Category: Cryptocurrency

KuCoin 2024 Annual Review: A Year of Resilience, Growth, and Transformation

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VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a global leader in the cryptocurrency exchange market, proudly announces its achievements in the 2024 Annual Review. The year was marked by a whirlwind of activities, significant growth in user base and trading volumes, and steadfast enhancements in security measures and regulatory compliance.

In 2024, KuCoin witnessed an unprecedented tripling of spot trading volumes in the MENA region, with Europe following closely with a 144% increase. This significant growth underscores KuCoin’s robust platform and market strategy adaptiveness. The exchange now serves over 38 million users globally, noting the most rapid growth in LATAM and MENA regions. Additionally, the number of new listings on KuCoin doubled in 2024, with a standout 170% increase in the fourth quarter alone compared to the third quarter. The futures trading platform also saw substantial growth, adding 125 new assets and attracting over 3 million new users, with a total 30% growth in Q4 user numbers.

KuCoin’s security and regulatory compliance remained a cornerstone of operations throughout 2024. As the first global exchange registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), KuCoin leads the industry in adhering to stringent regulatory standards. With five global regulatory licenses, KuCoin continues to set the benchmark for security and compliance. The settlement with the DOJ further strengthens KuCoin’s position and allows it to focus more on growth and innovation, underscoring its commitment to operating within legal frameworks and maintaining the highest integrity.

The year also saw the launch of innovative platforms like GemPool and GemVote, which have significantly engaged the community and driven user interaction with new token listings. The Trading Bot platform witnessed a 49% increase in new bots in Q4 alone, demonstrating KuCoin’s leadership in automated crypto trading solutions.

KuCoin remains committed to impactful CSR activities, such as the “Light Up Africa” project, which distributed 10,000 solar lamps, benefiting 50,000 children across various communities.

As the industry moves into 2025, KuCoin is focused on continuing its growth trajectory, emphasizing security, innovation and user experience. There will be more upcoming enhancements that are dedicated to providing exceptional value and service to crypto users globally.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 39 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots. KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. These recognitions reflect its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Bit Digital, Inc. Announces Monthly Production Update for January 2025

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NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York, announced its unaudited digital asset production, HPC services revenue, and corporate updates for the month of January 2025.


(PRNewsfoto/Bit Digital, Inc.)

 Corporate Highlights for January 2025

  • The Company earned approximately $4.9 million of total unaudited HPC revenue[1] during the month of January 2025.
  • Treasury holdings of BTC and ETH were 768.7 and 27,689.6 with a fair market value of approximately $78.7 million and $91.3 million, respectively, on January 31, 2025.
  • The BTC equivalent[2] of our digital asset holdings as of January 31, 2025, was approximately 1,663.0 or approximately $170.3 million.
  • The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $74.3 million and total liquidity (defined as cash and cash equivalents, USDC, and the fair market value of digital assets) of approximately $244.6 million in January 2025.

Colocation Services Revenue Highlights

  • The Company had 14 customers actively generating revenue at its Tier-3 Enovum Data Center facility, as of January 31, 2025.
  • The Company’s HPC data center colocation revenue was approximately CAD $757.8k (approximately USD $522.9k) in January 2025.

GPU Cloud Highlights

  • The Company had 268 servers (2,144 GPUs) actively generating revenue from its Bit Digital AI contracts, as of January 31, 2025. The Company earned approximately $4.4 million of total unaudited GPU Cloud revenue during the month of January 2025. In addition, the Company received $131K in cash payments from its equipment leasing contract with Boosteroid during the month of January 2025.
  • On January 22, Bit Digital entered into a new agreement with a key customer for 464 Nvidia B200 GPUs, expanding its GPU Cloud business. This new agreement replaces a prior agreement whereby the Company was to provide the customer with an incremental 2,048 H100 GPUs and the Company continues to explore additional GPU contracts with this customer for 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, Bit Digital will provide the customer with 58 Nvidia B200 servers (464 GPUs) for a period of eighteen months. The contract represents approximately $15 million of annualized revenue for Bit Digital and features a two-month prepayment from the customer.

Digital Assets Highlights

  • In January 2025, the Company produced 28.7 BTC, an 11.4% decrease compared to the prior month. The decrease was primarily driven by a change in the Company’s hosting portfolio, ongoing redeployment of mining assets to new sites, and the retirement of older generation miners.
  • In January 2025, the Company’s active hash rate was approximately 1.6 EH/s, an 11.1% decrease compared to the prior month. The decrease was primarily driven by a change in the Company’s hosting portfolio, ongoing redeployment of mining assets to new sites, and the retirement of older generation miners.
  • 191 Bitmain Antminer S21 mining units were delivered to a new hosting site in the month of January 2025.
  • The Company had approximately 21,568 ETH actively staked in native staking protocols as of January 31, 2025.
  • Bit Digital earned a blended APY of approximately 3.6% on its staked ETH position for the month of January 2025.
  • The Company earned aggregate staking rewards of approximately 65.8 ETH during January 2025.

Other Highlights

  • As of January 1, 2025, the Company officially transitioned to domestic issuer status under U.S. securities regulations.

Upcoming Events

  • Fireside Chat with H.C. Wainwright on February 12.

About Bit Digital

Bit Digital, Inc. is a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York City. The Company’s HPC business operates under the WhiteFiber Inc. (“WhiteFiber”) brand. Our operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or visit our website at www.bit-digital.com.

Investor Notice

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“Annual Report”). Notwithstanding the fact that Bit Digital Inc. has not conducted operations in the PRC since September 30, 2021 we have previously disclosed under Risk Factors in our Annual Report: “We may be subject to fines and penalties for any noncompliance with or any liabilities in our former business in China in a certain period from now on.” Although the statute of limitations for non-compliance by our former business in the PRC is generally two years and the Company has been out of the PRC, for more than two years, the Authority may still find its prior bitcoin mining operations involved a threat to financial security. In such event, the two-year period would be extended to five years. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. Future changes in the network-wide mining difficulty rate or bitcoin hash rate may also materially affect the future performance of Bit Digital’s production of bitcoin. Actual operating results will vary depending on many factors including network difficulty rate, total hash rate of the network, the operations of our facilities, the status of our miners, and other factors. See “Safe Harbor Statement” below.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

[1] Total HPC Revenue includes GPU Cloud revenue and Colocation services revenue. This figure excludes revenue from signed contracts that have not yet commenced. Cash payments from its equipment leasing contract with Boosteroid are also not included in Total HPC Revenue for accounting reasons.

[2] “BTC equivalent” is a hypothetical illustration of the value of our digital asset treasury holdings in bitcoin terms. BTC equivalent is defined as if all non-BTC digital assets, comprised of ETH, and USDC, were converted into BTC as of January 31, 2025, and added to our existing BTC balance. Conversion values are found using the closing price on coinmarketcap.com. Our digital asset portfolio excludes digital assets invested in a third-party managed fund.

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SOURCE Bit Digital, Inc.

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DuelNow Launches $DNOW Token Delivering Membership Rewards for Users

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LISBON, Portugal, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DuelNow – the trailblazing sports prediction market – is thrilled to announce the launch of its platform’s native token, $DNOW.


DuelNow Logo

The $DNOW token empowers DuelNow users by enabling access to a dynamic tiered membership system that unlocks exclusive benefits. By holding $DNOW, users can enjoy  reduced platform fees and increased referral earnings.

Every time one of your referees joins or creates a prediction, you earn!

Membership Tiers: Rewarding Engagement and Loyalty

New and existing users will be invited to progress through DuelNow’s six-tier membership system, ranging from Rookie to Legendary. Each tier increases the potential referral rewards and reduces platform fees, providing users with more opportunities to maximize their earnings.

The level of referral incentives is determined by your membership tier at the time of referee action, rewarding you based on your current $DNOW holdings. By maintaining or increasing the $DNOW in your connected wallet, you can ensure your membership tier and its benefits remain at their highest level.

Simon Yu, CEO of DuelNow, said, “The $DNOW token and membership tiers reward users for holding tokens, increasing engagement, boosting referral earnings, and reducing fees based on membership level. This launch gives users more value as they participate.” He added that he believes, “$DNOW and Membership Tiers build a platform focused on community and rewarding long-term users.”

Recent Platform Enhancement

DuelNow has recently upgraded its user interface to enhance user experience significantly. The new design simplifies the process of creating and joining predictions, features a more intuitive layout, and includes a prediction slip for quicker transactions. These updates were designed to further integrate user engagement with the sports prediction market.

Airdrop for Early Participants

To reward early participants, DuelNow will offer an exclusive $DNOW token airdrop in 2025 to users who take part in the ongoing Quests & Points program. Participants can earn points by creating predictions or joining those of others.

Additional details about the airdrop will be shared in early 2025. New users can still join the program and start earning points by signing up today.

Users can sign up for DuelNow today to earn their first 1,000 points..

About DuelNow

DuelNow is an innovative sports prediction market where users take full control. This peer-to-peer platform enables custom odds and direct competition, removing traditional intermediaries. By eliminating the house and any house advantage, DuelNow ensures a transparent and user-focused experience. Profit with your sports predictions.

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Bybit Registers with FIU-IND and Commits to the Indian Markets

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DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has successfully registered with FIU-IND, reinforcing its commitment to regulatory compliance in India. As part of this process, Bybit has settled the monetary fine and diligently addressed and resolved prior regulatory matters, further demonstrating its dedication to transparency and the highest standards in the Indian market.

Bybit is committed to operating within the regulatory framework of India and takes its compliance obligations seriously. We have been working diligently with the FIU-IND to address their concerns and ensure full adherence to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (“PMLA”) and associated regulations. We recognize the importance of robust Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (“CFT”) measures and are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in these areas.

We believe that our engagement and cooperation throughout the FIU-IND registration process demonstrates our commitment to compliance. We have been actively working to fulfill all necessary requirements for compliance, including its registration application on 26 June 2024 as a Virtual Digital Asset Service Provider (“VDASP”) in India.

Bybit is also proactively involved in the Indian crypto community to educate users and spread awareness. Bybit is currently a Silver Associate Member with the Bharat Web3 Association (“BWA”) . Through this partnership, we hope to use our platform to promote Web3 adoption and foster innovation in the Indian crypto ecosystem.

Bybit’s not-for-profit initiative Blockchain for Good Alliance (“BGA”) has partnered with blockchain societies of top universities like Blockchain Society of IIT Delhi and Blockchain Society of IIT Kharagpur to drive crypto education in India. Bybit will also be conducting a series of hackathons, workshops, and other events in partnership with top universities to foster crypto and blockchain education and awareness within the Indian market in the coming months.

Bybit recognizes the great potential of the Indian market, and is committed to offering the best services and products to all Indian users, including Spot, Derivatives, Options, Bybit Earn, and more.

Bybit Registers with FIU-IND and Commits to the Indian Markets

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.co
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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Abundance Summit – World’s Highest Level CEO/Entrepreneurs Summit – Announces 2025 Faculty and Program

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Visionaries including Palmer Lucky, Travis Kalanick, Arianna Huffington, Brett Adcock,
Cathie Wood, and Vinod Khosla to address “Technological Convergence” and the future
of exponential technologies

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Abundance360 (A360), the premier leadership community for exponential entrepreneurs, investors and innovators, announces its faculty line-up for the annual 2025 Abundance Summit taking place March 9-13 in Los Angeles.


Abundance360 Logo (PRNewsfoto/Peter Diamandis)

This one-of-a-kind, five-day summit, hosted by Peter H. Diamandis, MD, founder of Abundance360, Singularity University and XPRIZE, brings together entrepreneurs and CEOs leading $10 million to $10 billion companies to explore the theme of “Technological Convergence”—the fusion of exponential technologies poised to redefine industries and societies.

This year’s summit features prominent leaders including Brett Adcock (Founder, CEO, Figure), Arianna Huffington (Founder & CEO, Thrive Global), Travis Kalanick (Co-Founder, Uber), Cathie Wood (CEO, ARK Invest), Vinod Khosla (Founder, Khosla Ventures), Anthony Scaramucci (Founder, SkyBridge Capital), Palmer Luckey (Founder, CEO, Anduril), Jared Kaplan (co-Founder, CSO, Anthropic) and many more leading minds in technology, business, and innovation.

From fireside chats and keynotes to hands-on experiences at the Google Tech Hub, this year’s summit is designed to inspire and educate attendees and equip them with actionable insights to tackle global challenges and harness the power of exponential technologies. Topics will include:

  • AI, Humanoid Robots & Quantum Computing
  • Exponential Tech: AR, 3D Printing, Sensors, Networks, Drones
  • Biotech, Health & Human Longevity
  • Crypto, Bitcoin & Blockchain
  • Moonshot Thinking

“We are on the brink of unprecedented technological breakthroughs transforming every aspect of our lives, from how we run our companies, our nation and educate our children. There has never been a more important time to understand the impact of converging exponential technologies. The 2025 Abundance Summit is designed to empower leaders and entrepreneurs to harness the full potential of these advancements, driving transformative change and shaping a brighter future for all,” said Peter H. Diamandis, MD, Founder and Chairman of Abundance360.

Abundance360 is Singularity University’s highest-level program, and 2025 is the 13th year of the Summit’s operation. A360 supports its 500+ members in shaping a “Massive Transformative Purpose” and taking on a Moonshot focused on solving the world’s biggest problems by leveraging converging exponential tech. Admission to A360 and the Abundance Summit is only through application and interview.

The 2025 Abundance Summit is sponsored by Google, Invisible Technologies, Exponential Ventures (xpv.ai), Abra, Fountain Life, Starlink, and Lucid Motors.

Please visit abundance360.com/a360-invite to learn more about joining the Abundance Community.

About Abundance360 Membership & Community
Abundance360 (A360) is a premier global community of 500 entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors united by a shared focus on transformative technologies and impactful innovation. A360 is perhaps the highest level membership of its type with membership levels ranging from $10,000 to $70,000. Designed for leaders running companies valued from $10 million to $10 billion, A360 offers an exclusive year-round program featuring an annual Summit, quarterly virtual workshops, member forums and an annual Platinum Longevity Trip. Members gain access to cutting-edge advancements in AI, biotech, and exponential technologies, as well as a private hub and member-matching tools to foster strategic connections. A360 empowers its members to think boldly, pursue Moonshots, and create meaningful change, while building a close-knit network of like-minded visionaries committed to shaping a better future for humanity. Learn more at abundance360.com/a360-invite.

About Peter H. Diamandis, MD
Peter is a serial entrepreneur, futurist, technologist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and the founder of PHD Ventures and over 25 companies. Fortune magazine has named Peter “One of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” He is the Founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation which has launched over $400 million of incentive competitions, driving more than $4 billion in R&D (most recently launching the $100 million Gigaton Carbon XPRIZE funded by Elon Musk to combat climate change). Peter’s venture fund, BOLD Capital Partners is deploying $600M+ into exponential technologies and health-biotech. Diamandis has written six books including four New York Times bestsellers, and his life’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs to create a hopeful, compelling and abundant future for humanity. Diamandis received his B.S. and M.S. from MIT and his MD from Harvard Medical School.

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SOURCE PHD Ventures

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Bitcoin Price Surge Nears $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Policies

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency. Leave a Comment

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Bitcoin’s price has once again approached the highly anticipated $100,000 milestone, marking a significant moment for the cryptocurrency market. While volatility remains a defining feature of the asset, industry experts suggest that recent pro-crypto policies from the Trump administration could sustain the current Bitcoin price surge and push it even higher in the coming years.

Bitcoin Volatility and Market Trends

Despite surpassing $100,000 briefly, Bitcoin has dipped slightly, with its price trading at approximately $97,200. This fluctuation is not unexpected, as market analysts emphasize that Bitcoin volatility is a natural occurrence in bull markets.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such volatility, and it won’t be the last,” said Charles Wayn, co-founder of Web3 infrastructure provider Galxe.

Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) has also seen notable gains, rising to $2,769 as Ethereum ETFs recorded an impressive $1.5 billion in trades earlier this week.

Pro-Crypto Policies Fuel Bitcoin Optimism

One of the major factors contributing to Bitcoin’s price surge is the Trump administration’s growing support for the cryptocurrency sector. On Tuesday, White House crypto czar David Sacks outlined plans to overhaul regulations and restore confidence in the digital asset industry.

“Trump has realized that crypto is a major economic driver,” said Barry DiRaimondo, a leading blockchain investor. “You can either fear it or embrace it. Trump has chosen the latter.”

Bitcoin Price Surge Predictions: How High Can It Go?

Analysts remain bullish on Bitcoin, predicting that the rally is far from over. Geoffrey Kendrick, head of crypto research at Standard Chartered (LSE:STAN), expects Bitcoin price to reach $500,000 by 2028.

His projections are based on several factors, including:

Institutional adoption: More financial firms are integrating Bitcoin into their portfolios.

Regulatory clarity: Clearer policies could encourage broader investment.

Macroeconomic trends: Bitcoin remains a hedge against inflation and monetary debasement.

Ethereum and the Broader Crypto Market Outlook

While Bitcoin remains the focus, Ethereum’s rising price and ETF demand indicate that institutional investors are diversifying their crypto holdings. Ethereum’s growing adoption in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) has strengthened its long-term prospects.

Will Bitcoin Break the $100K Barrier for Good?

The question remains whether Bitcoin can sustain its price above $100,000. Factors such as regulatory developments, macroeconomic conditions, and investor sentiment will play a key role in shaping the next phase of Bitcoin’s price surge.

For now, the market remains highly optimistic, with experts predicting further gains in the months ahead.

The Future of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Regulation

As Bitcoin continues its ascent, regulatory clarity will be crucial in determining whether this Bitcoin price surge is sustainable. The Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance has already signaled a shift in policy, with officials advocating for clearer regulations that could attract more institutional investors.

Financial firms, including BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) and Fidelity Investments, have been expanding their crypto offerings, suggesting growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value. Additionally, global adoption is rising, with countries such as El Salvador and Hong Kong integrating Bitcoin into their financial systems.

However, risks remain. Potential interest rate hikes and economic downturns could slow down momentum. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. and abroad could impact investor sentiment.

Long-Term Outlook: Is Bitcoin Price Headed for $500K?

If Bitcoin maintains its upward trajectory, reaching $500,000 by 2028 as predicted by Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick, it would solidify its position as digital gold. Factors such as increased institutional adoption, global economic instability, and regulatory support could all contribute to this growth.

For now, investors and analysts are watching closely to see if Bitcoin can break past $100,000 for good—a milestone that could reshape the cryptocurrency market for years to come.

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Canadian Man Accused of $65M Cryptocurrency Fraud

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency. Leave a Comment

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A Canadian man has been indicted in the United States for allegedly orchestrating a $65 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme. Andean Medjedovic, 22, reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in blockchain protocols to siphon millions from investors. If convicted, he faces up to 90 years in prison.

Exploiting Blockchain Vulnerabilities

According to U.S. prosecutors, Medjedovic leveraged weaknesses in automated smart contracts used by cryptocurrency platforms KyberSwap and Indexed Finance between 2021 and 2023. These platforms facilitate decentralized financial transactions through self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The indictment states that he used deceptive trading strategies to manipulate key variables in these contracts, allowing him to withdraw millions at artificial prices.

His tactics involved borrowing hundreds of millions in digital assets to execute misleading trades, ultimately depleting investor funds and rendering their holdings worthless.

Laundering Stolen Cryptocurrency

Beyond the alleged theft, Medjedovic is accused of attempting to launder the stolen assets using advanced blockchain tools. The indictment details how he moved funds through bridge protocols, which transfer cryptocurrency across different blockchains, and cryptocurrency mixers, designed to obscure the origin of digital assets.

When one bridge protocol froze his transactions, Medjedovic allegedly contacted an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a software developer. He reportedly offered $80,000 to bypass security restrictions and retrieve approximately $500,000 in frozen assets.

Online Boast and Past Legal Trouble

Evidence presented by U.S. authorities includes messages where Medjedovic appeared to boast about his activities. In a 2021 online message, he allegedly wrote:

“I did something very cool but accidentally doxxed myself in the process. I may be on the run forever now … Need some advice about becoming a pirate.”

This is not Medjedovic’s first legal entanglement. In 2021, he was sued in Canada by Cicada 137 LLC, a firm managing investor funds in Indexed Finance. The lawsuit accused him of stealing $15 million and described him as possessing a “formidable mathematical prowess” that enabled him to engineer the attack.

A court order allowed authorities to search his parents’ home for evidence, but by then, he had reportedly moved out, taking his devices with him. He was later found in contempt of court, leading to an arrest warrant.

Potential Consequences of Cryptocurrency Fraud

Medjedovic faces multiple charges, including:

Wire fraud (20 years per count)

Attempted extortion under the Hobbs Act (20 years)

Money laundering conspiracy (20 years)

Money laundering (20 years)

Unauthorized damage to a protected computer (10 years)

If convicted on all counts, he could serve up to 90 years in prison.

FBI’s Warning to Cybercriminals

Law enforcement officials emphasized that cybercriminals exploiting blockchain technology are not beyond reach. FBI Assistant Director James Dennehy stated:

“Hackers can at times be painted in a flattering light by pop culture … They’re stealing money that isn’t theirs, and they’re breaking the laws of this country. (Medjedovic), along with all the other cybercriminals who believe they’re untouchable, will face justice.”

As authorities continue their search for Medjedovic, the case underscores growing concerns about cryptocurrency fraud and the risks associated with decentralized finance platforms.

The Growing Threat of Cryptocurrency Fraud

Medjedovic’s case highlights the increasingly sophisticated nature of cryptocurrency fraud and the challenges regulators face in combating financial crimes in the decentralized space. Blockchain technology offers privacy and security advantages, but it also enables criminals to exploit vulnerabilities with limited oversight.

As authorities strengthen efforts to track illicit transactions, cases like Medjedovic’s demonstrate the importance of robust security measures in the crypto industry. Investors are urged to remain cautious and conduct due diligence before engaging with DeFi platforms. Law enforcement agencies continue to develop new strategies to hold cybercriminals accountable, ensuring that fraudsters face justice.

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CleanSpark Releases January 2025 Bitcoin Mining Update

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626 bitcoin mined and 40 EH/s surpassed in operating hashrate

More than 8% fleet efficiency improvement month over month

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CleanSpark, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLSK), America’s Bitcoin Miner® (the “Company”), today released its unaudited bitcoin mining and operations update for the month ending January 31, 2025.


CleanSpark, Inc. Logo (PRNewsfoto/CleanSpark, Inc.)

“CleanSpark powered through January, continuing to improve efficiency and reach new milestones despite historic weather events across several of our regions. We crossed the 40 EH/s milestone, achieved more than 10,500 bitcoin held in treasury, and celebrated the five-year anniversary of our uplisting on Nasdaq by ringing the bell last week,” said Zach Bradford, CEO and President of CleanSpark. “Now, the entire team is focused on executing our path to 50 EH/s and building on our top three position across operating hashrate, marginal cost per coin, fleet efficiency, bitcoin held, and total uptime. This month we saw our interruptible power contracts in action as we curtailed portions of the portfolio during extreme cold weather events. We demonstrated our ability to support our utility and community partners, specifically during the coldest five days, and the benefit to our broad regional portfolio strategy by mitigating downtime in the Southeast with limited interruption across our other regions. Despite the weather, construction in Tennessee, Georgia, and Wyoming continues as we march toward our midyear goal.”

January Bitcoin Mining Update (unaudited)

  • Bitcoin produced in January: 626
  • Total bitcoin holdings as of January 31: 10,556
  • Month-end operating hashrate: 40.1 EH/s
  • MW under contract: 873 MW1
  • Month-end fleet efficiency: 16.15 J/Th
  • Total bitcoin sold in January: 22.47
  • Deployed fleet: 217,272
  • CY2025 bitcoin produced: 626

Throughout January 2025, the Company’s average hashrate was 34.76 EH/s and average fleet efficiency was 17.37 J/Th, resulting in an average of 20.19 bitcoin mined daily. The single day high reached 22.89 bitcoin. The Company sold 22.47 bitcoin during January 2025 at an average price of approximately $100,412 per bitcoin.

1MW includes all contracted power capacity for wholly owned sites and excludes contracted capacity through hosting agreements and/or other non-binding arrangements.

Additional Updates
Twin City, Georgia. A new 12 MW site in Georgia housing S21 Pro miners is almost fully online, with approximately 0.7 EH/s contributing to CleanSpark’s operating hashrate. The remaining 0.1 EH/s is expected to come online in the coming weeks.

Cheyenne, Wyoming: We are actively deploying in our technologically advanced immersion environment and remain on track for completion in this quarter. Full deployment is expected to contribute 5 EH/s to CleanSpark’s most efficient hashrate once fully energized using the latest generation S21 XP Immersion machines.

About CleanSpark
CleanSpark (Nasdaq: CLSK), America’s Bitcoin Miner®, is a market-leading, pure play Bitcoin miner with a proven track record of success. We own and operate a portfolio of mining facilities across the United States powered by globally competitive energy prices. Sitting at the intersection of Bitcoin, energy, operational excellence and capital stewardship, we optimize our mining facilities to deliver superior returns to our shareholders. Monetizing low-cost, high reliability energy by securing the most important finite, global asset – Bitcoin – positions us to prosper in an ever-changing world. Visit our website at www.cleanspark.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this press release, forward-looking statements include, but may not be limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, and strategies. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: completion and performance of Jackson, Tennessee, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Twin City, Georgia data centers; anticipated additions and targets to CleanSpark’s hashrate and the timing thereof; the risk that the electrical power available to our facilities does not increase as expected; the success of its digital currency mining activities; the volatile and unpredictable cycles in the emerging and evolving industries in which we operate; increasing difficulty rates for bitcoin mining; bitcoin halving; new or additional governmental regulation; the anticipated delivery dates of new miners; the ability to successfully deploy new miners; the dependency on utility rate structures and government incentive programs; dependency on third-party power providers for expansion efforts; the expectations of future revenue growth may not be realized; and other risks described in the Company’s prior press releases and in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, and any subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of any new information, changed circumstances or future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact 
Barbara Domingo
702-989-7693
ir@cleanspark.com

Media Contact
Eleni Stylianou
702-989-7694
pr@cleanspark.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cleanspark-releases-january-2025-bitcoin-mining-update-302367029.html

SOURCE CleanSpark, Inc.

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Ethereum Price Surge: Eric Trump Sparks Market Rally

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency. Leave a Comment

This post was originally published on this site

The Ethereum price surge took the crypto world by storm as the second-largest blockchain saw its value jump 25% in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency soared from $2,300 to over $2,900, recovering from a recent downturn. This latest rally coincided with a tweet from Eric Trump, which fueled speculation about the Trump family’s involvement in crypto markets.

Eric Trump’s post on X (formerly Twitter) simply read: “In my opinion, it’s a great time to add $ETH.” This statement ignited a frenzy of speculation among investors, with many wondering whether the Trump administration might integrate Ethereum into future U.S. crypto policies.

Political Influence on Ethereum’s Price Surge

The timing of Ethereum’s rally is significant, occurring shortly after Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. While the administration has hinted at Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) being included in this initiative, Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) has not been officially mentioned.

However, the Trump family’s financial ties to crypto suggest that Ethereum could still play a role in future policy decisions. The newly launched World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance (DeFi) project reportedly backed by Trump-affiliated investors, has been accumulating Ethereum and wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) as part of its holdings.

The endorsement from Eric Trump adds weight to the theory that Ethereum could gain political backing in the coming months. If Ethereum adoption increases in government and institutional circles, it could lead to greater mainstream acceptance.

Ethereum vs. Solana: The Battle for Market Dominance

Despite the Ethereum price surge, there are concerns that the blockchain is losing ground to competitors like Solana (CRYPTO:SOL). Over the past year, Solana’s lower transaction costs and faster processing speeds have made it an attractive alternative for developers and investors.

Ethereum, which pioneered smart contracts, has faced criticism for its high gas fees and scalability challenges. While Ethereum’s transition to Ethereum 2.0 has improved its efficiency, many in the industry argue that its market share is being eroded by newer blockchains offering better performance.

The Ethereum community, led by Vitalik Buterin, is currently debating the future of the blockchain. Some developers claim Ethereum needs faster innovation, while others argue that its established network effect makes it the most secure smart contract platform.

Institutional Investors Eye Ethereum’s Potential

The latest Ethereum price surge has caught the attention of institutional investors. With BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) filing for an Ethereum ETF, there is speculation that a regulated investment vehicle could drive further adoption.

A spot Ethereum ETF approval would likely bring in billions of dollars from traditional finance firms, similar to how Bitcoin ETFs boosted BTC’s price. If institutions continue accumulating Ethereum, it could solidify its place as the dominant smart contract blockchain.

Meanwhile, tech giants like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) are exploring Ethereum-based applications, particularly in the fields of AI, gaming, and the metaverse. This suggests that Ethereum’s real-world utility is expanding beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions.

What’s Next for Ethereum?

While Ethereum’s price surge has created excitement, the road ahead remains uncertain. Key developments to watch include:

Regulatory Clarity – Will the SEC approve an Ethereum ETF, and how will U.S. regulators classify Ethereum’s status?

Adoption in U.S. Policy – Could the Trump administration integrate Ethereum into its crypto strategy?

Ethereum vs. Solana Rivalry – Will Ethereum maintain its lead, or will Solana and other competitors continue gaining ground?

With political endorsements, institutional adoption, and technological improvements in play, Ethereum’s future remains one of the most debated topics in the crypto space. The next few months could determine whether this Ethereum price surge is just a temporary spike—or the start of a much bigger move.

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Who Is David Sacks? Trump’s Crypto Czar Sets His Agenda

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency. Leave a Comment

This post was originally published on this site

The appointment of David Sacks as the United States’ crypto czar marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). With the new administration prioritizing pro-crypto policies, Sacks is expected to lead efforts in crafting a favorable regulatory environment.

“For the last four years, the Biden administration has basically prosecuted and persecuted crypto companies, really driving them offshore,” Sacks recently stated on Fox Business.

On Tuesday, Sacks, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist with close ties to Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, will present his approach in Washington.

David Sacks and the PayPal Mafia

A key figure in the famous PayPal Mafia, Sacks played a pivotal role in the early days of PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL). The 52-year-old South African native, who earned a law degree from the University of Chicago, became the company’s first chief operating officer.

After eBay acquired PayPal for $1.5 billion in 2002, Sacks ventured into startups, founding and investing in companies such as:

Geni, a genealogy platform

Yammer, an enterprise communication tool later acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Zenefits, a human resources software firm

In 2017, Sacks launched Craft Ventures, a venture capital firm backing startups in AI and blockchain, including BitGo, a major player in crypto custody, and Solana (CRYPTO:SOL) via an investment in Multicoin Capital.

The Political Shift: From Tech to Trump

Like Musk and Thiel, Sacks is vocal about his right-wing political stance. He has penned conservative opinion pieces and criticized U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine.

His political engagement intensified in 2023 when he hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump, raising $12 million for the campaign. Sacks has since become a key policy advisor, particularly on crypto regulations and AI integration.

What’s Next for Crypto Under David Sacks?

Now holding one of the most influential roles in blockchain policy, Sacks faces high expectations from the industry. His priorities include:

Stablecoin Legislation – Pushing for clear regulations on stablecoins like Tether (CRYPTO:USDT).

Bitcoin Strategic Reserve – Exploring whether the U.S. should hold Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) as part of its reserves.

AI & Blockchain Synergies – Encouraging research on decentralized AI applications.

He will have support from other pro-crypto policymakers, including Paul Atkins, Trump’s pick for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce, who has business ties to Tether.

As Sacks outlines his vision, the industry will be watching closely. His policies could determine whether the U.S. reclaims its dominance in crypto and AI innovation.

The Future of U.S. Crypto Regulation Under David Sacks

With David Sacks at the helm of crypto and AI policy, industry leaders are optimistic about a more innovation-friendly regulatory landscape. The previous administration’s approach led to regulatory uncertainty, prompting many crypto firms to move operations offshore. Sacks has made it clear that his objective is to bring these companies back and create a business-friendly environment in the U.S.

One of the most anticipated developments under Sacks is the possibility of the U.S. adopting Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. While nations like El Salvador have already taken steps in this direction, the U.S. embracing Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) on a national level would be a game-changer for institutional adoption.

Additionally, Sacks is expected to streamline SEC regulations under the leadership of Paul Atkins, reducing legal barriers that have stifled crypto exchanges and DeFi projects.

With AI and blockchain integration also on the agenda, Sacks’ policies could significantly impact sectors beyond finance, including cybersecurity, healthcare, and supply chain management.

As the Trump administration’s crypto czar, Sacks has a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital assets and AI in the U.S. The industry is now waiting to see how his vision translates into concrete policy actions.

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