SEC’s New Crypto Staking Guidance Sparks Controversy Among Regulators and Industry Experts
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is under fire from current and former officials following its recent shift in policy regarding cryptocurrency staking services. On May 29, 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued new guidance stating that certain crypto staking activities on proof-of-stake blockchains may not be classified as securities, thus exempting them from registration under the Securities Act. This represents a significant departure from previous regulatory approaches.
Criticism from Former Officials and Commissioners
John Reed Stark, former SEC chief of Internet Enforcement, sharply criticized the new stance, arguing that it conflicts with prior federal court rulings in major cases against Binance and Coinbase. In those cases, courts allowed claims that staking products qualified as securities under established legal standards, particularly the Howey test. Stark described the SEC’s move as a “shameful abdication” of its investor protection duties and warned that it undermines the agency’s credibility.
Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw also voiced strong opposition, stating that the staff’s conclusions do not align with existing case law or the Howey precedent. She highlighted inconsistencies in the SEC’s treatment of digital assets, questioning how tokens like Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) can be considered non-securities for registration purposes but treated as securities in other regulatory contexts. Crenshaw characterized the approach as a “fake it till you make it” strategy that ignores current law in anticipation of future changes.
Background on Legal Cases and Regulatory Shifts
The SEC had previously filed lawsuits alleging that staking services offered by Binance and Coinbase involved unregistered securities offerings. While the Binance case was dismissed with prejudice in May 2025, preventing similar future claims, the Coinbase case was allowed to proceed in early 2024 but was also dismissed in early 2025 amid the SEC’s broader regulatory recalibration.
This new guidance is part of a wider deregulatory trend by the SEC, which includes closing investigations, dropping lawsuits, and engaging with industry stakeholders through roundtables. Some industry advocates have praised the guidance as a “major step forward” that recognizes staking as a fundamental blockchain function rather than an investment contract.
SEC’s 2025 Guidance on Crypto Tokens
Earlier in 2025, the SEC released comprehensive guidance clarifying how it applies the Howey test to crypto assets. The guidance emphasizes that tokens are likely securities if buyers expect profits primarily from the efforts of a centralized team. It introduces a three-pronged framework assessing initial sale context, ongoing use, and issuer control. Tokens like Ether post-Merge and stablecoins with transparent reserves are generally not considered securities, while governance or revenue-sharing tokens may still fall under securities laws.
Industry and Regulatory Implications
The SEC’s recent stance aims to provide regulatory clarity but has instead intensified debate over the consistent application of securities laws to digital assets. Critics argue that the new guidance creates confusion and undermines investor protections, while supporters view it as a pragmatic evolution toward clearer, more workable crypto regulation.
Commissioner Hester Peirce defended the SEC’s nuanced approach, emphasizing that whether a transaction is a securities offering depends on the nature of the deal, not solely on the asset itself. She noted that most crypto assets today are probably not securities but acknowledged the need for clearer guidance on transactions involving tokens.
This ongoing controversy highlights the challenges regulators face in adapting decades-old securities laws to rapidly evolving blockchain technologies and the crypto market’s unique features. The SEC’s shifting stance on staking services underscores the tension between fostering innovation and ensuring investor safeguards in the digital asset space.
SEC’s New Crypto Staking Guidance Sparks Controversy Among Regulators and Industry Experts
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is under fire from current and former officials following its recent shift in policy regarding cryptocurrency staking services. On May 29, 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued new guidance stating that certain crypto staking activities on proof-of-stake blockchains may not be classified as securities, thus exempting them from registration under the Securities Act. This represents a significant departure from previous regulatory approaches.
Criticism from Former Officials and Commissioners
John Reed Stark, former SEC chief of Internet Enforcement, sharply criticized the new stance, arguing that it conflicts with prior federal court rulings in major cases against Binance and Coinbase. In those cases, courts allowed claims that staking products qualified as securities under established legal standards, particularly the Howey test. Stark described the SEC’s move as a “shameful abdication” of its investor protection duties and warned that it undermines the agency’s credibility.
Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw also voiced strong opposition, stating that the staff’s conclusions do not align with existing case law or the Howey precedent. She highlighted inconsistencies in the SEC’s treatment of digital assets, questioning how tokens like Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) can be considered non-securities for registration purposes but treated as securities in other regulatory contexts. Crenshaw characterized the approach as a “fake it till you make it” strategy that ignores current law in anticipation of future changes.
Background on Legal Cases and Regulatory Shifts
The SEC had previously filed lawsuits alleging that staking services offered by Binance and Coinbase involved unregistered securities offerings. While the Binance case was dismissed with prejudice in May 2025, preventing similar future claims, the Coinbase case was allowed to proceed in early 2024 but was also dismissed in early 2025 amid the SEC’s broader regulatory recalibration.
This new guidance is part of a wider deregulatory trend by the SEC, which includes closing investigations, dropping lawsuits, and engaging with industry stakeholders through roundtables. Some industry advocates have praised the guidance as a “major step forward” that recognizes staking as a fundamental blockchain function rather than an investment contract.
SEC’s 2025 Guidance on Crypto Tokens
Earlier in 2025, the SEC released comprehensive guidance clarifying how it applies the Howey test to crypto assets. The guidance emphasizes that tokens are likely securities if buyers expect profits primarily from the efforts of a centralized team. It introduces a three-pronged framework assessing initial sale context, ongoing use, and issuer control. Tokens like Ether post-Merge and stablecoins with transparent reserves are generally not considered securities, while governance or revenue-sharing tokens may still fall under securities laws.
Industry and Regulatory Implications
The SEC’s recent stance aims to provide regulatory clarity but has instead intensified debate over the consistent application of securities laws to digital assets. Critics argue that the new guidance creates confusion and undermines investor protections, while supporters view it as a pragmatic evolution toward clearer, more workable crypto regulation.
Commissioner Hester Peirce defended the SEC’s nuanced approach, emphasizing that whether a transaction is a securities offering depends on the nature of the deal, not solely on the asset itself. She noted that most crypto assets today are probably not securities but acknowledged the need for clearer guidance on transactions involving tokens.
This ongoing controversy highlights the challenges regulators face in adapting decades-old securities laws to rapidly evolving blockchain technologies and the crypto market’s unique features. The SEC’s shifting stance on staking services underscores the tension between fostering innovation and ensuring investor safeguards in the digital asset space.
DOGE, XRP, and SOL Signal Potential Price Bottoms As Bitcoin Traders Stay Bullish
Despite recent pullbacks and renewed fears over global tariffs, major cryptocurrencies are showing signs of bottoming out, reinforcing a sense of long-term optimism among investors.
Bitcoin remains steady around $105,000, while Ether, XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin are also holding near key support levels.
Market volatility driven by macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical developments continues to affect short-term sentiment.
Institutional interest and diversification into altcoins and DeFi assets underpin a bullish long-term outlook.
Bitcoin hovered near $105,000 during Asian trading hours on Monday, reflecting little change over the past 24 hours despite a 5% weekly dip. Other leading cryptocurrencies, including Ether, XRP, Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin, followed similar patterns, suggesting a potential local bottom and setting the stage for short-term rebounds.
“Bitcoin is stuck around $105K as macro uncertainty holds back bullish momentum,” said Nick Ruck, Director at LVRG Research. “Inflation concerns, new tariffs, and broader economic fears in the U.S. have led to investor caution, though we’re still seeing long-term conviction in the space.”
Ruck noted that geopolitical tensions, especially between the U.S. and China, along with uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy, are key factors currently weighing on risk appetite.
China’s Ministry of Commerce on Monday condemned new U.S. export restrictions on AI chips and related software, escalating concerns of a trade conflict. This has added a layer of uncertainty to global markets and left crypto traders on edge.
“Even small escalations in the trade war can trigger sharp moves in crypto markets,” said Jeff Mei, COO at BTSE. He emphasized that upcoming U.S. economic data — including trade balance figures, jobless claims, and comments from Fed officials — will be crucial in shaping market sentiment.
Still, Mei remains optimistic: “While macro headlines dominate the market, institutional accumulation continues in the background. That’s a bullish long-term signal.”
Meanwhile, investors are increasingly diversifying beyond Bitcoin. Tokens like XRP and SOL have drawn attention for their resilience and potential upside, as Bitcoin’s price begins to track more closely with traditional risk assets.
Kathy Qu, Research Manager at HashKey Cloud, said in a statement that “uncertainty in trade policy is pushing capital toward high-growth sectors — not just tech stocks, but also crypto.” She highlighted Bitcoin and XRP as preferred assets due to growing ETF optimism and regulatory clarity.
Qu also pointed to bright spots in decentralized finance (DeFi), noting that staking and real-world asset (RWA) tokens are gaining traction. Ethereum ETFs, expected to benefit from the SEC’s recent staking exemption, could help further institutional adoption in the DeFi space.
Bottom Line:Despite near-term volatility caused by profit-taking and geopolitical risks, technical indicators and market behavior suggest that crypto markets are stabilizing. With increasing institutional engagement and diversification into altcoins and DeFi, long-term sentiment remains bullish.
DOGE, XRP, and SOL Signal Potential Price Bottoms as Bitcoin Traders Stay Bullish
Despite recent pullbacks and renewed fears over global tariffs, major cryptocurrencies are showing signs of bottoming out, reinforcing a sense of long-term optimism among investors.
Bitcoin remains steady around $105,000, while Ether, XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin are also holding near key support levels.
Market volatility driven by macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical developments continues to affect short-term sentiment.
Institutional interest and diversification into altcoins and DeFi assets underpin a bullish long-term outlook.
Bitcoin hovered near $105,000 during Asian trading hours on Monday, reflecting little change over the past 24 hours despite a 5% weekly dip. Other leading cryptocurrencies, including Ether, XRP, Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin, followed similar patterns, suggesting a potential local bottom and setting the stage for short-term rebounds.
“Bitcoin is stuck around $105K as macro uncertainty holds back bullish momentum,” said Nick Ruck, Director at LVRG Research. “Inflation concerns, new tariffs, and broader economic fears in the U.S. have led to investor caution, though we’re still seeing long-term conviction in the space.”
Ruck noted that geopolitical tensions, especially between the U.S. and China, along with uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy, are key factors currently weighing on risk appetite.
China’s Ministry of Commerce on Monday condemned new U.S. export restrictions on AI chips and related software, escalating concerns of a trade conflict. This has added a layer of uncertainty to global markets and left crypto traders on edge.
“Even small escalations in the trade war can trigger sharp moves in crypto markets,” said Jeff Mei, COO at BTSE. He emphasized that upcoming U.S. economic data — including trade balance figures, jobless claims, and comments from Fed officials — will be crucial in shaping market sentiment.
Still, Mei remains optimistic: “While macro headlines dominate the market, institutional accumulation continues in the background. That’s a bullish long-term signal.”
Meanwhile, investors are increasingly diversifying beyond Bitcoin. Tokens like XRP and SOL have drawn attention for their resilience and potential upside, as Bitcoin’s price begins to track more closely with traditional risk assets.
Kathy Qu, Research Manager at HashKey Cloud, said in a statement that “uncertainty in trade policy is pushing capital toward high-growth sectors — not just tech stocks, but also crypto.” She highlighted Bitcoin and XRP as preferred assets due to growing ETF optimism and regulatory clarity.
Qu also pointed to bright spots in decentralized finance (DeFi), noting that staking and real-world asset (RWA) tokens are gaining traction. Ethereum ETFs, expected to benefit from the SEC’s recent staking exemption, could help further institutional adoption in the DeFi space.
Bottom Line: Despite near-term volatility caused by profit-taking and geopolitical risks, technical indicators and market behavior suggest that crypto markets are stabilizing. With increasing institutional engagement and diversification into altcoins and DeFi, long-term sentiment remains bullish.
Meta Platforms’ shareholders have decisively rejected a proposal urging the company to allocate a portion of its $72 billion cash reserves into Bitcoin. According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated May 28, the proposal garnered only 3.92 million votes in favor—just 0.08% of the total—while nearly 5 billion votes opposed it.
The measure was introduced earlier this year by Bitcoin advocate Ethan Peck, who also submitted similar proposals to Microsoft and Amazon. Acting on behalf of the conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), Peck argued that Meta should consider Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset and a hedge against inflation.
Peck’s campaign has met resistance across the board. Microsoft shareholders recently rejected his proposal, and Amazon is expected to vote on a similar motion soon.
While Meta currently holds no cryptocurrency on its balance sheet, it has previously explored blockchain initiatives. Notably, the company announced its Libra stablecoin project in 2019, which was later rebranded as Diem before being shelved in 2022 due to regulatory pushback.
Meta’s crypto strategy has remained ambiguous since its high-profile pivot to the metaverse in 2021. Though enthusiasm for the metaverse has cooled, reports earlier this year indicated that Meta is exploring the use of stablecoins for internal payment solutions across its platforms.
Despite the vote outcome, Meta’s stock rose 3.5% on Monday, closing at $670.09 per share.
Meta Platforms’ shareholders have decisively rejected a proposal urging the company to allocate a portion of its $72 billion cash reserves into Bitcoin. According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated May 28, the proposal garnered only 3.92 million votes in favor—just 0.08% of the total—while nearly 5 billion votes opposed it.
The measure was introduced earlier this year by Bitcoin advocate Ethan Peck, who also submitted similar proposals to Microsoft and Amazon. Acting on behalf of the conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), Peck argued that Meta should consider Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset and a hedge against inflation.
Peck’s campaign has met resistance across the board. Microsoft shareholders recently rejected his proposal, and Amazon is expected to vote on a similar motion soon.
While Meta currently holds no cryptocurrency on its balance sheet, it has previously explored blockchain initiatives. Notably, the company announced its Libra stablecoin project in 2019, which was later rebranded as Diem before being shelved in 2022 due to regulatory pushback.
Meta’s crypto strategy has remained ambiguous since its high-profile pivot to the metaverse in 2021. Though enthusiasm for the metaverse has cooled, reports earlier this year indicated that Meta is exploring the use of stablecoins for internal payment solutions across its platforms.
Despite the vote outcome, Meta’s stock rose 3.5% on Monday, closing at $670.09 per share.
Hong Kong’s Reitar Logtech Unveils Ambitious $1.5 Billion Bitcoin Acquisition to Accelerate Globa...
Reitar Logtech Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company specializing in real estate and logistics technology, has revealed plans to purchase up to $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin. This strategic move was officially disclosed in a filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 2, 2025.
The firm intends to incorporate Bitcoin into its treasury reserves as part of a broader effort to diversify its financial assets and strengthen its balance sheet. By adopting Bitcoin, Reitar Logtech aims to leverage the cryptocurrency’s liquidity, 24/7 market availability, and potential as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. This initiative is designed to support the company’s global expansion ambitions in the logistics technology sector, enhancing its ability to pursue strategic acquisitions and enter new markets.
John Chan, Chairman and CEO of Reitar Logtech, emphasized the significance of this treasury diversification strategy, stating that it reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a robust financial foundation while scaling its global logistics technology platform. He highlighted that allocating part of the treasury to Bitcoin aligns with ongoing digital transformation trends within the supply chain industry, providing the company with greater financial flexibility.
The timing and method of the Bitcoin acquisition have not been detailed, but market analysts suggest that the purchase may occur in phases to mitigate market impact and align with internal capital management strategies. This move places Reitar Logtech among a growing number of corporations worldwide that are embracing Bitcoin as a long-term asset and financial tool.
Following the announcement, Reitar Logtech’s shares experienced a notable increase, reflecting investor optimism about the potential benefits of integrating digital assets into corporate treasury management. The company’s decision parallels similar strategies adopted by other major firms, such as Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), which have successfully used Bitcoin to enhance their financial positioning.
This bold step by Reitar Logtech signals a significant shift in how logistics and technology companies are approaching asset management and financial innovation, positioning the firm at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology with traditional business operations.
In summary, Reitar Logtech’s planned $1.5 billion Bitcoin acquisition aims to solidify its financial strength and accelerate its global growth in logistics technology, marking a notable development in corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies.
Hong Kong’s Reitar Logtech Unveils Ambitious $1.5 Billion Bitcoin Acquisition to Accelerate Globa...
Reitar Logtech Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-based company specializing in real estate and logistics technology, has revealed plans to purchase up to $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin. This strategic move was officially disclosed in a filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 2, 2025.
The firm intends to incorporate Bitcoin into its treasury reserves as part of a broader effort to diversify its financial assets and strengthen its balance sheet. By adopting Bitcoin, Reitar Logtech aims to leverage the cryptocurrency’s liquidity, 24/7 market availability, and potential as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. This initiative is designed to support the company’s global expansion ambitions in the logistics technology sector, enhancing its ability to pursue strategic acquisitions and enter new markets.
John Chan, Chairman and CEO of Reitar Logtech, emphasized the significance of this treasury diversification strategy, stating that it reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a robust financial foundation while scaling its global logistics technology platform. He highlighted that allocating part of the treasury to Bitcoin aligns with ongoing digital transformation trends within the supply chain industry, providing the company with greater financial flexibility.
The timing and method of the Bitcoin acquisition have not been detailed, but market analysts suggest that the purchase may occur in phases to mitigate market impact and align with internal capital management strategies. This move places Reitar Logtech among a growing number of corporations worldwide that are embracing Bitcoin as a long-term asset and financial tool.
Following the announcement, Reitar Logtech’s shares experienced a notable increase, reflecting investor optimism about the potential benefits of integrating digital assets into corporate treasury management. The company’s decision parallels similar strategies adopted by other major firms, such as Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), which have successfully used Bitcoin to enhance their financial positioning.
This bold step by Reitar Logtech signals a significant shift in how logistics and technology companies are approaching asset management and financial innovation, positioning the firm at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology with traditional business operations.
In summary, Reitar Logtech’s planned $1.5 billion Bitcoin acquisition aims to solidify its financial strength and accelerate its global growth in logistics technology, marking a notable development in corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies.
Metaplanet Boosts Bitcoin Holdings to 8,888 BTC With $117.5 Million Purchase; Strategy Adds 705 B...
Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has significantly expanded its Bitcoin portfolio by acquiring an additional 1,088 BTC for approximately ¥16.89 billion (about $117.5 million), pushing its total Bitcoin holdings to 8,888 BTC valued at nearly $930 million. This latest purchase was made at an average price of around ¥15.5 million ($108,000) per Bitcoin, reflecting Metaplanet’s aggressive accumulation strategy that began in April 2024.
The company, now Asia’s largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder and ranked among the top ten corporate Bitcoin holders globally, has amassed 7,126 BTC in 2025 alone and is targeting a year-end total of 10,000 BTC. To finance these acquisitions, Metaplanet has raised capital through zero-interest bonds and stock acquisition rights, recently issuing $50 million in zero-coupon bonds to support its Bitcoin purchases without diluting equity.
Metaplanet’s CEO Simon Gerovich has acknowledged the influence of Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy’s pioneering Bitcoin treasury strategy on their approach, emphasizing Bitcoin’s role as a foundational asset for future finance. The company’s BTC Yield, a proprietary metric measuring Bitcoin accumulation per share, stands at 66.3% quarter-to-date, with a total Bitcoin gain of 2,684 BTC in Q2 2025, translating to a ¥40.54 billion gain.
Meanwhile, Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, continues to lead as the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, recently adding 705 BTC valued at $75 million, further solidifying its dominant position in the market. Saylor remains committed to ongoing Bitcoin accumulation, anticipating rising prices and increasing difficulty in acquiring Bitcoin, while highlighting the growing global adoption of Bitcoin treasury strategies across various regions.
This surge in corporate Bitcoin acquisitions reflects a broader trend of institutional confidence amid financial market uncertainties, with firms like Metaplanet and Strategy setting benchmarks for corporate Bitcoin treasury management worldwide.
Metaplanet Boosts Bitcoin Holdings to 8,888 BTC with $117.5 Million Purchase; Strategy Adds 705 B...
Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has significantly expanded its Bitcoin portfolio by acquiring an additional 1,088 BTC for approximately ¥16.89 billion (about $117.5 million), pushing its total Bitcoin holdings to 8,888 BTC valued at nearly $930 million. This latest purchase was made at an average price of around ¥15.5 million ($108,000) per Bitcoin, reflecting Metaplanet’s aggressive accumulation strategy that began in April 2024.
The company, now Asia’s largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder and ranked among the top ten corporate Bitcoin holders globally, has amassed 7,126 BTC in 2025 alone and is targeting a year-end total of 10,000 BTC. To finance these acquisitions, Metaplanet has raised capital through zero-interest bonds and stock acquisition rights, recently issuing $50 million in zero-coupon bonds to support its Bitcoin purchases without diluting equity.
Metaplanet’s CEO Simon Gerovich has acknowledged the influence of Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy’s pioneering Bitcoin treasury strategy on their approach, emphasizing Bitcoin’s role as a foundational asset for future finance. The company’s BTC Yield, a proprietary metric measuring Bitcoin accumulation per share, stands at 66.3% quarter-to-date, with a total Bitcoin gain of 2,684 BTC in Q2 2025, translating to a ¥40.54 billion gain.
Meanwhile, Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, continues to lead as the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, recently adding 705 BTC valued at $75 million, further solidifying its dominant position in the market. Saylor remains committed to ongoing Bitcoin accumulation, anticipating rising prices and increasing difficulty in acquiring Bitcoin, while highlighting the growing global adoption of Bitcoin treasury strategies across various regions.
This surge in corporate Bitcoin acquisitions reflects a broader trend of institutional confidence amid financial market uncertainties, with firms like Metaplanet and Strategy setting benchmarks for corporate Bitcoin treasury management worldwide.
Crypto Investors Charged in Manhattan Kidnapping and Torture Case Over Bitcoin Theft
Two cryptocurrency investors, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, have been arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault, and weapons possession after allegedly holding an Italian man captive for nearly three weeks in a luxury Manhattan townhouse to extort his Bitcoin password.
Incident Details
The victim, 28-year-old Italian crypto entrepreneur Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, was lured to the townhouse in Manhattan’s upscale SoHo neighborhood on May 6. There, according to police reports, he was bound, beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires, and at one point dangled over a staircase by his captors who threatened to kill him and his family if he did not surrender access to his Bitcoin accounts.
Carturan managed to escape on May 23, appearing barefoot and bloodied on the street, where he sought help from a nearby officer. Police found disturbing evidence inside the townhouse, including a saw, crack cocaine, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition, and photographs of the victim with a gun pointed at his head.
Legal Proceedings
Woeltz was indicted by a grand jury and is scheduled for arraignment on June 11, while Duplessie appeared in court recently and remains in custody. Both men have not yet entered pleas. Their attorneys have declined to comment publicly.
Woeltz’s defense has highlighted his lack of criminal record and professional background in technology and blockchain investment, while prosecutors have noted his access to private jets and helicopters, arguing he poses a flight risk.
Backgrounds of the Accused
John Woeltz is originally from Kentucky and has a background in tech innovation, including participation in blockchain projects and founding Silicon River Capital. He reportedly has a net worth exceeding $100 million.
William Duplessie co-founded the Pangea Blockchain Fund in Switzerland and has been involved in crypto venture capital since 2012. Despite professional credentials, Duplessie has faced previous civil and criminal allegations and reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle in Manhattan.
Both men and the victim were reportedly connected through a New York-based cryptocurrency hedge fund, with internal police documents suggesting a financial dispute between Woeltz and Carturan precipitated the crime.
Police and Political Implications
Two NYPD officers, including one assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, are under investigation for their connections to the case. One officer allegedly transported the victim to the townhouse, raising concerns about police involvement or negligence.
Context of a Growing Crypto Crime Wave
This case is part of a broader trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders globally. Recent incidents include high-profile kidnappings in France and organized crime groups in Europe and Mexico using crypto for illicit activities. The Manhattan case stands out due to the accused perpetrators’ status as high-profile crypto investors themselves, marking a shocking escalation in crypto-related violence.
This unfolding case highlights the dark underbelly of the cryptocurrency world where digital fortunes can provoke brutal real-world violence, even among insiders. The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched for their implications on crypto industry security and law enforcement oversight.
Crypto Investors Charged in Manhattan Kidnapping and Torture Case Over Bitcoin Theft
Two cryptocurrency investors, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, have been arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault, and weapons possession after allegedly holding an Italian man captive for nearly three weeks in a luxury Manhattan townhouse to extort his Bitcoin password.
Incident Details
The victim, 28-year-old Italian crypto entrepreneur Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, was lured to the townhouse in Manhattan’s upscale SoHo neighborhood on May 6. There, according to police reports, he was bound, beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires, and at one point dangled over a staircase by his captors who threatened to kill him and his family if he did not surrender access to his Bitcoin accounts.
Carturan managed to escape on May 23, appearing barefoot and bloodied on the street, where he sought help from a nearby officer. Police found disturbing evidence inside the townhouse, including a saw, crack cocaine, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition, and photographs of the victim with a gun pointed at his head.
Legal Proceedings
Woeltz was indicted by a grand jury and is scheduled for arraignment on June 11, while Duplessie appeared in court recently and remains in custody. Both men have not yet entered pleas. Their attorneys have declined to comment publicly.
Woeltz’s defense has highlighted his lack of criminal record and professional background in technology and blockchain investment, while prosecutors have noted his access to private jets and helicopters, arguing he poses a flight risk.
Backgrounds of the Accused
John Woeltz is originally from Kentucky and has a background in tech innovation, including participation in blockchain projects and founding Silicon River Capital. He reportedly has a net worth exceeding $100 million.
William Duplessie co-founded the Pangea Blockchain Fund in Switzerland and has been involved in crypto venture capital since 2012. Despite professional credentials, Duplessie has faced previous civil and criminal allegations and reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle in Manhattan.
Both men and the victim were reportedly connected through a New York-based cryptocurrency hedge fund, with internal police documents suggesting a financial dispute between Woeltz and Carturan precipitated the crime.
Police and Political Implications
Two NYPD officers, including one assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, are under investigation for their connections to the case. One officer allegedly transported the victim to the townhouse, raising concerns about police involvement or negligence.
Context of a Growing Crypto Crime Wave
This case is part of a broader trend of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders globally. Recent incidents include high-profile kidnappings in France and organized crime groups in Europe and Mexico using crypto for illicit activities. The Manhattan case stands out due to the accused perpetrators’ status as high-profile crypto investors themselves, marking a shocking escalation in crypto-related violence.
This unfolding case highlights the dark underbelly of the cryptocurrency world where digital fortunes can provoke brutal real-world violence, even among insiders. The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched for their implications on crypto industry security and law enforcement oversight.
TON Blockchain Briefly Halts Block Production Due to Masterchain Dispatch Queue Error, Service Re...
The Open Network (TON), an independent layer-1 blockchain closely linked to the Telegram messaging platform, encountered a temporary outage on June 1, 2025, which interrupted block production. The development team identified the problem at 12:51 UTC and resolved it roughly 40 minutes later by deploying a quick fix that involved updating a limited number of master chain validators. The root cause was traced to an error in the processing of the masterchain dispatch queue.
TON’s developers reassured users that no funds were compromised during the downtime and that transactions submitted while the network was offline remained secure and intact. This incident highlights the technical challenges faced by high-throughput, fast blockchains, where increased complexity can occasionally lead to brief service interruptions. Such outages, while disruptive, are becoming a more common aspect of evolving blockchain infrastructures and may influence user confidence in cryptocurrency networks.
Background: Previous Outages Linked to DOGS Memecoin Demand
TON has experienced similar interruptions in the past year, notably in August 2024, when surges in demand for the DOGS memecoin caused network congestion severe enough to halt block production multiple times. The first outage on August 27 stopped block creation at workchain block 45,341,899 and lasted several hours until validators reset their nodes to restore consensus. A brief recovery was followed by another crash due to continued high traffic from DOGS memecoin minting. Another outage occurred on August 28, lasting about six hours before normal operations resumed.
Continued Growth and Institutional Confidence
Despite these technical setbacks, TON has maintained strong momentum in attracting both retail users and institutional investors. In March 2025, the TON Foundation secured $400 million in funding from prominent venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital, Draper Associates, CoinFund, and SkyBridge. This significant capital injection underscores confidence in TON’s technology and its strategic partnership with Telegram, which integrates TON as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram’s Mini Apps Ecosystem, leveraging Telegram’s vast user base of over 1 billion monthly active users.
Outlook
The recent outage and past incidents underscore the necessity of ongoing network maintenance, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities to uphold blockchain reliability. TON’s swift resolution of the masterchain dispatch queue error demonstrates its commitment to operational resilience. As blockchain networks grow in complexity, such proactive measures will be essential to sustain user trust and support the broader adoption of blockchain-based applications, particularly in ecosystems tied to major platforms like Telegram.
In summary, TON’s brief outage on June 1 was effectively managed without loss of user assets, reflecting both the challenges and the maturity of high-performance blockchain networks navigating real-world demands and growth.
TON Blockchain Briefly Halts Block Production Due to Masterchain Dispatch Queue Error, Service Re...
The Open Network (TON), an independent layer-1 blockchain closely linked to the Telegram messaging platform, encountered a temporary outage on June 1, 2025, which interrupted block production. The development team identified the problem at 12:51 UTC and resolved it roughly 40 minutes later by deploying a quick fix that involved updating a limited number of master chain validators. The root cause was traced to an error in the processing of the masterchain dispatch queue.
TON’s developers reassured users that no funds were compromised during the downtime and that transactions submitted while the network was offline remained secure and intact. This incident highlights the technical challenges faced by high-throughput, fast blockchains, where increased complexity can occasionally lead to brief service interruptions. Such outages, while disruptive, are becoming a more common aspect of evolving blockchain infrastructures and may influence user confidence in cryptocurrency networks.
Background: Previous Outages Linked to DOGS Memecoin Demand
TON has experienced similar interruptions in the past year, notably in August 2024, when surges in demand for the DOGS memecoin caused network congestion severe enough to halt block production multiple times. The first outage on August 27 stopped block creation at workchain block 45,341,899 and lasted several hours until validators reset their nodes to restore consensus. A brief recovery was followed by another crash due to continued high traffic from DOGS memecoin minting. Another outage occurred on August 28, lasting about six hours before normal operations resumed.
Continued Growth and Institutional Confidence
Despite these technical setbacks, TON has maintained strong momentum in attracting both retail users and institutional investors. In March 2025, the TON Foundation secured $400 million in funding from prominent venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital, Draper Associates, CoinFund, and SkyBridge. This significant capital injection underscores confidence in TON’s technology and its strategic partnership with Telegram, which integrates TON as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram’s Mini Apps Ecosystem, leveraging Telegram’s vast user base of over 1 billion monthly active users.
Outlook
The recent outage and past incidents underscore the necessity of ongoing network maintenance, monitoring, and rapid response capabilities to uphold blockchain reliability. TON’s swift resolution of the masterchain dispatch queue error demonstrates its commitment to operational resilience. As blockchain networks grow in complexity, such proactive measures will be essential to sustain user trust and support the broader adoption of blockchain-based applications, particularly in ecosystems tied to major platforms like Telegram.
In summary, TON’s brief outage on June 1 was effectively managed without loss of user assets, reflecting both the challenges and the maturity of high-performance blockchain networks navigating real-world demands and growth.
Michael Saylor Signals Continued Bitcoin Accumulation Amid Market Dips
Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), has once again hinted at expanding his company’s Bitcoin holdings, signaling an eighth consecutive week of acquisitions. This ongoing buying spree was suggested by Saylor’s recent post of the Strategy Bitcoin portfolio tracker on the social platform X, a move he has historically made just before announcing new purchases.
Currently, Strategy holds approximately 580,250 BTC, valued at around $60.7 billion, reinforcing its position as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder by a wide margin. The latest confirmed purchase involved acquiring 4,020 Bitcoin for $427 million, continuing a steady accumulation trend that has spanned over five years.
Despite recent market volatility and a Bitcoin price dip below $104,000, Saylor remains bullish. In an interview at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, he expressed confidence that Bitcoin’s price will continue to rise and acknowledged that acquiring Bitcoin will become increasingly difficult. However, he emphasized that Strategy will enhance its efficiency in purchasing the cryptocurrency.
Saylor also addressed concerns about Bitcoin’s decentralization amid growing institutional and governmental interest, arguing that increased participation actually strengthens the network’s resilience and trustworthiness, making it more attractive to large economic players.
The market has responded positively to Strategy’s ongoing purchases. Bitcoin’s price experienced a 2.5% increase shortly after news of Saylor’s latest acquisition surfaced, reaching $68,200 on June 1, 2025. This move has been interpreted as a bullish signal for the crypto market, potentially encouraging both retail and institutional investors.
In summary, Michael Saylor’s persistent Bitcoin buying strategy continues unabated, underlining his conviction in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and a hedge against inflation, even as broader market uncertainties persist.
Michael Saylor Signals Continued Bitcoin Accumulation Amid Market Dips
Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), has once again hinted at expanding his company’s Bitcoin holdings, signaling an eighth consecutive week of acquisitions. This ongoing buying spree was suggested by Saylor’s recent post of the Strategy Bitcoin portfolio tracker on the social platform X, a move he has historically made just before announcing new purchases.
Currently, Strategy holds approximately 580,250 BTC, valued at around $60.7 billion, reinforcing its position as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder by a wide margin. The latest confirmed purchase involved acquiring 4,020 Bitcoin for $427 million, continuing a steady accumulation trend that has spanned over five years.
Despite recent market volatility and a Bitcoin price dip below $104,000, Saylor remains bullish. In an interview at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, he expressed confidence that Bitcoin’s price will continue to rise and acknowledged that acquiring Bitcoin will become increasingly difficult. However, he emphasized that Strategy will enhance its efficiency in purchasing the cryptocurrency.
Saylor also addressed concerns about Bitcoin’s decentralization amid growing institutional and governmental interest, arguing that increased participation actually strengthens the network’s resilience and trustworthiness, making it more attractive to large economic players.
The market has responded positively to Strategy’s ongoing purchases. Bitcoin’s price experienced a 2.5% increase shortly after news of Saylor’s latest acquisition surfaced, reaching $68,200 on June 1, 2025. This move has been interpreted as a bullish signal for the crypto market, potentially encouraging both retail and institutional investors.
In summary, Michael Saylor’s persistent Bitcoin buying strategy continues unabated, underlining his conviction in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and a hedge against inflation, even as broader market uncertainties persist.
JPMorgan Highlights Ethereum Upgrades Fall Short in Driving Network Growth
JPMorgan’s latest research reveals that despite multiple recent upgrades to the Ethereum blockchain, including the Pectra update rolled out in early May 2025, the network has not experienced a meaningful increase in core activity metrics. The investment bank’s report points out that neither the daily transaction volume nor the number of active wallet addresses has shown significant growth since these improvements were implemented.
The Pectra upgrade was designed to enhance staking processes, improve wallet features, and boost overall network efficiency, aiming to make Ethereum more attractive to institutional investors and distinguish it from competing platforms. However, JPMorgan notes that these technical enhancements have yet to translate into higher user engagement or transaction throughput.
Interestingly, while total value locked (TVL) on Ethereum saw some increase between the March 2024 Dencun upgrade and the Pectra rollout, this growth appears modest when compared to the rise in the Ethereum token’s market capitalization. The bank attributes this discrepancy partly to increased activity on layer 2 scaling solutions, which reduce fees and transaction load on the main chain but also divert some network activity away from Ethereum’s base layer.
JPMorgan also highlights a decline in average and total transaction fees following the Dencun upgrade, reflecting this shift toward layer 2 chains. Additionally, the circulating supply of ether has increased post-Dencun, raising concerns about Ethereum potentially becoming inflationary amid subdued transaction demand.
From a market perspective, the report indicates that institutional investors have been significant contributors to the recent rally in ether prices, as evidenced by increased long positions in CME futures. However, this institutional interest has not been matched by notable inflows into spot ETH ETFs, suggesting that broader retail investor enthusiasm remains limited.
Overall, JPMorgan’s analysis paints a cautious outlook for Ethereum’s near-term growth prospects. Despite technological progress through upgrades like Pectra, the network’s fundamental usage metrics remain flat, signaling potential challenges in sustaining long-term demand and adoption without further innovation or expansion of use cases.
This assessment underscores the complex dynamics between Ethereum’s technical evolution and market behavior, highlighting that upgrades alone have not yet spurred the expected surge in network activity.
JPMorgan Highlights Ethereum Upgrades Fall Short in Driving Network Growth
JPMorgan’s latest research reveals that despite multiple recent upgrades to the Ethereum blockchain, including the Pectra update rolled out in early May 2025, the network has not experienced a meaningful increase in core activity metrics. The investment bank’s report points out that neither the daily transaction volume nor the number of active wallet addresses has shown significant growth since these improvements were implemented.
The Pectra upgrade was designed to enhance staking processes, improve wallet features, and boost overall network efficiency, aiming to make Ethereum more attractive to institutional investors and distinguish it from competing platforms. However, JPMorgan notes that these technical enhancements have yet to translate into higher user engagement or transaction throughput.
Interestingly, while total value locked (TVL) on Ethereum saw some increase between the March 2024 Dencun upgrade and the Pectra rollout, this growth appears modest when compared to the rise in the Ethereum token’s market capitalization. The bank attributes this discrepancy partly to increased activity on layer 2 scaling solutions, which reduce fees and transaction load on the main chain but also divert some network activity away from Ethereum’s base layer.
JPMorgan also highlights a decline in average and total transaction fees following the Dencun upgrade, reflecting this shift toward layer 2 chains. Additionally, the circulating supply of ether has increased post-Dencun, raising concerns about Ethereum potentially becoming inflationary amid subdued transaction demand.
From a market perspective, the report indicates that institutional investors have been significant contributors to the recent rally in ether prices, as evidenced by increased long positions in CME futures. However, this institutional interest has not been matched by notable inflows into spot ETH ETFs, suggesting that broader retail investor enthusiasm remains limited.
Overall, JPMorgan’s analysis paints a cautious outlook for Ethereum’s near-term growth prospects. Despite technological progress through upgrades like Pectra, the network’s fundamental usage metrics remain flat, signaling potential challenges in sustaining long-term demand and adoption without further innovation or expansion of use cases.
This assessment underscores the complex dynamics between Ethereum’s technical evolution and market behavior, highlighting that upgrades alone have not yet spurred the expected surge in network activity.
Investors Bet Big on Dexari As Mobile Crypto Trading Set to Explode
Dexari, the groundbreaking decentralized app revolutionizing mobile crypto trading, has announced the close of its latest funding round. The round successfully secured $2.3 million at a valuation of $22.5 million, led by Prelude and Lemniscap. This investment underscores strong investor confidence in Dexari’s vision of providing secure, intuitive, and decentralized crypto trading directly through mobile devices.
With this fresh capital, Dexari is perfectly positioned to enhance its engineering resources, expedite product innovation, and swiftly implement robust go-to-market initiatives. This funding marks a transformative moment, enabling Dexari to rapidly expand its market footprint and secure substantial market share within the surging mobile crypto trading landscape.
Dexari differentiates itself with a fully decentralized, non-custodial trading platform, channeling all trade orders exclusively via Hyperliquid. Users benefit from secure trading while retaining complete ownership and control of their crypto assets, accessing the market seamlessly at their convenience, anytime and anywhere.
The total addressable market (TAM) for mobile-based crypto trading continues its exponential growth, propelled by widespread global crypto adoption. Dexari’s combination of user-friendly mobile design and sophisticated decentralized infrastructure uniquely positions it to capture the escalating demand from retail investors eager for reliable, secure, and convenient crypto trading solutions.
“This funding represents a pivotal achievement for Dexari,” remarked the Dexari team. “We’re excited to collaborate closely with Prelude and Lemniscap, whose strategic insights and deep expertise will accelerate our technology development, talent acquisition, and broaden our market reach significantly.”
Prelude and Lemniscap, renowned Web3 venture capital firms, bring extensive industry expertise and valuable connections that will substantially enhance Dexari’s growth trajectory.
As the web3 ecosystem continues to mature, Dexari’s commitment to decentralized, mobile-first trading ideally positions it to capitalize on the growing preference among crypto users for self-custody and financial independence. This approach meets current market demands and anticipates future transitions toward complete decentralization in finance (DeFi).
Dexari is now positioned to further cement its leadership in the market, shaping the future of mobile crypto trading and setting new standards for decentralized financial empowerment.
Investors Bet Big on Dexari as Mobile Crypto Trading Set to Explode
Dexari, the groundbreaking decentralized app revolutionizing mobile crypto trading, has announced the close of its latest funding round. The round successfully secured $2.3 million at a valuation of $22.5 million, led by Prelude and Lemniscap. This investment underscores strong investor confidence in Dexari’s vision of providing secure, intuitive, and decentralized crypto trading directly through mobile devices.
With this fresh capital, Dexari is perfectly positioned to enhance its engineering resources, expedite product innovation, and swiftly implement robust go-to-market initiatives. This funding marks a transformative moment, enabling Dexari to rapidly expand its market footprint and secure substantial market share within the surging mobile crypto trading landscape.
Dexari differentiates itself with a fully decentralized, non-custodial trading platform, channeling all trade orders exclusively via Hyperliquid. Users benefit from secure trading while retaining complete ownership and control of their crypto assets, accessing the market seamlessly at their convenience, anytime and anywhere.
The total addressable market (TAM) for mobile-based crypto trading continues its exponential growth, propelled by widespread global crypto adoption. Dexari’s combination of user-friendly mobile design and sophisticated decentralized infrastructure uniquely positions it to capture the escalating demand from retail investors eager for reliable, secure, and convenient crypto trading solutions.
“This funding represents a pivotal achievement for Dexari,” remarked the Dexari team. “We’re excited to collaborate closely with Prelude and Lemniscap, whose strategic insights and deep expertise will accelerate our technology development, talent acquisition, and broaden our market reach significantly.”
Prelude and Lemniscap, renowned Web3 venture capital firms, bring extensive industry expertise and valuable connections that will substantially enhance Dexari’s growth trajectory.
As the web3 ecosystem continues to mature, Dexari’s commitment to decentralized, mobile-first trading ideally positions it to capitalize on the growing preference among crypto users for self-custody and financial independence. This approach meets current market demands and anticipates future transitions toward complete decentralization in finance (DeFi).
Dexari is now positioned to further cement its leadership in the market, shaping the future of mobile crypto trading and setting new standards for decentralized financial empowerment.
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