Blockchain – Coinedict

Massive $27B Crypto Crime Marketplace ‘Haowang Guarantee’ Shut Down After Telegram Crackdown

Casey8 hours ago8 hours ago04 mins

One of the world’s largest crypto-fueled black markets, Haowang Guarantee, has been taken offline following a major cleanup effort by Telegram. The platform was responsible for moving over $27 billion in illicit funds, making it the biggest marketplace of its kind ever exposed. Telegram Pulls the Plug After Investigative Pressure The takedown came after investigations by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic and a follow-up report by WIRED, which brought new attention to Haowang’s massive illegal operations. Telegram responded swiftly by blocking thousands of accounts tied to both Haowang and a smaller, related operation called Xinbi Guarantee. A Telegram spokesperson confirmed that communities reported by Elliptic and WIRED were removed for violating the platform’s anti-crime policies. What Was Haowang Guarantee? Originally known as Huione Guarantee, Haowang was a Chinese-language black market deeply involved in crypto crime. It connected fraudsters, scammers, and shady service providers through Telegram groups using a built-in escrow system to “guarantee” transactions. Vendors on the platform offered everything from money laundering using USDT, to deepfake software, stolen personal data, and even hardware for scam operations across Southeast Asia. According to Elliptic’s research, Haowang handled more than $27 billion in crypto inflows, surpassing any known dark web marketplace to date. Could It Return? Despite the shutdown, there are early signs Haowang’s operators may be regrouping. A spike in user activity has been noticed on another platform called Tudou Guarantee, which Elliptic believes is linked to the same network. While Telegram’s crackdown has delivered a serious blow, analysts say it’s unlikely to fully stop these operations—especially given that Huione Group, the company behind Haowang, has deep regional connections, including links to Cambodia’s political elite. U.S. Sanctions Add More Pressure This development also comes just weeks after the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced it would sanction Huione Group as a money laundering operation, cutting it off from U.S. financial systems. A Win, But the Fight Isn’t Over Elliptic co-founder Tom Robinson called the shutdown a major victory: “This is a huge win. The largest dark-net marketplace to have ever existed has been shut down. It’s a big blow to the criminal ecosystem that will take a long time to recover from.” Still, Robinson warned that this may only be temporary. “Online crime is a cat-and-mouse game. But these are very large mice.”

Xinbi Exposed: $8.4 Billion USDT Laundering Ring Uncovered on Telegram

Casey1 day ago1 day ago03 mins

A massive cybercrime operation using Tether (USDT) on Telegram has just been brought to light — and it’s bigger than anyone expected. According to a new report by blockchain intelligence firm Elliptic, a Colorado-registered company called Xinbi Co. Ltd. was secretly running a shady Telegram-based platform known as Xinbi Guarantee, which facilitated over $8.4 billion in illicit transactions since 2022. Telegram Cracks Down After Major Revelation Following Elliptic’s findings, Telegram has taken action, shutting down thousands of channels linked to Xinbi Guarantee and another similar platform, Huione Guarantee. Xinbi’s Telegram network served as a digital black market for criminals, especially those running pig butchering scams — a growing form of crypto fraud that often targets victims through fake romantic relationships. But that’s not all. The platform also enabled the sale of fake IDs, Starlink satellite devices, and databases of stolen personal data, helping online fraudsters scale their attacks globally. How Big Was the Xinbi Scam? Elliptic’s analysis reveals some alarming growth figures: North Korean Hackers Linked to Xinbi The investigation also uncovered direct ties to North Korean cybercrime. Part of the $235 million stolen in the 2024 WazirX hack — attributed to North Korean hackers — was traced back to Xinbi, with $220,000 in USDT flowing through its wallets. The Bigger Picture: Telegram as a Criminal Haven? Elliptic warns that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The firm is currently monitoring over 30 similar illegal Telegram-based marketplaces using stablecoins like USDT to fuel online scams and laundering operations across Asia and beyond.

Swiss Crypto Valley Hits Major Milestone: 1,750 Blockchain Companies and Growing

Casey1 day ago1 day ago03 mins

Switzerland’s Crypto Valley is booming, and the latest numbers prove it. As of 2025, nearly 1,750 blockchain companies now call the region home — a massive 132% growth since 2020, according to a new report by CV VC. Spanning across Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Crypto Valley is becoming one of the most important blockchain hotspots in the world. The tech-friendly town of Zug continues to lead the pack, hosting over 40% of all crypto firms in the region. Close behind is Zurich with 15%, while other areas like Ticino, Geneva, and Luzern are also gaining traction. “Crypto Valley has proven it can grow, evolve, and stay strong even in tough global conditions,” said Mathias Ruch, CEO of CV VC. Over the last five years, the area has posted a steady 18.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). That kind of consistency shows that Switzerland isn’t just following crypto trends — it’s shaping them. What’s Driving the Growth? The rise of infrastructure and financial services is a big factor. These two sectors now make up a combined 38% of all blockchain companies in the region. Close behind are firms offering consulting and advisory services, showing that Crypto Valley isn’t just a place for builders — it’s a full ecosystem. Legal structures are also shifting. While most companies still operate as corporations or LLCs, there’s a noticeable rise in foundations and associations, especially in 2024, which accounted for over 20% of new company filings. Swiss Blockchain Scene Goes Global According to Heinz Tännler, President of the Swiss Blockchain Federation, the data confirms Switzerland’s growing influence on the global crypto stage. “This industry isn’t just important locally — it’s becoming globally strategic,” he said. With strong regulation, investor interest, and clear growth, Crypto Valley is positioning itself as one of the world’s leading blockchain innovation zones.

Vinanz Lands $4M Investment to Expand U.S. Bitcoin Plans, Eyes Nasdaq Listing

Casey1 day ago1 day ago03 mins

London-based Bitcoin mining firm Vinanz is ramping up its U.S. growth strategy after securing $4 million in funding from a global asset manager. The company, already listed on the London Stock Exchange, has its sights set on a dual listing on Nasdaq as it moves deeper into the American crypto market. The investment comes through U.S. investment bank Dominari Securities, which began working with Vinanz in April. The funding is split into two parts — the first $2 million will be used to build up the company’s Bitcoin holdings, while the second $2 million will be available later, provided certain undisclosed conditions are met. “This funding puts us in a strong position to increase our Bitcoin reserves as we prepare for a potential Nasdaq listing,” a Vinanz spokesperson said. Paving the Road to Wall Street Vinanz began exploring a move to the U.S. markets earlier this year, hiring U.S. law firm Lucosky Brookman LLP to evaluate its options for joining Nasdaq. While the timeline for a dual listing hasn’t been made public, the firm believes that getting onto Nasdaq would boost its visibility and attract more institutional investors. The company made headlines in January when it moved from the AQSE Growth Market to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, signaling a step toward more serious capital market activity. Why This Matters With this new funding and a potential Wall Street listing on the horizon, Vinanz is positioning itself as a rising player in the crypto mining space. The move comes at a time when Bitcoin accumulation is becoming more strategic for companies looking to build long-term value, especially ahead of the next bull cycle. The $4 million backing also reflects growing confidence from traditional finance players in crypto-native firms — a trend that could accelerate as regulatory clarity improves in the U.S.

Kazakhstan Wants to Be Central Asia’s Next Big Crypto Hub

Casey1 day ago1 day ago04 mins

Kazakhstan is making big moves to become the leading crypto hub in Central Asia, and it’s all starting with new reforms that could open the door to faster adoption and more innovation. In a recent op-ed, Kanysh Tuleushin, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Digital Development, shared his vision of turning the country into a blockchain-friendly zone by lifting crypto restrictions and updating regulations. “If digital asset trading is fully legalized across Kazakhstan, the impact could be huge,” Tuleushin said. What’s Kazakhstan Planning? Tuleushin believes a more open crypto environment could bring in billions of tenge to the national economy through proper taxation. He also called for: Miners Could Help Modernize the Grid Kazakhstan already has a strong mining presence, but the government wants to make it even more efficient. Tuleushin said that mining firms could help balance the national power grid, especially by using surplus energy and associated gas from oil fields to run data centers. There’s also a 70/30 energy policy in place where investors fund power plant upgrades: This approach not only supports green energy goals but also turns excess resources into economic value. Crypto Growth in Numbers Kazakhstan’s crypto stats are already impressive: The Roadblocks: Illegal Trading Despite this growth, the country still struggles with unregulated crypto trades. In 2023, an estimated $4.1 billion in crypto turnover happened outside government oversight — that’s more than 91% of the market. Authorities have already cracked down: Kazakhstan’s CBDC and Regional Competition Kazakhstan is also developing its own central bank digital currency (CBDC) — the digital tenge — expected to launch in 2025. Meanwhile, other Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are stepping up too. Binance just signed an MOU with Kyrgyzstan to help develop crypto payment systems and education programs. Final Thoughts Kazakhstan’s digital leaders are pushing for a future where crypto is regulated, accessible, and fully integrated into the economy. With the right reforms and oversight, the country could soon be a regional leader in blockchain innovation — not just in mining, but across the full Web3 ecosystem.

Fartcoin’s Next Move: Bullish Blast or Breakdown Brewing?

Casey2 days ago2 days ago03 mins

Fartcoin is teasing its next big move—and it could be either a full-on moon mission or a pressure release. After a powerful rally, the memecoin legend has stalled below the $1.42 resistance. That level has proven stubborn, with multiple failed breakout attempts suggesting the bulls may be taking a breather. But don’t let the pause fool you—Fartcoin’s bullish structure is still intact. Key Levels to Watch: What’s Next for Fartcoin? Fartcoin may enter a consolidation range between $1.00 and $1.42, giving traders time to reposition. This kind of sideways action is common before major breakouts, especially when a market is still in an overall uptrend. If the price dips toward $1.00 and holds firm with high volume on the bounce, it could mark the beginning of the next leg up. But if support fails, the structure could start to crack. Until then, keep your eyes on: TL;DR: Final Thought: Whether it’s a bullish buildup or something more… silent but deadly, Fartcoin’s next move could be explosive. Stay sharp, stay smelly.

PumpSwap Unveils Bold New Revenue-Sharing Model for Memecoin Creators

Casey2 days ago2 days ago05 mins

In a move that could shake up the crypto industry, PumpSwap, the decentralized exchange (DEX) built on Solana by Pump.Fun, has introduced a first-of-its-kind revenue-sharing model. The update gives memecoin creators a cut of the trading fees, turning meme coins from a trend into a potential income stream. Here’s What’s Changing Starting now, 50% of trading fees on PumpSwap will go to the creators of the tokens being traded. More specifically: This simple change could have big consequences. Based on $11.2 billion in trading volume in April alone, PumpSwap could have paid out over $5.6 million to token creators last month. A Win for Innovation… or a Rug Pull Magnet? The goal behind this model is to reward creativity and innovation. By giving memecoin creators a slice of the action, PumpSwap hopes to encourage more developers to launch unique and engaging tokens. And it’s never been easier to do so. Thanks to Pump.Fun’s ultra-simple interface, anyone can: This user-friendly system lowers the barrier to entry, helping everyday users get into the crypto creation game. But there’s a flip side. Critics Raise Red Flags Some in the crypto community aren’t thrilled. Critics on X (formerly Twitter) warn that the guaranteed 0.05% fee reward could encourage bad actors. Why? Because developers might launch a token, walk away, and still earn passive income — even if the project gets abandoned. This model may also discourage community-led project takeovers. If a dev bails and the community tries to revive the token, they’ll still be paying fees to the original (possibly inactive) creator. That’s led to frustration among users who see it as unfair. A Double-Edged Sword? The big question: Will this new model lead to a golden age of innovation or just another wave of low-effort, high-risk memecoins? Some see it as a smart way to incentivize long-term development and make crypto more inclusive. Others worry it’s just opening the floodgates for speculative behavior — especially as crypto markets edge toward what some analysts call a $15 trillion ETF bubble. Key Takeaways: Final Thoughts PumpSwap’s new model is undeniably bold. It breaks away from traditional DEX norms and could help memecoin creators earn recurring income. But with great opportunity comes risk. As this model rolls out, the crypto world will be watching closely to see whether it fuels genuine innovation — or just feeds a fresh cycle of hype and speculation.

Crypto.com Earns Key Regulatory Approval to Continue Serving Canadian Users

Casey2 days ago2 days ago04 mins

Crypto.com just hit a major milestone in Canada. The global crypto platform has officially received a Restricted Dealer Registration, allowing it to keep offering crypto products and services to Canadian customers while working toward full regulatory approval. This move strengthens Crypto.com’s long-term commitment to Canada, one of the world’s most tightly regulated crypto markets. What Does the New Status Mean? The Restricted Dealer license means Crypto.com can continue operating legally in Canada while it seeks full investment dealer registration and membership with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). This progress follows Crypto.com’s role as a pioneer in the country. Back in August 2022, it became the first crypto trading platform to sign a Pre-registration Undertaking with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) — a key step toward regulatory clarity in Canada. Enhanced Security and Custody for Users Crypto.com isn’t just meeting legal requirements — it’s doubling down on user protection. According to Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, the company is committed to strong compliance protocols that improve trust and safeguard user funds. To support this, Crypto.com Custody Trust Company will act as the main custodian for digital assets in Canada, offering secure storage aligned with Canadian standards. “We’re proud to continue building in Canada with a focus on transparency, security, and compliance,”— Eric Anziani, President & COO, Crypto.com Canada Remains a Key Market As regulators in Canada tighten oversight of the crypto industry, firms like Crypto.com that actively engage with regulators are better positioned to grow. This latest registration shows that the platform is serious about playing by the rules — and setting a high bar for competitors. Key Takeaways:

Inabit Partners with Google Cloud to Boost Crypto Security with Confidential Computing

Casey2 days ago2 days ago04 mins

In a major move for crypto security, Tel Aviv-based firm inabit has teamed up with Google Cloud to take digital asset protection to the next level. The partnership focuses on preventing private key leaks — one of the biggest risks in crypto — by using Google’s Confidential Computing technology. This collaboration comes at a crucial time when high-profile hacks continue to shake the industry. One example is the Multichain hack in July 2023, which saw attackers steal over $125 million by exploiting exposed private keys. What Makes This Security Setup Different? At the core of this partnership is the integration of inabit’s Trusted Computing Mechanism (TCM) with Google Cloud’s Confidential Space. This setup ensures that private keys stay encrypted even during transactions, drastically reducing the risk of insider attacks or external hacks. “Trusted Execution Environments powered by Confidential Computing are becoming the de facto standard in Web3,”— Rene Kolga, Senior Product Manager at Google Cloud Kolga added that Google Cloud’s platform is designed to scale globally while protecting sensitive digital assets — especially useful for enterprises managing large sums in crypto. Why This Matters for Crypto Users and Institutions Dr. Moti Geva, CTO at inabit and former head of Israel’s national cybersecurity team CERT-IL, explained that the new system gives users full control and confidentiality over their digital assets. “Our technology, paired with Google Cloud encryption, builds a solid wall against vulnerabilities seen in other wallets,”— Dr. Geva, CTO at inabit This isn’t just about security for tech giants either. The new system is already being adopted by banks and businesses to safely manage both crypto and fiat assets. Designed for High-Volume, Real-World Use This joint solution is built to handle large-scale transactions, supporting secure crypto swaps, fiat conversions, and real-time transfers. It’s also part of a larger mission: making military-grade trusted computing tools accessible to startups, fintechs, and enterprises of all sizes. “We want to make it easy for any business to embrace crypto securely,”— Dr. Geva Bridging Traditional Finance and Web3 By focusing on self-custody infrastructure and bulletproof transaction security, inabit and Google Cloud are pushing crypto deeper into the mainstream. This move is expected to accelerate institutional adoption and help align digital asset management with the standards used in traditional finance. Key Takeaways

Moonshot’s Cryptic Tweet Triggers Bitcoin and Altcoin Buzz — What Traders Need to Know

Casey3 days ago3 days ago07 mins

A mysterious tweet from popular crypto analyst Moonshot has set the crypto world on fire. The post, shared on May 12, 2025, simply included a cryptic “👀👀👀” and a chart — no text, no explanation. But that was more than enough to send Bitcoin and altcoin traders into a frenzy. What Was in the Chart? Though Moonshot didn’t say much, the chart appears to show a breakout pattern and a sudden surge in trading volume. For many traders, that’s a classic signal of a potential price move — either up or down. Since the tweet went live at around 10:30 AM UTC, crypto trading volumes have jumped sharply. Bitcoin (BTC) trading alone spiked by 18%, reaching $32 billion in 24 hours, according to CoinGecko. Stock Market Turmoil Adds Fuel to Crypto Moves This crypto buzz isn’t happening in a vacuum. It comes just a day after U.S. stock markets took a beating. The S&P 500 dropped 2.5%, and the Nasdaq fell 4.1% on May 11. Investors are worried about inflation and rising interest rates, which usually spell trouble for riskier assets — including crypto. As stocks fell, Bitcoin slipped 3.2% to $58,400, while Ethereum dipped 2.8% to $2,350. That overlap in timing has many speculating: Was Moonshot hinting at a deeper connection between traditional markets and crypto? AI Tokens Show Strength Amid the Chaos Interestingly, not every token is down. AI-focused cryptocurrencies like Render (RNDR) and Fetch.ai (FET) are holding strong. RNDR gained 1.5% to hit $5.80, and FET rose 2.3% to $1.25 as of noon UTC. These tokens may be benefiting from growing interest in AI and blockchain projects, even as tech stocks tumble. Technical Analysis: BTC and ETH May Be Oversold Traders are also watching technical indicators closely. As of 2:00 PM UTC: Both suggest these assets are entering oversold territory — a zone that often attracts dip buyers. Meanwhile, Ethereum trading volume jumped 15% to $14.5 billion, showing that traders are staying active even in choppy waters. On-Chain Insights and Institutional Moves Blockchain data from Glassnode shows more small investors are buying the dip. Wallets holding over 0.1 BTC increased by 7%, suggesting confidence among retail traders. But on the institutional side, sentiment is more cautious. Bloomberg reports $120 million in outflows from Bitcoin ETFs on May 11. At the same time, Coinbase (COIN) stock dropped 3.7%, reflecting the broader market’s risk-off mood. What It All Means for Crypto Traders This mix of mysterious signals, market sell-offs, and AI token strength is creating a unique moment for crypto. Here’s what traders are watching: While Moonshot’s tweet didn’t say much directly, the market reaction speaks volumes. Whether it’s a warning or a signal to prepare for a big move, crypto traders are paying attention. Key Takeaways FAQ What did Moonshot tweet?Moonshot posted a chart with no explanation, just “👀👀👀,” triggering major speculation among traders. Why is crypto down right now?U.S. stock markets fell sharply due to inflation concerns, which spilled over into crypto. Bitcoin and Ethereum dropped more than 3%. Are there any winners in this market?Yes — AI tokens like Render (RNDR) and Fetch.ai (FET) are seeing gains despite broader market losses. Final Thoughts In volatile markets, even a simple emoji tweet can move billions. Whether Moonshot’s chart turns out to be a bullish sign or just noise, one thing is clear: crypto traders should stay alert and manage risk carefully.

US Livestock Import Ban Sparks Market Volatility — Crypto Traders Eye Supply Chain Tokens

Casey3 days ago3 days ago04 mins

The U.S. government has officially closed its southern border to livestock imports as of May 12, 2025, in a move to stop the spread of a deadly species of flies. First reported by Fox News, the decision is already shaking up agriculture markets and triggering early ripples in the crypto space. Why This Matters The ban, which mainly affects livestock trade with Mexico, comes at a time of heightened concern over food security and disease control. While the move is aimed at protecting U.S. livestock, it’s likely to cause disruptions in meat supply chains, leading to short-term price shocks in both agricultural commodities and related equities. But it doesn’t stop there—crypto markets are also feeling the heat. Crypto Market Reacts: VeChain, TRAC See a Bump As the traditional agriculture sector braces for impact, blockchain projects focused on supply chain transparency and food traceability are catching trader interest. Stock Market vs Crypto: A Shift in Risk Appetite? Major meat processing stocks weren’t spared either. Tyson Foods (TSN) dropped 1.8% in early trading, continuing its slide into the afternoon. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Agriculture Index declined 0.9%, reflecting wider concerns over supply chain bottlenecks. By contrast, crypto heavyweights like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) remained relatively stable—suggesting a possible safe-haven rotation from stocks to digital assets. BTC traded around $62,350, while ETH held near $2,980, both showing resilience amid broader market jitters. On-Chain Data Signals Rising Interest Blockchain analytics platforms reveal growing momentum among supply chain tokens: Meanwhile, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index sits at a neutral 48, showing caution, not panic. What Traders Should Watch Next With traditional markets under pressure, DeFi tokens linked to real-world use cases like agriculture, logistics, and food safety could emerge as strong short-term plays. Key altcoins to watch: Increased stock market volatility could push more traders toward crypto assets that offer exposure to disrupted sectors—but with decentralized risk. Conclusion The U.S. livestock import ban is more than a policy move—it’s a real-time case study in how macro events ripple across markets. For crypto traders, the takeaway is clear: keep an eye on real-world news, because the next market opportunity might not come from a chart—it might come from a headline.

Pi Network Token Skyrockets into Crypto’s Top 20 Ahead of Major Announcement

Casey3 days ago3 days ago03 mins

The Pi Network token has taken the crypto world by surprise, surging over 70% in just two days and briefly landing a spot among the top 20 digital assets by market cap. The rally comes just days before a highly anticipated announcement from the Pi team, scheduled for May 14. The price surge began gaining momentum after Pi Network teased a “major ecosystem update” on May 8. Although the team hasn’t revealed specific details yet, the crypto community is buzzing with speculation. Many believe this could be a game-changing moment for Pi Network’s long-awaited Mainnet transition and wider adoption. 📈 Pi up over 72% in 48 hoursAccording to market data, Pi has jumped by more than 72% in under 48 hours and over 118% in the past week, making it the best-performing token in the top 20 during that time frame. At its recent peak, Pi hit $1.43 — its highest price since mid-March — with a market cap surpassing $9 billion. 🔥 What’s driving the surge?There are two main factors behind Pi’s explosive rally: Despite the rally, Pi is still not officially listed on Binance — reportedly due to liquidity concerns and the project’s unique token distribution model. But if the upcoming May 14 announcement includes clarity on those issues, that could be the final push needed for wider exchange support. 🔮 What’s next?With excitement building and Pi reclaiming investor attention, all eyes are on May 14. If the announcement delivers on expectations, Pi Network could strengthen its position not just in price — but as a serious player in the blockchain space.