SafeMoon Scandal Ends With 8-Year Sentence for Ex-CEO

  vor 8 Monaten

Braden John Karony, SafeMoon’s former CEO, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for his role in a multi-million dollar crypto fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Eric Komite handed out the judgment in a Brooklyn federal court after a jury convicted him in May 2025 following a three-week trial. Details of The Sentencing Court documents show that Karony was found guilty of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. As part of the ruling, he has been ordered to forfeit approximately $7.5 million, while the amount of restitution to victims will be determined at a later date. The jury also issued a verdict instructing the forfeiture of two residential properties. Meanwhile, one of his co-conspirators, Thomas Smith, pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is awaiting sentencing, while Kyle Nagy remains at large. “Karony lied to investors from all walks of life—including military veterans and hard-working Americans—and defrauded thousands of victims in order to buy mansions, sports cars, and custom trucks,” said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle said the former executive abused his position and betrayed investors’ trust by stealing more than $9 million in cryptocurrency to finance a lavish lifestyle. The proceeds were used to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate, including a $2.2 million home in Utah, additional homes in Kansas, a $277,000 Audi R8 sports car, a Tesla, a custom Ford F-550, and Jeep Gladiator pickup trucks. IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis added that Karony carried out the scheme by exploiting his access to SafeMoon’s liquidity pool while attempting to conceal the transactions, which law enforcement eventually traced, exposing the scheme. Liquidity Pool Misrepresentations SafeMoon tokens were launched in March 2021 by the firm on a public blockchain, with each transaction automatically subject to a 10% tax that was split into two 5% tranches. One was meant to be reflected to holders in proportion to their holdings, increasing their token balances, while the remaining 5% was designated for its pools to boost market liquidity. In the months following its debut, SafeMoon attracted millions of customers and reached a market capitalization exceeding $8 billion. Prosecutors claim that Karony and his partners lied about important details of the company, including false statements that its reserves were locked and could not be used for personal reasons, that tokens would only be used for specific business purposes, that digital asset pairs would be added to the liquidity pool manually when trades occurred on certain exchanges, and that the developers were not using or trading SafeMoon for their own gain. In reality, they retained access to the liquidity pools and diverted millions of dollars’ worth of crypto for personal enrichment. The post SafeMoon Scandal Ends With 8-Year Sentence for Ex-CEO appeared first on CryptoPotato .

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X to let users trade stocks and crypto directly in their feeds

  vor 8 Monaten

Users will soon be able to buy and sell stocks and digital currencies without ever leaving their feeds, according to a top official at social media giant X this week. Nikita Bier, who leads product development at X, unveiled the trading plans on February 14, 2026. The update builds on a feature X first showcased in January. How the new trading feature will work Customers will activate it by clicking on ticker symbols in their feeds. Upon selecting symbols such as $BTC for Bitcoin or $TSLA for Tesla brings up-to-date price charts, pertinent conversations, and alternatives for transactions. The update targets users who start their trading with X’s market news before switching to other apps. X aims to shorten the time between consumers spotting critical information and taking action by integrating trading into the social media stream. When popular articles or shifting sentiments impact erratic investments, this might result in quicker responses. Bier addressed concerns about cryptocurrency spam on the platform. In his February 14 message, he wrote: “I genuinely want crypto to proliferate on X, but applications that create incentives to spam, raid, and harass random users is not the way. It meaningfully degrades the experience for millions of people, only to enrich a few people.” He stated that X will make its programming rules stricter to stop bad actors who use tactics like “claim your fees” setups that encourage unwanted behavior. Part of broader financial services expansion The trading feature represents part of X’s bigger push into financial services. The company now holds money-handling licenses in more than 40 U.S. states and has teamed up with Visa to process payments. X is also testing a digital wallet called X Money with company workers. X transforms from social media to trading platform with Smart Cashtags Source: @nikitabier During a recent presentation for his artificial intelligence company xAI, Elon Musk said a small group of outside users could test X Money within one to two months. The full launch is planned for sometime later in 2026. Musk described the wallet as the planned “central source of all monetary transactions.” This fits with Musk’s goal of turning X into an “everything app” similar to WeChat, which combines social media with payments and other services. Now active investing will join that mix. News outlets reported that Musk has been working toward this goal for years. He first talked publicly about making X a complete financial platform back in 2022. The company has already laid the groundwork with person-to-person money transfers and basic payment tools. Financial experts say built-in trading could greatly increase the platform’s use for investing, especially in cryptocurrency markets where X already influences opinions on digital coins. But the company faces significant challenges. X must follow strict government rules for stock trading and varying cryptocurrency regulations worldwide. The platform needs strong oversight to prevent false information from causing price swings or organized efforts to artificially pump up certain investments. Similar problems have occurred when hype-driven posts caused major price changes. Bier’s recent comments highlight ongoing friction with outside developers. Some have complained that X limits access to its programming tools for certain crypto projects while creating competing features. The company says it wants to encourage genuine interactions rather than spammy behavior. X faces out against well-known trading programs like Coinbase for bitcoin enthusiasts and Robinhood for infrequent investors. When combining social media with real money decisions, success will depend on seamless functioning, robust security measures, and preserving user confidence. With 600 million monthly users and goals to reach 1 billion, adding direct trading marks one of the biggest expansions yet in Musk’s plan to reshape what role the platform plays in people’s daily financial lives. Get 8% CASHBACK when you spend crypto with COCA Visa card. Order your FREE card.

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Digital Chamber Urges US Congress to Protect Yield Earning Stablecoins

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The Digital Chamber urges Congress to safeguard stablecoin yields in upcoming legislation. Banking lobbies warn yield-offering stablecoins may destabilize the financial system. Continue Reading: Digital Chamber Urges US Congress to Protect Yield Earning Stablecoins The post Digital Chamber Urges US Congress to Protect Yield Earning Stablecoins appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

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As the Market Resets, These Coins Could Shape the Next Cycle

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The ever-shifting world of cryptocurrency is on the brink of another transformation. As the market stabilizes, fresh opportunities arise with digital currencies poised for significant growth. Enthusiasts and investors are eagerly watching the space, anticipating which coins will lead the next wave of innovation and profit. Dig in to discover the potential frontrunners. Aptos Struggles Below One Dollar Amid Broad Decline but Shows Hope Source: tradingview Aptos (APT) is currently wavering in the $1 zone, delivering disappointing results over recent months. Trading between the high 80 cents and just over a dollar, APT is far from its recent highs. If momentum picks up past $1.48, it could reach the next hurdle at $1.88. This upward movement would mark around a 47% increase from its present value and renew hope among investors. Despite this potential, Aptos has faced a staggering decline of nearly 80% over six months. Its Relative Strength Index hovering in fair territory could suggest some scope for upward movement. However, until Aptos finds strong support above $1.28, growth remains uncertain. Sui (SUI) Shows Signs of Potential Rebound in Choppy Waters Source: tradingview Sui (SUI) is currently trading in the range of $0.79 to $1.16. It has faced a rough past month with a price drop of nearly 46% and a significant fall of about 73% in the last six months. However, the coin is showing signs of potential rebound as it hovers close to the $1 mark. The next resistance is at $1.35, which means it could gain about 17% if it breaks through. On an even brighter note, if it climbs to resistance at $1.72, investors could see around a 47% rise from current figures. With positive indicators like an RSI near overbought levels, Sui might gain momentum soon. Optimism (OP) Faces Pressure with Eyes on Future Gains Source: tradingview Optimism's price is floating between fifteen and twenty-three cents, struggling a bit after recent drops. In the past month, it fell nearly half its value and over seventy percent in six months. But there might be a silver lining. The coin sits close to its short-term support level at twelve cents, suggesting a potential rebound ahead. If optimism breaks past twenty-seven cents, it could aim for thirty-five cents, marking a hopeful rise of over fifty percent from the current range. However, the high relative strength and stochastic indicators show the coin might be overbought, so tread with curiosity and keep watching those resistance markers. Conclusion APT, SUI, OP, and MATIC are set to have significant roles in the next market phase. APT offers promising performance and intriguing potential. SUI focuses on transaction efficiency, drawing interest with its speed. OP presents unique use-cases that could appeal to large communities. MATIC stands out with its enhancements to processing times, making it a strong contender. These coins show potential for growth and are worth watching. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Monero Decouples From Bitcoin as Volume Jumps — Early Rotation Into Privacy Coins?

  vor 8 Monaten

Monero shows signs of independence from Bitcoin, marked by a surge in trading activity. This development has raised speculation about investors shifting focus towards privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. The article explores whether Monero's recent performance indicates a broader trend and identifies other coins poised for potential growth. Monero Price Shows Potential for Growth Amid Recent Volatility Source: tradingview Monero , a privacy-focused cryptocurrency, is experiencing fluctuating prices, currently ranging from mid to high $200s to over $400. The recent price momentum shows a weekly increase close to 11%, suggesting recovery potential. Yet, the monthly data reveals a nearly 50% drop, highlighting its volatility. Analysts point to a resistance level close to $500, indicating where the price may face upward challenges. There's also higher resistance at over $600, hinting at significant growth potential. The nearest support stands around $190. With a gain of over 30% in the past six months, Monero has shown resilience, indicating a promising outlook if bullish trends continue, potentially lifting prices by another third or more. Conclusion XMR has recently shown a significant rise in volume, diverging from Bitcoin's trend. This shift may suggest early interest in privacy coins. As more people value privacy, interest in coins like XMR could increase. This development could lead to greater attention and possibly investment in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. The unique features of these coins may attract those seeking more anonymity. It's a notable movement in the cryptocurrency market. This could lead to broader adoption and diversification among investors. More eyes are now on privacy coins due to this recent activity. The potential for growth in privacy-focused assets looks promising. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Best Cryptocurrency Betting Sites 2026: Secure Platforms for Sports and Esports Wagers

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Cryptocurrency betting platforms in 2026 differ not by slogans, but by execution.How fast funds move. How flexible live betting feels. And how predictable withdrawals are once a bet is settled. Below are platforms that actually deliver a usable experience when betting with cryptocurrency — across sports and esports. Dexsport Dexsport is built around one core idea: betting without friction.No mandatory KYC. No payment intermediaries. No opaque settlement process. From the first interaction, the platform feels closer to a Web3 protocol than a traditional sportsbook. Players can register via email, Telegram, or directly through DeFi wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Funds move across 40+ cryptocurrencies and 20 networks, making deposits and withdrawals fast and flexible regardless of region. A few things stand out immediately: Cash Out available on all in-play bets On-chain logging of wagers for transparency No-fee crypto deposits and withdrawals Sports + esports + full casino in one ecosystem Dexsport also supports a massive betting and gaming catalog — over 10,000 games from established providers. Sports bettors get access to mainstream leagues, esports markets, and live betting with real-time control over open positions. Bonuses exist, but they’re not the core product. The real value lies in speed, privacy, and transparency, especially for users who move funds frequently or bet live. Best for:Web3-native users, privacy-focused bettors, and anyone who wants full control over crypto funds without delays. Lucky Block Lucky Block blends sportsbook, casino, and esports into a single ecosystem powered by its native token. The platform is known for: Near-instant crypto payouts Broad sports coverage (including esports and racing) Very low minimum deposits It supports both crypto and fiat, which makes it flexible but slightly less “pure” in its crypto-first philosophy. Some users have reported account freezes during withdrawals, so it’s better suited for moderate stakes rather than high-volume play. Best for:Casual bettors looking for variety, esports access, and fast crypto payouts. Cloudbet Cloudbet is one of the oldest names in cryptocurrency betting, and it shows in how the platform is structured. It focuses on: High betting limits Deep markets across sports and esports Automated withdrawals on most networks Rather than large sign-up bonuses, Cloudbet relies on rakeback and loyalty rewards. KYC is usually optional but may be requested for large withdrawals. Best for:Experienced bettors, high-volume players, and users who prioritize market depth over promotions. BetNow BetNow is a more traditional sportsbook that supports cryptocurrency alongside fiat. It offers: Strong coverage of U.S. sports Simple interface Quick crypto withdrawals for many users However, it operates under an offshore license and may require verification at withdrawal. Live betting tools are functional but not especially advanced. Best for:Beginner and recreational bettors focused on U.S. leagues who want to bet using cryptocurrency. Voltage Bet Voltage Bet is a newer platform combining sportsbook and casino features. It supports both crypto and fiat payments, covers major sports and esports, and offers a clean interface. Withdrawals are generally reliable but can take longer than fully crypto-native platforms. Best for:Players looking for a familiar online betting experience with optional crypto support. Sports vs Esports Betting with Cryptocurrency Betting with cryptocurrency works differently depending on what you’re betting on.Traditional sports and esports may share the same wallet, but the betting dynamics are not the same. For many platforms, this difference directly affects speed, limits, and settlement. Sports Betting with Cryptocurrency Classic sports markets — football, basketball, tennis, MMA — are built around large liquidity pools and predictable schedules. Crypto here mainly improves payments, not the betting logic itself. Typical characteristics: Larger betting limits Slower event resolution (matches last longer) More cash-out options on live events Slightly slower settlement after final whistle Crypto is most useful here for: faster withdrawals compared to fiat avoiding banking restrictions cross-border betting This model suits bettors who place fewer but larger wagers and don’t need instant settlement every minute. Esports Betting with Cryptocurrency Esports betting is where crypto truly shines. Matches are shorter, markets move faster, and results are resolved almost instantly. This pairs naturally with blockchain payments and automated settlement. Common esports traits: Smaller but more frequent bets Rapid odds changes Faster post-match settlement High demand for instant withdrawals Esports bettors often care less about massive limits and more about speed and responsiveness. Popular crypto esports markets include: Counter-Strike 2 Dota 2 League of Legends Valorant Key Differences Factor Sports Betting Esports Betting Match duration Long Short Bet frequency Lower Higher Settlement speed Moderate Fast Ideal payment method Crypto + cash-out Crypto only Best use case Larger wagers Rapid betting cycles Conclusion Cryptocurrency betting platforms in 2026 are no longer just an alternative to traditional sportsbooks — for many players, they are the preferred option. Faster transactions, broader market access, and fewer payment restrictions make betting with cryptocurrency more practical for both sports and esports. The key is choosing a platform that matches your betting style. Some sites excel at live sports and cash-out flexibility, while others are better optimized for fast-settling esports markets. When crypto payments are combined with reliable withdrawals and stable odds, the overall betting experience becomes noticeably smoother. In the end, the strongest cryptocurrency betting sites are not defined by hype, but by consistency: secure infrastructure, predictable payouts, and support for the markets players actually use.

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