Flash News

TREE NEWS reports: Kraken reported that a ‘dust attack’ originating from a sanctioned HTX wallet has locked out some customers. The exchange is investigating the incident, which involves small amounts of crypto sent to users, potentially triggering compliance protocols.

TREE NEWS update: The US Treasury has added Iran’s digital asset industry to its sanctions list, targeting crypto activities linked to the Iranian regime. This move aims to curb the use of digital currencies to bypass economic restrictions. The action underscores growing regulatory scrutiny over crypto’s role in sanctions evasion.

TREE NEWS update: Prediction market Kalshi has raised approximately $1.12 billion through equity financing, according to SEC filings, with a total offering size of $1.5 billion. The funds will support its expansion in the prediction market space.

TREE NEWS update: The US Treasury is intensifying efforts to cut off Iran’s access to the crypto economy, targeting its use of Bitcoin to evade sanctions. This move signals a broader crackdown on crypto-based sanctions evasion.

TREE NEWS reports: Kalshi launched the first CFTC-approved spot bitcoin perpetual futures on June 3, with $5.5B in trading volume in the first two weeks. The product targets US institutions, but critics warn of high risks for retail investors. Recent bitcoin volatility triggered $529M in liquidations in one hour.

TREE NEWS reports: MEXC has announced its withdrawal from the Dutch market, advising users to transition to Bybit EU, which operates under the MiCAR license. This move aligns with the European Union’s new crypto regulatory framework.

TREE NEWS update: A crypto trade group cautioned regulators that extending KYC requirements to peer-to-peer wallet transfers under the GENIUS Act would ‘cripple the industry.’ The warning comes as implementation of the stablecoin law begins.

TREE NEWS update: Coinbase has submitted a response to the CFTC and SEC regarding the definition of perpetual derivatives. The move aims to clarify regulatory treatment of these products, potentially impacting the broader crypto derivatives market.

TREE NEWS reports: Japheth Dillman, founder of Block Bits Capital, was convicted of fraud for misleading investors about the functionality of its ‘Autotrader’ software, which was not operational. He raised nearly $1 million from victims.

TREE NEWS update: Decrypt reports that dozens of fake Firefox wallet extensions, including 40 confirmed malicious ones, impersonate popular wallets like OKX, Rabby, and TronLink to steal recovery phrases. Users are warned to avoid entering their seed phrases into suspicious extensions.

TREE NEWS reports: Chainalysis, in collaboration with Binance and Coinbase, has launched an initiative to combat child sexual exploitation networks. The joint effort leverages blockchain analytics and exchange cooperation to identify and disrupt illicit activities.

TREE NEWS update: As the MiCA transition period ends, Poland’s crypto industry faces a survival crisis due to regulatory uncertainty and compliance challenges. The new EU framework imposes stringent requirements that may force many local firms to cease operations.

TREE NEWS reports: Operation Lighthouse, led by Chainalysis, generated 14,300 investigative leads across 11 crypto exchanges and payment services, flagging over 7,700 suspect accounts in a child abuse probe. The operation demonstrates the use of blockchain analytics in law enforcement.

TREE NEWS reports: Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has published a draft regulation for Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for public consultation. The move signals a potential step toward approving crypto ETFs in the country, aligning with global trends.

TREE NEWS reports: The US Treasury has established a Quantum Readiness Working Group to address risks posed by quantum computing to digital assets and emerging technologies. The initiative focuses on safeguarding financial infrastructure against future quantum threats.

TREE NEWS reports: A Las Vegas man, Brent Kovar, was convicted by a jury for orchestrating a $24 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded at least 400 investors. Kovar falsely claimed that his supercomputer was mining cryptocurrency for investors and that their funds were FDIC-insured.

TREE NEWS update: The US Treasury has designated digital assets as one of five sectors in a new sanctions campaign targeting Iran, dubbed ‘Economic D-Day.’ This move allows the US to sanction any individual or entity operating in Iran’s crypto sector, alongside technology, gold, aviation, and shipping.

TREE NEWS reports: Thailand’s SEC has opened consultations on local Bitcoin and Ether ETF rules and qualification standards for foreign digital asset custodians, signaling a step toward approving crypto ETFs. The move aligns with broader regional interest in crypto investment products.