Law and Order

In brief A TikTok crypto influencer was kidnapped, then released in France after his attackers found out he was broke. It’s one of a number of “wrench attacks” targeting crypto holders in France in recent weeks. French MP Paul Midy has submitted a draft law to the National Assembly that would limit the publication of […]

In brief Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a landmark law regulating digital assets and formally categorizing them into virtual assets, crypto assets, and other digital assets, each with defined legal status under civil law. The law also introduces major tax and investment incentives to boost domestic innovation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, effective January

In brief Digital finance innovation could contribute 1% to the country’s annual GDP, if drastically improved. Foreign exchange markets represent a $4.6 billion opportunity. Industry collaboration and regulatory reform could accelerate the adoption timeline, Decrypt was told. Billions in economic gain could be achieved if Australia develops a strategic approach to innovating its digital finance

In brief AI deepfakes of celebrities, government officials, and more accounted for 40% of “high-value” crypto fraud in 2024, a Bitget report claimed. Crypto scam losses reached $4.6 billion in 2024, representing a 24% increase from previous year. Social engineering schemes ranked as second-most dangerous crypto fraud method, followed by modern Ponzi schemes. AI-generated deepfake

In brief A recent Reuters report details how Russian intelligence agencies used Bitcoin to pay a teenage spy who was recently sentenced to jail in Poland. Russia’s intelligence agencies are “constantly financing” agents using cryptocurrency, blockchain analytics firm Recoveris told Decrypt. As well as funding spies using cryptocurrency, Russia has also financed private mercenaries and

In brief Six out of seven top AI models predict a prolonged shadow war between Israel and Iran, marked by airstrikes, cyberattacks, and proxy battles—but stopping short of full-scale war. Mutual deterrence, U.S. restraint, and survival instincts are seen as key forces preventing escalation, though all models warn of risks from miscalculation, nuclear pressure, and

In brief Gotbit Consulting LLC and its founder, Aleksei Andriunin, were sentenced for using wash trading to manipulate crypto markets. The firm created fake trading volume to boost client tokens’ visibility, earning millions in the process. The DOJ said Gotbit is the third crypto market maker convicted in a broader federal crackdown on digital asset

In brief Thai police arrested Chinese national Tianwei at Don Mueang Airport on June 12 for allegedly stealing $6.15 million in Bitcoin. The arrest followed an April complaint and a May 16 warrant after Tianwei vanished from a business deal in Chiang Rai. It’s the latest in a series of Asian crypto fraud busts, including

In brief SEC and Ripple have filed a joint motion to dissolve the injunction and release escrowed funds. The latest proposal would see $50M paid to the SEC and the remainder returned to Ripple. The two are trying to wind down a case that began in 2020, centered on XRP sales as alleged unregistered securities.

In brief O’Neal will pay $1.8 million to settle a lawsuit tied to promoting FTX. Plaintiffs alleged he helped market unregistered securities. The deal includes broad legal immunity and covers legal costs. Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to pay out $1.8 million in a class action lawsuit alleging he helped promote the collapsed crypto exchange FTX.