Privacy Coins XMR, ZEC Plunge 30%+ as ZANO Defies Market Fear

In a week of extreme market turmoil that saw over $2.6 billion in leveraged positions wiped out, the privacy coin sector experienced a dramatic divergence. While giants Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) plummeted by nearly a third, the much smaller ZANO blockchain demonstrated remarkable resilience, declining just 1.4%. This stark performance gap, unfolding as the crypto Fear & Greed Index hit a deeply fearful 9, highlights a potential flight to stability within niche projects amid a broader market rout.

about Privacy Coins XMR, ZEC Plunge 30%+ as ZANO Defies Market Fear

Bitcoin Gets Shark Mascot ‘Bitcoinius Maximus’ in Santa Monica

Bitcoin has a new aquatic mascot with the unveiling of ‘Bitcoinius Maximus,’ a shark sculpture displayed at the Bitcoin Alpha unconference in Santa Monica. The artwork symbolizes Bitcoin’s characteristics as an apex predator in the financial world. Organizers see the shark as representing Bitcoin’s resilience and 24/7 operational nature, positioning it as a formidable challenger to traditional financial symbols like Wall Street’s Charging Bull.

about Bitcoin Gets Shark Mascot 'Bitcoinius Maximus' in Santa Monica

Roger Ver’s $49.9M Tax Case Nears Dismissal

The high-profile criminal tax case against Bitcoin pioneer Roger Ver, widely known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” appears to be reaching its conclusion as US authorities move to dismiss the indictment. In a significant development filed in California federal court, the government has proposed dismissing the case without prejudice after reaching a settlement requiring Ver to pay $49.9 million plus all taxes, penalties, and interest to the IRS for liabilities related to his Bitcoin holdings. This resolution marks a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency taxation enforcement and brings closure to a case that has drawn intense scrutiny from both traditional finance and crypto communities.

about Roger Ver's $49.9M Tax Case Nears Dismissal

Luxembourg Invests in Bitcoin ETFs, Trump Mulls CZ Pardon

In a landmark week for cryptocurrency adoption and regulation, Luxembourg’s sovereign wealth fund has become the first Eurozone nation to allocate 1% of its portfolio to Bitcoin ETFs, signaling unprecedented institutional acceptance. Simultaneously, former President Trump is reportedly considering a presidential pardon for Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, potentially reshaping the regulatory landscape for crypto executives while the SEC moves toward formalizing an innovation exemption for digital assets.

about Luxembourg Invests in Bitcoin ETFs, Trump Mulls CZ Pardon

Bitcoin Jesus Settles $48M DOJ Tax Fraud Case

Early Bitcoin evangelist Roger Ver, known as ‘Bitcoin Jesus,’ has reached a $48 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in a high-profile tax fraud case that exposes the growing tension between cryptocurrency pioneers and traditional tax enforcement. The agreement resolves criminal charges alleging Ver concealed his Bitcoin holdings to avoid paying exit taxes when he renounced his U.S. citizenship, marking a significant moment in the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of digital asset wealth.

about Bitcoin Jesus Settles $48M DOJ Tax Fraud Case

Roger Ver’s $48M DOJ Tax Deal in Trump Crypto Era

Crypto entrepreneur Roger Ver has reached a $48 million settlement with the Department of Justice to resolve his tax evasion case, marking another significant development in the Trump administration’s dialed-down cryptocurrency enforcement approach. The deal, which drops charges of mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns, comes amid a broader regulatory shift that has seen investigations into major crypto firms dropped and crypto-friendly figures appointed to key federal agencies.

about Roger Ver's $48M DOJ Tax Deal in Trump Crypto Era

Bitcoin Jesus Reaches $48M Tax Deal with DOJ

Crypto pioneer Roger Ver, known as ‘Bitcoin Jesus,’ has reached a tentative agreement with US authorities to resolve tax evasion charges. The deal would require him to pay $48 million in back taxes while potentially avoiding prison time. This development comes after his 2024 arrest in Spain and extradition proceedings, marking a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of cryptocurrency investors’ tax compliance.

about Bitcoin Jesus Reaches $48M Tax Deal with DOJ

Roger Ver Fights US Extradition in Tax Evasion Case

Roger Ver, a prominent Bitcoin advocate known as ‘Bitcoin Jesus,’ has filed a lawsuit in Spain to block his extradition to the US, where he faces tax evasion charges. The US DOJ alleges he owes $48 million in unpaid taxes. Ver, arrested in Spain and later released on bail, argues in the European Court of Human Rights that extradition breaches his rights, calling the case politically motivated. The legal battle highlights the growing scrutiny of crypto figures by regulators.

about Roger Ver Fights US Extradition in Tax Evasion Case

Crypto Mogul Roger Ver Sues Spain Over US Extradition

Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin investor and promoter of Bitcoin Cash, is fighting extradition to the U.S. over charges of evading $50 million in taxes, mail fraud, and false tax filings. His legal team filed a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights, arguing Spain failed to consider legal uncertainties around crypto taxation. Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014, was arrested in Spain last year and is now campaigning to have the charges dropped, hoping for political intervention similar to past crypto-related pardons under Trump.

about Crypto Mogul Roger Ver Sues Spain Over US Extradition

$8.6B Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Hack Speculation

A series of Bitcoin transactions totaling 80,000 BTC ($8.6 billion) from wallets dormant since 2011 has raised eyebrows in the crypto community. Coinbase’s Conor Grogan suggested a ‘small possibility’ of a hack, citing an odd BCH test transaction, though many experts dispute this theory. Some speculate the funds belong to Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin investor arrested for tax fraud, and may signal an IRS settlement. Critics argue the slow, manual execution of transfers and the mathematical improbability of hacking a private key make a breach unlikely. The debate highlights the intrigue surrounding large-scale crypto movements and security concerns.

about $8.6B Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Hack Speculation

Bitcoin Whale Moves $8.6B Amid Hack Speculation

A massive Bitcoin transfer of 80,009 BTC ($8.6 billion) from a Satoshi-era wallet has triggered debates over a possible hack. Coinbase’s Conor Grogan pointed to suspicious activity, including a prior Bitcoin Cash (BCH) test transaction, suggesting private key testing. Meanwhile, newer whales have shown rare simultaneous profit-taking ($641M) and losses ($1.24B). Speculation also links the transfer to Roger Ver, recently released from prison. Bitcoin whale deposits to exchanges like Binance are rising, with 1,550 BTC ($167M) moved recently, signaling potential market caution among large holders.

about Bitcoin Whale Moves $8.6B Amid Hack Speculation

Trump’s Crypto Pardons: Who’s Seeking Relief?

President Donald Trump has granted pardons to several notable figures in the cryptocurrency industry, including Ross Ulbricht, Arthur Hayes, and BitMEX co-founders. This has sparked hope among other convicted crypto leaders, who are now actively seeking pardons. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao confirmed through legal channels that he is pursuing a pardon, dismissing rumors of exchanging Binance.US equity for clemency. Similarly, FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried is reportedly lobbying for a pardon through his parents and connections close to Trump. Early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver publicly appealed for a pardon, despite complications due to his renounced U.S. citizenship. Meanwhile, lesser-known figures like Joby Weeks, involved in the BitClub Ponzi scheme, have also hinted at seeking presidential intervention. These developments highlight the intersection of crypto, legal battles, and political influence under Trump’s administration.

about Trump's Crypto Pardons: Who's Seeking Relief?