Flash News

TREE NEWS update: Prediction market Kalshi issued its first permanent ban to former Rep. George Santos and a three-year suspension to Laurie Buckhout after investigations into insider trading on event contracts. The platform cited violations of its policies on using non-public information, marking a notable enforcement action in the prediction market space.

TREE NEWS reports: Chainalysis has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over a $95 million no-bid contract awarded to competitor TRM Labs for crypto tracking services. The suit alleges the contract was improperly granted without a competitive bidding process.

TREE NEWS reports: Ripple and Japanese exchange Coincheck have both launched digital asset custody services in Asia, marking a significant step for institutional adoption in the region. The moves highlight growing demand for secure custody solutions amid expanding crypto markets.

TREE NEWS update: South Korean authorities have arrested four Uzbek nationals accused of transferring USDT to a terrorist organization in Syria. The suspects allegedly used cryptocurrency to fund terrorist activities, highlighting the growing use of digital assets in illicit finance.

TREE NEWS reports: South Korean police arrested four individuals for using cryptocurrency to fund a Syrian terrorist group, marking a first for local investigators. The ringleader allegedly also received crypto from the group and sent back used cars and excavators.

TREE NEWS reports: Crypto wallets tied to the OFAC-sanctioned Lazarus Group transferred $30 million in digital assets through Hyperliquid, just weeks after regulators signaled a path for the exchange to enter US markets. The movement highlights ongoing security concerns and regulatory scrutiny in the crypto space.

TREE NEWS update: Security firm Huntress has uncovered a phishing campaign where hackers create fake Google Docs and Claude.ai pages to trick users into revealing their crypto wallet credentials. The attack leverages the trust in these popular platforms to harvest sensitive data, posing a significant threat to cryptocurrency holders.

TREE NEWS reports: The UK’s National Crime Agency has frozen $13.6 million that Sorare sent to the Premier League as the first payment under a $163 million deal. This comes amid a gambling prosecution against the Messi-backed fantasy card game, which is also facing regulatory scrutiny.

TREE NEWS reports: Brazilian presidential candidate Santos, known for his pro-Bitcoin stance, has had his campaign funds frozen. The move is seen as a setback for his campaign and the crypto-friendly political agenda in Brazil.

TREE NEWS reports: Russia’s new legal framework governing cryptocurrency trading, custody, and cross-border settlements has officially come into force. This marks a significant step in the country’s regulatory approach to digital assets, potentially impacting market participants and international transactions.

TREE NEWS reports: Gate Futures LLC has completed its registration as an Independent Introducing Broker with the U.S. CFTC and has become a member of the National Futures Association. This move marks a regulatory milestone for the crypto derivatives firm, expanding its compliance footprint in the U.S. futures market.

TREE NEWS update: Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a rule change to permit retail investors to trade regulated overseas crypto derivatives. This move aims to expand investment options while ensuring investor protection through oversight of foreign exchanges.

TREE NEWS update: Thailand’s SEC has proposed allowing retail investors to access overseas crypto derivatives, but only through qualifying, centrally cleared exchanges. The regulator is seeking public comments on the rules, which aim to provide a regulated pathway for retail participation while ensuring market safety.

TREE NEWS update: Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has publicly responded to Binance’s $4.3 billion fine, stating that he bears the pressure for the industry and believes it is worthwhile. His remarks highlight the ongoing regulatory scrutiny faced by major crypto exchanges.

TREE NEWS reports: The U.S. SEC is increasing scrutiny of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that invest in private companies, requiring them to prove the authenticity of their assets. This move aims to enhance transparency and protect investors in the private investment space.