $5M for Bitcoin Treasury Strategy first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

6 Aug 2025, 12:53

Satsuma Technology Raises $217.6 Million with Bitcoin Support, Highlighting Institutional Interest in Crypto Treasury Strategies

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6 Aug 2025, 12:49

U.S. lawmaker turns the scrutiny on Intel CEO’s China links

Senator Tom Cotton has questioned Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s ties to Chinese companies. On Wednesday, he sent a letter to Intel’s board chair to express concerns about the company’s security and integrity and potential impacts on U.S. national security. Cotton questioned Intel’s chairperson, Frank Yeary, whether the company was aware of subpoenas on Tan’s previous company, Cadence Design. The U.S. official was curious about what measures were taken to address those concerns. Cotton expresses concerns about Intel’s operations The Republican asked Intel ’s board whether Tan was required to invest in Chinese companies with ties to the Chinese military or Communist Party. He was also curious whether the firm’s CEO had other ties to entities in Beijing. Cotton argued that the tech company was involved in the Secure Enclave program, which was established under the Biden administration. According to the U.S. government, the program ensures secure supplies of microelectronics for defense. “Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations. Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations.” -Tom Cotton, U.S. Senator from Arkansas. Intel’s spokesperson ascertained that Tan and the firm were focused on ensuring the national security of the U.S. The spokesperson also stressed that both parties are dedicated to the integrity of their roles in the nation’s defense ecosystem. In the letter, the tech firm confirmed it would resolve Cotton’s enquiries. Cotton’s letter also highlighted a report by Reuters in April that revealed that Tan had several investments in a flurry of Chinese companies, some linked to the Chinese military. The report also noted that he invested either through himself or the venture funds he founded or operated. According to the report, Tan’s investment in multiple Chinese advanced manufacturing and chip companies totalled $200 million. The source also noted that his investments stemmed from March 2012 to December 2024. Reuters found that Intel’s CEO had divested his investments in Chinese companies. The report revealed that it could not determine the extent of Tan’s investments in Chinese databases at the time. The U.S. allows its citizens to invest in Chinese companies without limiting those with ties to Beijing’s military. However, those entities should not be among the companies added to the U.S. Treasury’s Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List. The U.S. Treasury’s list prohibits U.S. citizens from holding stakes in such firms. Reuters acknowledged that it found no evidence that Intel’s boss was invested directly in any entity on the list at the time. Cadence Design pleads guilty to illegal export control violations Cadence Design Systems Agrees to Plead Guilty and Pay Over $140 Million for Unlawfully Exporting Semiconductor Design Tools to a Restricted PRC Military University https://t.co/ZkGaKYEGPw @FBISanFrancisco pic.twitter.com/mMRVlyFnxz — FBI (@FBI) July 28, 2025 Cotton also highlighted Tan’s involvement in the criminal cases currently surrounding Cadence Design, where he was CEO from 2009 to 2021. The U.S. official’s concerns about Tan’s leadership at Cadence came after the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the firm’s employees facilitated exports of chip technology to a Chinese institution. The company agreed to plead guilty last week and pay more than $140 million in penalties for exporting chip design tools to a Chinese military university. The DOJ revealed that the firm admitted to violating export controls by selling electronic design automation (EDA) technology to the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). The institution is suspected to have ties with China’s Central Military Commission. The U.S. also added NUDT to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity this year. The DOJ believes that NUDT used U.S. tech to develop supercomputers for military purposes. National Security Assistant General John Eisenberg said Cadence has implemented a compliance programme to help mitigate any illegal sale of American technology. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot