News
22 May 2025, 21:40
US tourist drugged by fake Uber driver and robbed of $123K BTC — Report
An American tourist in the United Kingdom was reportedly drugged by an individual posing as a taxi driver, who stole the tourist's $123,000 in Bitcoin stored on a cell phone. According to a report from My London, Jacob Irwin-Cline went out to a London bar and had several drinks before calling an Uber to take him home. Cline said that he did not thoroughly check the details of the Uber ride on his phone and left with a random private cab driver resembling the Uber driver at first glance, but driving a different vehicle — a detail Cline would only discover after the incident. Once inside the vehicle, the US tourist said the driver offered him a cigarette, which Cline said was likely laced with a rare and potent sedative drug called scopolamine. Cline added that the cigarette made him feel extremely docile and tired, causing him to pass out for around 30 minutes before regaining consciousness. Shortly after Cline woke up, the driver ordered him out of the vehicle. As Cline exited, the driver suddenly sped off, striking him with the car and fleeing with his cellphone, which contained his private keys and access to his crypto accounts. The unfortunate incident comes amid a recent spate of kidnappings , extortion incidents, armed robberies, and ransom attempts directed at crypto industry executives, investors, and their families. Related: Chainalysis CEO offers a clue into recent spate of Paris crypto attacks Crypto community members become the targets of violent crime Several kidnapping incidents involving crypto investors, industry executives, and their families have occurred in May. On May 3, the father of an unnamed crypto exchange owner was freed by French police after law enforcement officials raided the property where the individual was being held captive by organized criminals demanding a ransom for his release. Shortly after that incident, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the Paymium crypto exchange, were the targets of an attempted kidnapping in Paris. The incident occurred in broad daylight when the assailants attacked the family and attempted to force them into a parked vehicle. However, Noizat's daughter and another individual were able to fight off the masked attackers. The rise in violent attacks against crypto investors and professionals has prompted an increase in personal security , including requests for bodyguards and private security measures for those likely to be victimized. Magazine: China’s ‘point running’ crypto scams, pig butchers kidnap kids: Asia Express
22 May 2025, 21:38
Bitcoin Price Prediction: New ATH Confirmed — Here’s Where BTC Could Be Headed Next
Bitcoin (BTC) has hit a new all time high of $111,087, up 3% in a day and finally breaking above the long held resistance zone of $108,000. The daily close above the highs is a big deal for the crypto markets. BTC is now in a rising channel since April, with higher highs and higher lows. Technically the breakout is strong. MACD has just given a bullish crossover and the 50 day EMA ($96,956) is rising, the long term trend is strong. Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview If BTC holds above $113,369, we may see the next resistance levels at $117,141 and $120,913. But price is at the top of the channel so a pullback to $108,000 could be a healthy reset and a second chance long. Regulation Boosts Investor Confidence Beyond the charts, Bitcoin’s breakout is being driven by big regulatory tailwinds. In Texas, the state lawmakers approved Senate Bill 21 , allowing the state to create a Bitcoin reserve. Once signed into law, Texas will be the second US state after New Hampshire to hold crypto on its balance sheet, a big step in legitimizing Bitcoin as a treasury asset. JUST IN: The Texas House has officially passed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill (SB21). Using rainy day funds, Texas could purchase 217,654 BTC assuming a BTC price of $109,219. BULLISH! pic.twitter.com/04WBx4gr8d — Satoshi Club (@esatoshiclub) May 21, 2025 Hong Kong also passed landmark legislation to regulate fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS), including licensing, AML compliance and reserve management. This tighter framework will attract institutional capital and solidify Bitcoin as a regulated and strategic hedge in global finance. These policy changes reduce uncertainty and mean crypto is becoming part of the mainstream financial infrastructure – key for long term adoption and capital inflow. Macro Tailwinds Fuel Bullish Outlook for Bitcoin Bitcoin’s rally comes as traditional markets are getting nervous. A disappointing US Treasury auction pushed 20 year bond yields above 5.1%, 10 year and 30 year yields are also spiking. This bond market chaos is driving investors to Bitcoin as a macro hedge. Geopolitical tensions – tariffs and currency concerns – are also eroding faith in fiat systems. $110K BITCOIN HAS ENTERED THE CHAT Bitcoin just cracked six figures guess it finally remembered the password. Somewhere, someone’s still crying about selling at $69K… pour one out! So what’s the play? Buy high, sell higher? Or just “working” with one eye on the… pic.twitter.com/gTB2letICM — Bitget Philippines (@BitgetPH) May 22, 2025 According to Caroline Bowler of BTC Markets, institutional investors are “reallocating to digital assets”, a trend that is being seen with over $27 billion in BTC inflows since early May.1.1 billion long and leveraged, one trader is all in. ETF flows and whales are buying, $160,000 is no longer a moonshot. BTC Bull Token Nears $7.14M Cap as 71% Staking Yield Fuels FOMO As Bitcoin hovers near $111K, attention is rapidly turning to high-upside altcoins — and BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) is stealing the spotlight. With $6.17 million raised out of its $7.14 million cap, momentum is accelerating as the next presale price jump closes in fast. What sets BTCBULL apart is its unique rewards model — token holders receive Bitcoin airdrops directly tied to BTC’s price rallies. The higher Bitcoin climbs, the more BTC gets distributed — with presale buyers receiving priority rewards over post-launch DEX investors. Key Stats: USDT Raised: $6,172,195.39 / $7,136,435 Token Price: $0.002525 Staking Pool: 1.47B BTCBULL Yield: ~71% APY Built-in scarcity adds even more firepower: every time Bitcoin rises by $50K, BTC Bull triggers a token burn, reducing supply and increasing upside potential for long-term holders. Meanwhile, staking is turning heads. BTCBULL offers a whopping ~71% APY on its Ethereum-based staking pool (currently holding 1.47B BTCBULL), with no lockups or withdrawal fees. That means passive yield — with full liquidity. The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: New ATH Confirmed — Here’s Where BTC Could Be Headed Next appeared first on Cryptonews .
22 May 2025, 21:33
Senators plan to amend GENIUS Act to address Trump family's stablecoin
Though a majority of members of the US Senate voted to advance a bill to regulate payment stablecoins on May 20, high-ranking Democrats are planning to propose an amendment to the legislation to address President Donald Trump’s connections to the cryptocurrency industry. According to a May 22 Axios report, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley will file an amendment to the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act, or GENIUS Act, to block a US president from profiting from stablecoins. The proposed amendment would come after 18 Democrats sided with Republicans in the Senate in voting to advance the bill on May 20 after it failed a procedural vote on May 8. “Passing the GENIUS Act without our anti-corruption amendment stamps a Congressional seal of approval on Trump selling access and influence to the highest bidder,” Merkley said in a May 22 X post. Trump his three sons are involved in the crypto platform World Liberty Financial (WLFI), which launched its USD1 stablecoin in March. Critics have pointed out that the president could continue to personally benefit from legislation that helps recognize stablecoins like USD1 as financial instruments in the US. Related: US lawmaker introduces anti-corruption bill ahead of Trump’s dinner An Abu Dhabi-based investment firm said that it would use USD1 to settle a $2-billion investment in Binance, effectively allowing the president’s family to profit from the transaction fees. Democratic lawmakers have already called for an investigation into Trump’s connections to the platform, which was largely dismissed as “flawed” by WLFI co-founder Zach Witkoff. Stablecoins are just one of many potential conflicts, say Democrats Merkley and Warren are also planning responses to Trump hosting a dinner at his golf club for up to 220 people who purchased the most significant amounts of his personal memecoin. Merkley is expected to attend a protest organized by the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, in partnership with progressive political organization Our Revolution, outside the Trump venue on May 22. Warren held a press conference with Merkley, Senator Chris Murphy and Public Citizen representatives, calling on Trump to “release the guest list” for the dinner event. Though a few of the potential attendees have publicly announced they were the owners of the wallets who purchased the memecoin and intended to go, the majority were still anonymous at the time of publication. “What is happening tonight — this private, secret dinner — in which individuals who have put money in Donald Trump’s pocket, get access to him, is maybe the most corrupt of all the corruption,” said Murphy, adding: “They were able to pay their way in to get an audience with the President of the United States to ask for favorable national security concessions.” Cointelegraph reached out to the White House for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication. Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions
22 May 2025, 21:30
Bond Yields Continue to Soar as Markets Eye Trouble, Bitcoin and Gold Shine
Markets are flashing warning signs as long-term U.S. Treasury yields spike, bond auctions falter, and prediction markets show rising odds of economic trouble ahead. Treasury Market Signals Mounting Fiscal Anxiety The 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yield surged to 5.18% on Thursday—its highest point since 2023—before easing slightly later in the session. The benchmark 10-year yield
22 May 2025, 21:27
Memecoin Moo Deng, MEW Surges After Robinhood Listing
Robinhood has added two Solana-based memecoins, Moo Deng MOODENG and cat in a dog’s world MEW, to its suite of cryptocurrencies available to trade for U.S. customers. Moo Deng, which is based on a baby pygmy hippo, has risen to a $230 million market cap this month after the meme went viral online in 2024. The token skyrocketed over 836% in May and jumped another 21% over the past 24 hours. Cat in a dog’s world, on the other hand, is a token based on cats, which launched in March 2024 as part of a Solana meme coin frenzy . The token stands at a $368 million market cap after its price rose 52% in May. It is up nearly 20% over the past 24 hours. The latest inclusions add to Robinhood’s list of meme coins, and the regulatory landscape is becoming much more flexible after the nomination of several pro-crypto government leaders and President Donald Trump's U.S. election win last year. In November, Robinhood added the trading of Pepe coin PEPE, another popular meme coin. The trading app currently offers over 20 cryptocurrencies after previously ending support for several tokens in 2023 amid a crackdown on crypto by the former Securities and Exchange Commission Chair, Gary Gensler.
22 May 2025, 21:20
SecureTech Unveils Ambitious Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and Web3 M&A Push
BitcoinWorld SecureTech Unveils Ambitious Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and Web3 M&A Push In the rapidly evolving intersection of cybersecurity, Web3, and corporate finance, SecureTech is making significant waves. The company has laid out an ambitious roadmap for 2025, signaling a clear intent to strengthen its market position and embrace innovative financial strategies. At the heart of these plans are a strategic share reduction, targeted mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to bolster technology offerings, preparations for a potential stock uplisting to a national exchange, and critically, the development of a pioneering Bitcoin treasury strategy . Understanding SecureTech’s Bold 2025 Vision SecureTech, known for its work in cybersecurity and the burgeoning Web3 space, isn’t just planning incremental changes; they’re outlining a transformative year. The 2025 strategy appears designed to enhance shareholder value, expand technological capabilities, increase market visibility, and integrate digital assets into core corporate finance. Key pillars of their announced plans include: A substantial 55% reduction in outstanding shares. Active pursuit of Web3 M&A opportunities. Steps towards potentially uplisting to a national stock exchange. Implementing a dedicated Bitcoin treasury strategy via subsidiaries and partnerships. Ongoing evaluation of opportunities within the broader blockchain fintech landscape. This multi-faceted approach suggests a company positioning itself for significant growth and adaptation in a dynamic digital economy. Why a 55% Share Reduction? A significant share reduction, like the 55% planned by SecureTech, is a powerful corporate finance move. It typically involves buying back shares from the open market or through tender offers. The primary goal is often to increase the value of the remaining outstanding shares. Here’s how it generally works and potential benefits: Increased Earnings Per Share (EPS): With fewer shares outstanding, the company’s net income is divided among a smaller number of shares, potentially boosting EPS. This can make the stock look more attractive to investors. Improved Valuation Metrics: Other per-share metrics, like book value per share, can also improve. Signaling Confidence: A share buyback can signal that the company believes its stock is undervalued and that investing in its own shares is a good use of capital. Returning Value to Shareholders: It’s a way to return capital to shareholders, similar to dividends, but potentially more tax-efficient in some jurisdictions. Consolidation of Ownership: In some cases, it can consolidate ownership, giving existing shareholders a larger percentage of the company. For SecureTech, this move could be aimed at enhancing its financial profile ahead of potential M&A activities or a stock uplisting, making the company appear financially stronger and more efficient. How Does Web3 M&A Fit In? SecureTech’s focus on Web3 M&A highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its technological footprint in next-generation internet technologies. Web3 encompasses decentralized technologies like blockchain, NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the metaverse. Mergers and acquisitions in this space can allow SecureTech to: Acquire Talent and Expertise: Bring in skilled teams with specialized knowledge in specific Web3 niches. Gain Access to New Technology: Integrate innovative blockchain protocols, smart contract capabilities, or decentralized application (dApp) platforms. Expand Product Offerings: Add new services or products related to digital asset security, decentralized identity, or Web3 infrastructure. Enter New Markets: Establish a presence in specific Web3 verticals or geographic regions. Accelerate Growth: Achieve faster expansion than would be possible through internal development alone. The strategic nature of this M&A drive suggests SecureTech is looking for synergistic opportunities that complement its existing cybersecurity and Web3 foundations, creating a more robust and diversified technology portfolio. Preparing for a Stock Uplisting: What Does it Mean? Moving from an over-the-counter (OTC) market to a national exchange, such as the Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), is known as a stock uplisting . This is a significant step for any company and comes with increased scrutiny and requirements. The process typically involves: Meeting stringent financial standards (revenue, net income, market capitalization). Adhering to higher corporate governance requirements. Ensuring a minimum share price and public float. Increased reporting and compliance obligations. The benefits of a successful stock uplisting are substantial: Increased Visibility and Prestige: Listing on a major exchange brings more attention from institutional investors and analysts. Improved Liquidity: Trading volume often increases, making it easier for investors to buy and sell shares. Enhanced Access to Capital: Being on a national exchange can make it easier and cheaper to raise funds through future stock offerings. Broader Investor Base: Attracts a wider range of investors, including large institutions that may have restrictions on investing in OTC stocks. SecureTech’s preparation for this move indicates confidence in its growth trajectory and a desire to access larger capital markets and gain greater legitimacy in the eyes of mainstream finance. Deep Dive: SecureTech’s Bitcoin Treasury Strategy Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of SecureTech’s 2025 plan is the development of a dedicated Bitcoin treasury strategy . This involves holding Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset, a practice popularized by companies like MicroStrategy. SecureTech is pursuing this through its subsidiary, Piranha Blockchain, and a partnership with LockerFunder. This structure suggests a multi-pronged approach: Piranha Blockchain’s Role: Likely focuses on the technical and operational aspects of acquiring, securing, and managing the Bitcoin holdings. This could involve developing or utilizing secure custody solutions. LockerFunder Partnership: Could be related to financing mechanisms for acquiring Bitcoin, leveraging existing capital, or potentially providing services related to the strategy’s execution. Strategic Rationale: Companies adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy for various reasons, including a hedge against inflation, a belief in Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation potential, and diversification away from traditional fiat holdings. For a Web3 and fintech-focused company like SecureTech, it also aligns with their core business and expertise in digital assets. Implementing such a strategy involves careful consideration of security, regulatory compliance, accounting treatment, and market volatility. It signals a forward-thinking approach to corporate finance, embracing digital assets as part of a modern treasury management system. Evaluating Further Blockchain Fintech Opportunities Beyond the specific focus on a Bitcoin treasury and Web3 M&A, SecureTech is also broadly evaluating further opportunities in the blockchain fintech space. This indicates a commitment to staying at the forefront of financial technology innovation. What might this evaluation entail? Exploring DeFi Applications: Investigating decentralized finance protocols for potential integration or services. Looking into Tokenization: Examining the potential for tokenizing real-world assets or creating new digital assets. Assessing Payment Solutions: Evaluating blockchain-based payment systems and infrastructure. Identifying Strategic Partnerships: Seeking collaborations with other players in the blockchain and fintech ecosystems. Developing New Products: Creating innovative solutions that leverage blockchain technology for financial use cases, potentially related to security, identity, or asset management. This broad evaluation shows SecureTech’s intent to not only participate in the current digital asset landscape but also to actively shape its future through exploring and potentially integrating emerging blockchain fintech advancements. Benefits and Challenges of SecureTech’s Strategy SecureTech’s comprehensive 2025 plan presents a mix of potential benefits and inherent challenges. Potential Benefits: Enhanced Shareholder Value: Share reduction and potential uplisting can boost stock attractiveness. Technological Leadership: Web3 M&A can integrate cutting-edge tech and talent. Increased Capital Access: Uplisting opens doors to larger funding opportunities. Innovative Finance: Bitcoin treasury strategy aligns with digital asset trends and potential long-term gains. Market Position: Aggressive strategy can solidify SecureTech’s place in the cybersecurity and Web3 sectors. Potential Challenges: Execution Risk: Successfully implementing a share reduction, complex M&A, and an uplisting simultaneously is challenging. Market Volatility: Bitcoin’s price volatility introduces risk to the treasury strategy. Regulatory Uncertainty: The Web3 and crypto space faces evolving regulations. Integration Hurdles: Merging acquired companies and technologies can be difficult. Cost and Resources: These initiatives require significant financial and human resources. Navigating these challenges effectively will be key to realizing the full potential of SecureTech’s ambitious plans. What Actionable Insights Can We Take? For investors and market watchers, SecureTech’s strategy offers several points of interest: Monitor Execution: Keep a close eye on how SecureTech progresses with its share reduction, M&A deals, and uplisting efforts. Milestones achieved or missed will be telling. Evaluate Bitcoin Treasury Performance: Track the performance and management of their Bitcoin treasury strategy . This will be a key differentiator and potential value driver, but also a source of risk. Assess M&A Targets: If specific acquisition targets are announced, evaluate how they complement SecureTech’s existing business and contribute to their Web3 M&A goals. Observe Uplisting Progress: Follow their steps towards a national exchange listing, including meeting necessary requirements. Watch for Blockchain Fintech Innovation: Pay attention to any new products or partnerships emerging from their evaluation of blockchain fintech opportunities. SecureTech’s strategy provides a case study in how established tech companies are seeking to integrate digital assets and decentralized technologies into their core operations and financial planning. Conclusion: A Future Built on Digital Assets and Strategic Growth SecureTech’s 2025 strategy paints a picture of a company aggressively pursuing growth and innovation at the frontier of technology and finance. From reducing its share count to preparing for a significant stock uplisting , the company is taking concrete steps to enhance its corporate structure and market standing. Their proactive pursuit of Web3 M&A opportunities signals a clear intent to expand technological capabilities in decentralized domains. However, the most noteworthy element is arguably the formal adoption of a Bitcoin treasury strategy , positioning SecureTech among a growing list of companies integrating digital assets into their balance sheets. Coupled with an ongoing evaluation of broader blockchain fintech possibilities, SecureTech is clearly charting a course deeply intertwined with the future of digital finance and decentralized technology. Success will depend on skillful execution and navigating the inherent volatilities and regulatory complexities of the digital asset space. To learn more about the latest Bitcoin treasury strategy trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin institutional adoption . This post SecureTech Unveils Ambitious Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and Web3 M&A Push first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
