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Tron announced the launch of the "Gasless" feature for USDt transfers, allowing transactions without a fee, after the rise in network fees at the end of 2024
At the end of 2024, transaction fees on the Tron blockchain for transferring USDt significantly increased, exceeding 9 dollars per transaction, making the network one of the most expensive for the stablecoin. However, Tron founder Justin Sun announced the launch of the "Gasless" feature for USDt, which will allow users to make transfers without paying gas fees. The new feature is expected to be available soon. Tron continues to develop solutions to reduce transaction costs, improving the accessibility of blockchain services for users.
Hackers who hacked the Bybit exchange laundered 113 million dollars in 24 hours and continue to hold 900 million dollars, using Maya Protocol and the North Korean Lazarus group
Hackers who hacked the Bybit exchange laundered 45,900 ETH (~113 million dollars) in 24 hours, with a total of 135,000 ETH (~335 million dollars) stolen. The criminals continue to hold 363,900 ETH (~900 million dollars). They used Maya Protocol to transfer the funds. In response, Bybit CEO Ben Zhou launched a website to track the actions of the Lazarus hacker group. The platform allows users to find and block laundered funds, offering a reward for successful operations.
PayPal is implementing PYUSD for small businesses, offering faster and cheaper payments with the potential to expand the customer base
PayPal has announced the integration of its stablecoin PYUSD for small businesses, opening new opportunities for businesses. PYUSD, pegged to the dollar, ensures fast and secure transactions with low fees. This will allow small businesses to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and attract customers interested in cryptocurrencies. The integration with PayPal also enhances security through blockchain technology. Importantly, cryptocurrencies can provide access to international markets and financial inclusion for users without traditional banking access.
Hackers are spreading malware through fake projects on GitHub to steal cryptocurrency and personal data, warns Kaspersky
Cybercriminals create repositories with fake applications, such as bots for managing Bitcoin wallets and tools for Instagram, to steal cryptocurrency and personal data. These projects contain trojans, information stealers, and clipboard hijacking programs. As a result of the attacks in November, one user lost 5 bitcoins (about $442,000). Kaspersky warns about the risks and recommends checking third-party code actions before downloading.
The U.S. Department is investigating the incident with the video criticizing the ties between Trump and Musk shown at the HUD headquarters, amid Musk's ultimatum to federal employees
The SEC ends the investigation against Uniswap Labs, dropping charges of unregistered activity, which supports the development of DeFi technologies in the US
Bybit resumed operations in India after registration with authorities, restoring services for users after the fine for violating anti-money laundering legislation
The Financial Intelligence Unit of South Korea suspends the operation of the Upbit exchange for three months due to violations of cryptocurrency regulations
OKX has agreed to pay over $500 million due to violations of U.S. laws by serving customers without a license and failing to comply with anti-money laundering requirements
The EU introduces the 16th sanctions package against Russia, including the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex and expanding restrictions on Belarus, strengthening the fight against circumventing international sanctions
A federal judge blocked DOGE’s access to personal information of citizens, claiming it violates data protection laws, after a lawsuit by unions and government benefits recipients
The Nigerian government is suing Binance for $81.5 billion, accusing the company of economic losses and failure to pay taxes for 2022-2023
Infini loses $50 million due to a hack by a developer with left administrative rights, using a vulnerability in the contract and cryptocurrency transfers
The payment system Infini lost $50 million due to a hack carried out by a developer who left administrative rights after completing the project. Using these rights, the attacker transferred funds to USDC through a contract created in November 2024, then exchanged them for Dai and transferred them into 17,696 ETH. The Infini team did not suspend withdrawals, promising compensation to users in the worst-case scenario. This incident occurred after the hack of the Bybit cryptocurrency exchange, which lost $1.4 billion.
DFSA recognizes USDC and EURC as the first stablecoins within Dubai's crypto regulation, opening new opportunities for business in DIFC and supporting the growth of the cryptocurrency sector in the UAE
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has recognized stablecoins USDC and EURC from Circle as the first stable tokens under its cryptocurrency regulation. This allows companies in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to use these tokens for payments and asset management. This decision contributes to the further development of the crypto industry in the UAE, where new laws and licenses regulating the cryptocurrency market have also been introduced. Unlike Circle, Tether is actively working in Abu Dhabi, integrating USDT into the real estate market.
DekaBank launches cryptocurrency trading and custody services for institutional clients, receiving a license from BaFin and adhering to security and regulatory requirements
DekaBank, one of the largest German banks with assets of 377 billion euros, has started offering cryptocurrency trading and custody services for institutional clients. The bank has received authorization from Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to provide cryptocurrency custody services in compliance with German banking regulations. As part of the new offering, the bank emphasizes regulatory compliance and security. This aligns with the latest trends in Germany's financial sector, where other major institutions are also beginning to engage with cryptocurrencies.
Brazilian Dover Braga was extradited to the USA for the $290 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, facing up to 20 years in prison for fraud and tax evasion
Brazilian Dover Braga was extradited to the USA on charges of organizing a Ponzi cryptocurrency scheme worth $290 million. He led the platform Trade Coin Club (TCC), which promised high returns from Bitcoin trading, but in reality, it was a scam where the money from new investors was used to pay off the old ones. Braga stole at least $50 million and concealed income from tax authorities. He faces up to 20 years in prison. The trial is set for April 28, 2025.
Best news of the last 10 days
The Federal Reserve System has supported the BFT mechanism for digital payments, which opens up new opportunities for cryptocurrencies XRP, XLM, and HBAR in financial systems
Bybit invests $1 million in EthicHub to support small farmers, improve financial inclusion, and promote sustainable development in the coffee industry through blockchain
The bill on Bitcoin reserves rejected in Montana: The House of Representatives voted against investing in cryptocurrencies using state funds
Pump.fun blocks hacker linked to major Bybit breach, preventing laundering of 1.5 billion dollars through meme coin QinShihuang
Kraken and Crypto.com are developing their own stablecoins to comply with the new MiCA regulation requirements in the EU, excluding unauthorized tokens by March 2025
In response to the tightening of European regulations under MiCA, the cryptocurrency exchanges Kraken and Crypto.com are developing their own stablecoins to comply with the new requirements. According to MiCA, all stablecoins must be backed by liquid assets and approved by EU regulators. Exchanges must exclude unauthorized tokens, such as USDT and PYUSD, by March 2025. Kraken and Crypto.com have chosen a strategy of creating their own assets, which will allow them to remain in the European market while complying with legal requirements.
The Lazarus group is using the meme-coin QinShihuang to launder $26 million stolen from Bybit through the Solana and Binance Smart Chain blockchains, exacerbating security issues on cryptocurrency platforms
The Lazarus group has released the meme-coin QinShihuang to launder $26 million stolen from the Bybit exchange. Investigator ZachXBT tracked the movement of funds through the Solana and Binance Smart Chain blockchains. Lazarus used the Pump Fun platform to exchange the stolen tokens for cleaner assets to make tracking more difficult. This method, including "pump-and-dump," helped the group cover their tracks. Experts noted vulnerabilities in the security of cryptocurrency platforms and called for enhanced protection of user assets.
Bybit restores 50 percent of Ethereum reserves after a $1.4 billion hacker attack, receiving emergency help from crypto companies and confirmation of user fund security
Bybit has restored 50 percent of its reserves in Ethereum after a major hacker attack on $1.4 billion that occurred on February 21. As a result of the hack, liquid-staked Ether (STETH), Mantle Staked ETH (mETH), and other ERC-20 tokens were stolen. However, the exchange quickly restored about 45 percent of its reserves with the help of major cryptocurrency players such as Binance and Bitget, as well as by raising $390 million through emergency loans and transfers. Despite the losses, an independent audit confirmed that user funds remain fully secured and protected.
Costa Rica launches its first Bitcoin ETF through the largest bank, Banco Nacional, providing citizens access to crypto investments through the country's banking system
Costa Rica launches its first Bitcoin ETF through the country's largest bank, Banco Nacional. This is the first crypto investment product available through the banking system, opening new opportunities for local investors. The new fund will allow citizens to invest in Bitcoin and the S&P 500 index, with a minimum investment amount of $100. The country does not have formal cryptocurrency legislation, but due to the absence of bans, citizens can freely own and trade them. A cryptocurrency bill is currently under consideration.