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Best Altcoins to Buy After Google Acquires Stake in Bitcoin Mining Company

by admin September 26, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Google is all set to acquire a 5.4% stake in Cipher Mining, a Bitcoin mining company, in exchange for guaranteeing part of the payment in the deal between Fluidstack (an AI-focused data center company) and Cipher Mining.

Fluidstack and Cipher Mining have entered into a 10-year contract worth $3B, under which Fluidstack will lease Cipher Mining’s computing power.
Since this is such a large amount, Google has stepped in to guarantee $1.4B of Fluidstack’s obligation.
In return, Cipher Mining will issue share warrants that give Google a 5.4% ownership stake (24M shares) in the company.

This isn’t the first time Google has done this. Earlier in August, the tech giant acquired a 14% stake in TeraWulf, another Bitcoin mining company, by backstopping $1.8B out of its $3.7B deal with Fluidstack.

Read on as we explore Google’s newfound interest in Bitcoin mining firms, and highlight the best altcoins to buy now – including the likes of Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) and Snorter Token ($SNORT) – to make the most of this industry shift.

Bitcoin Miners Moving Towards AI

Google’s foray into Bitcoin mining firms isn’t just a long bet on cryptocurrency but also a calculated investment in artificial intelligence.

Here’s a key correlation to pay attention to: both AI and Bitcoin mining require enormous amounts of raw compute and massive power capacity to operate. Both rely heavily on specialized GPUs and cheap bulk electricity.

Bitcoin miners, having existed for more than a decade, already have access to giant data centers with racks, cooling, and robust power infrastructure.

In contrast, the AI industry has to build this from scratch. This is why many Bitcoin mining firms have been pivoting toward a hybrid revenue model by investing in the high-performance computing (HPC) segment.

CleanSpark recently raised $100M by using Bitcoin as collateral, a portion of which has been reserved for AI infrastructure.
Similarly, Hive Digital has been investing in advanced GPUs to expand its HPC segment.

Google has spotted this pivot, which explains why it has been aggressively acquiring stakes in Bitcoin mining companies.

The financial backing of a tech behemoth like Google is a huge vote of confidence in the long-term sustainability of crypto infrastructure.

By investing in Bitcoin mining firms, Google is strengthening their financial footing, which leads to a more stable crypto economy.

Fresh HPC deals bring new liquidity and credibility to the wider mining and crypto space, transforming miners into mainstream AI-driven compute giants.

All in all, this could be your cue to build a crypto portfolio along these lines. If you’re looking for ideas, here are our top picks for best crypto to buy now.

1. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) – New Bitcoin Layer-2 Bringing Ultra-Fast Speeds, Low Fees & Web3 Support

Investing in Bitcoin’s long-term potential is undoubtedly one of the smartest moves you could make in your crypto investing career.

And to help you do just that – while adding an extra slice of profitability – comes Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), a new Bitcoin-themed altcoin currently in presale.

It’s a next-gen Layer-2 solution for Bitcoin that will tackle the network’s age-old issues of slow transactions and high costs.

Unlike Bitcoin’s native chain, which processes transactions one by one, $HYPER will leverage Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) integration to execute thousands of transactions in parallel, provided they’re not interdependent.

The result? Significantly higher throughput and lower costs.

On top of that, the SVM empowers developers to finally build smart contracts and decentralized applications on Bitcoin, bringing a full-fledged Web3 infrastructure to the network.

This includes DeFi trading apps, NFT marketplaces, DAOs and governance, lending, staking, and much more.

One of the most important elements of Hyper’s Web3 environment is its decentralized, non-custodial canonical bridge.

Simply put, it allows you to convert your Layer-1 Bitcoin – which is normally incompatible with Layer-2s – into wrapped Bitcoin that’s fully compatible with Bitcoin Hyper’s Layer-2 network.

Currently in presale, Bitcoin Hyper has already attracted $18.3M from early investors, with each token still priced at just $0.012975. You can also stake it for 64% APY. That said, the next price increase is just hours away. Discover how to buy $HYPER and then get yours at its current early-bird price.

According to our Bitcoin Hyper price prediction, by the way, $HYPER has the potential to go absolutely bonkers once it lists, potentially delivering returns of up to 2,300% by the end of this year alone.

Visit Bitcoin Hyper’s official website to learn more.

2. Snorter Token ($SNORT) – Revolutionary Telegram Trading Bot for Meme Coin Sniping

Like Bitcoin Hyper, Snorter Token ($SNORT) is built to tackle a critical issue in the crypto landscape: the unfair dominance of institutional players in the meme coin trading segment.

Up until now, big-money whales with advanced tools have been able to scoop up nearly all the liquidity in new meme coins, leaving nothing for the average Joe and keeping those monstrous gains for themselves.

Snorter’s game-changing Telegram trading bot, however, will flip the script by letting you place buy and sell limit and stop orders in advance.

Then, its sub-second sniping will automatically execute those trades as soon as liquidity kicks in, finally giving retail traders a shot at playing in the big leagues.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about scammers and hackers troubling you. Snorter will come packed with safeguards against rug pulls, honeypots, common on-chain scams, and even sophisticated sandwich attacks.

The best part about Snorter, though, will be its ease of use. All you’ll have to do to place orders, manage your crypto portfolio, or even enable the bot’s copy-trading function is send simple commands in the familiar Telegram chat.

So even if you’re new to meme coin trading, it’ll feel like a breeze to use.

Buying $SNORT, the bot’s native crypto, gives you access to a host of exclusive benefits, including reduced trading fees of just 0.85% versus the regular 1.5%, staking rewards, no daily sniping limits, and advanced analytics.

The project is currently in presale and has already raised over $4.1M. The good news is you can still buy $SNORT for just $0.1055 apiece and stake it for 115% APY.

The bad news? The Snorter Token presale is in its final stretch and set to end in just 24 days. So, the clock is ticking.

You won’t want to miss out on this one because, according to our Snorter Token price prediction, this new cryptocurrency could hit $0.94 by the end of 2025, potentially delivering a chunky 800% ROI.

Head to the official Snorter Token website and buy your tokens before it’s too late.

3. Dogecoin ($DOGE) – Prominent Meme Coin Prepping for a Fresh Leg Up

Dogecoin ($DOGE) is probably the only meme coin in the market that has moved beyond plain speculation and into the territory of being, for lack of a better word, a blue-chip crypto.

On the technical side, after a sweltering 23,000% rally in early 2021, the token has mostly moved sideways with a few bumps here and there, but nothing of real substance.

That said, the recent ETF announcements and launches – most notably the REX-Osprey DOGE ETF – have injected fresh fuel into the token, and experts believe now could be the best time to buy some $DOGE before it explodes.

According to renowned crypto analyst Ali Martinez, who has 157K+ followers on X, ‘This is a great zone to buy Dogecoin before a bullish breakout to $0.50!’

Martinez highlighted that Dogecoin is currently in an ascending triangle pattern, firmly supported by an upward trend line while aggressively approaching its upper resistance. A breakout here could send the token soaring to new highs.

While he suggests $0.50 as the most realistic target, it’s highly possible that $DOGE could rally further and hit $0.75 on the back of the broader bullish sentiment in the crypto market.

That would be more than a 220% gain from current levels. So even after maturing, Dogecoin is still staring at triple-digit gains, which is proof of both its potential and its dominance.

Interested? Buy $DOGE on Binance or any of the other major crypto exchanges.

Disclaimer: Crypto investments are highly risky. None of the above is financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.

Authored by Krishi Chowdhary, Bitcoinist – https://bitcoinist.com/best-altcoins-to-buy-as-google-acquires-stake-in-bitcoin-mining-company

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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Regulators Eye Stock Jumps Before Corporate Crypto Buys: WSJ

by admin September 26, 2025

In brief

The outreach was based on a review of 200+ firms with crypto-treasury plans, but only some were reportedly flagged.
Regulators are reportedly examining whether leaks or trading on material non-public information may have occurred.
Observers have warned that poorly timed treasury strategies may appear gimmicky and expose firms to instability.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority have reportedly contacted certain companies after identifying unusual trading activity ahead of their announcements on digital asset treasuries.

The outreach was drawn from a review of more than 200 firms that disclosed crypto treasury strategies this year, though only a portion was flagged, according to an initial report from the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter.

Decrypt has reached out to the SEC and FINRA for confirmation.

Described as preliminary, the outreach reportedly followed trails of sharp price swings and heavy volumes in the days leading up to some of the firms disclosing their strategies for digital assets, following the playbook set forth by Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy.

The model involves raising debt or equity to acquire digital assets as balance-sheet reserves, not just Bitcoin but also Ethereum, Solana, and others.

Observers have previously cautioned that while a carefully structured crypto-treasury strategy can project strength, poorly timed or opportunistic moves risk appearing like gimmicks and may expose firms to forced liquidations and instability.

Regulators are reportedly reviewing whether selective leaks or trading on material non-public information may have occurred.

What is Reg FD?

Regulation Fair Disclosure, also known as Reg FD, is an SEC rule that prohibits companies from sharing material information with select investors before making it public. Violations can expose firms to civil penalties, enforcement actions, and reputational risk.

Introduced and adopted in 2000, the rule was made “to ensure that all investors have equal access to ‘material’ corporate information at the same time, focused on the nature of the information and the manner of its disclosure,” Andrew Rossow, public affairs attorney and CEO of AR Media Consulting, told Decrypt.

It covers “anything that a reasonable investor would consider important in their investment decision, and could affect a company’s valuation, capital-raising plans, or overall risk profile,” Rossow explained.

If any material non-public information “can be traced directly to a tipper or company source, or an agent who acts on that information,” it falls within the scope of a Reg FD violation, he noted.

“In contrast, industry gossip, rumors, or third-party speculation generally do not,” he said, adding that insider trading liability is also possible “if the recipient of MNPI trades or leaks it because the information was misused for personal or market gain.”

Investigations of this kind typically begin with unusual trading activity, and “the smoking gun is a direct trace back to the source/tipper,” Rossow said.

To build that link, authorities look for communications spanning emails, meeting notes, internal platforms like Slack or Teams, text messages, calendar invites, and device records that may tie suspicious trades to the source.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

Bitcoin price crashes under $113k amid weak on-chain metrics and rising altcoin flows

GameFi Guides

Is a $15K swing coming next?

by admin September 26, 2025

Summary

Bitcoin is consolidating near $109k, with volatility compressed, according to Bitcoin price prediction analysts.
Bollinger Bands and ATR are at lows, while the action continues rangebound between $108k and $113k.
Bitcoin price forecast: A breakout above $113k might target $120k-$125k due to ETF inflows and whale demand.
Downside expectation: if the price falls below $108k, liquidations may occur; target $103k-$100k or the mid-$90k.
The neutral yet coiled structure predicts a potential swing of ~$15k once volatility resumes.

Bitcoin is trading near $109k on September 26, 2025, following a brief period of volatile trading that fluctuated between short-lived gains and fast retracements.

The tight price action has resulted in compressed technical readings across intraday charts, and market participants are keeping an eye on both traditional macro triggers (Fed/PCE data and rate discussions) and crypto-specific catalysts, such as ETF flows and a significant options expiry this week.

This makes the current Bitcoin price prediction environment particularly important as traders prepare for the next large move.

Current Bitcoin price prediction scenario

BTC 1d chart, Source: crypto.news

Over the last few days, BTC has oscillated within a relatively narrow band, with intra-day prints and data feeds clustering broadly around the $108k and $113k ranges; exchanges and price aggregators show prices at around $109k at the time of writing.

The compression is seen across various timeframes: intraday Bollinger Bands have contracted, and Average True Range (ATR) readings have fallen from the August volatility highs, indicating decreased realized volatility even as macroeconomic uncertainty lingers. This range-bound market has reduced directional activity, reduced leveraged posture, and concentrated liquidity at a few key levels, which can accentuate moves when support or resistance breaks. Analysts note that the BTC price forecast remains closely tied to how long this compression can sustain before breaking.

Upside outlook for Bitcoin price

If Bitcoin (BTC) can clear and sustain above the mid-$113k level, there is a clear technical path to the $120k-$125k range, fueled by liquidity gaps and prior supply clusters.

Spot ETF inflows and renewed institutional appetite remain the primary bullish arguments: several recent near-term reports and order flow metrics indicate net inflows into ETFs and some renewed accumulation among large holders, which would add a structural bid beneath price and shorten the path to higher targets.

Momentum above broken resistance may increase short covering and stimulate new buying from systematic techniques that use breakouts as entry signals.

However, any positive continuation will have to overcome the strong options positions and profit-taking that preceded the August gain. In this scenario, the Bitcoin outlook tilts constructive, as higher projections toward $125k align with structural inflows and market positioning.

Downside risks to BTC price

A significant breach below the lower edge of the recent range, around $108k, risks cascade liquidations, with technical stops and futures funding pressure pushing prices down $103k-$100k in a quick drop.

On-chain data and derivatives indicators suggest strong open interest and a large options expiry grouped around this window, which can amplify moves while also creating asymmetrical risk: if volatility jumps to the downside, forced deleveraging could drive price through several support layers.

Furthermore, macro headlines (sovereign balance-sheet movements, unexpected economic data, or hawkish central bank comments) have the potential to abruptly shift mood, and September has traditionally been a month of extreme volatility for risk assets – a seasonal feature traders should keep in mind. The expectation among some bearish analysts is for a deeper correction into the $95k area if key supports crack.

Bitcoin price prediction based on current levels

Bitcoin support and resistance levels, Source: Tradingview

With the current band centered between $108k and $113k, the immediate path is clear: a breakout above $113k likely opens the path to $120k-$125k, whereas a breakdown below $108k increases the likelihood of a move toward $100k or slightly lower as liquidity absorbs forced selling.

Given current derivatives positioning and upcoming expiries, a move of approximately $10k-$15k from current levels is possible once volatility returns; the direction will be determined by the flow (ETF and institutional buys vs macro-driven risk-off) and whether the major options expiry resolves in a way that squeezes one side of the market.

In other words, while the market is neutral-to-slightly bullish structurally, short-term risk is elevated due to concentrated derivatives exposure and compressed volatility.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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India’s IT Department Uncovers $19M Crypto Fraud Targeting Farmers

by admin September 26, 2025

The Income Tax (IT) Department has unwrapped a fraudulent crypto scheme in the southern states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The scheme involved identity theft, where the fraudsters used the identities of unsuspecting ordinary citizens to carry out trading activities.

According to a Times of India report, this was uncovered after the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) flagged 20 suspicious cases. Following this lead, officials from the Income Tax Department visited several remote villages across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Investigators have been able to verify nine cases where the trading amount reached INR 170 crores, approximately $19.31 million.

In each case, investigators found that ordinary citizens such as farmers and delivery workers were linked to high-value crypto trades. Several people whose names came up in the investigation were astonished when they were approached by officials. When questioned, these individuals denied any involvement, revealing that they had zero knowledge about cryptocurrencies and that they also had no idea their IDs were being used for trading cryptocurrencies.

From farms to fraud

The investigators carried out a probe in more than five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sources also confirmed that most individuals linked to these trades are from lower socioeconomic strata, having no financial literacy, let alone knowledge of cryptocurrencies.

S Narasimha, a farmer whose identity was stolen for the purchase of a cryptocurrency worth INR 9.5 crore, claimed, “We don’t even know what Bitcoin is.” In another case, Shiva Pamula, a food delivery partner being shown to carry out massive volume trades, said he didn’t have an idea about crypto or the trading.

Larger identity theft suspected

The IT officials have cautioned that these verified nine cases may represent only a small fraction of a far larger fraudulent scheme. The racket appears to operate via the theft or falsification of Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards, an identification card issued by the IT department, and other personal details of ordinary citizens. All individuals whose names were used reportedly were non-filers of income tax returns, suggesting the misuse was designed to avoid detection through standard tax filings. The case raises serious concerns about fraud, cybersecurity, and regulatory oversight in India’s rapidly growing crypto sector.

Crypto crimes on the rise across the globe

This is the latest addition to the increasing crypto-related crimes across the world. European nations such as France and the UK have become a hotspot for crypto-related crimes. Earlier this month, the French police detained seven people in relation to the kidnapping of a 20-year-old Swiss man.

Additionally, in August, an Indian court sentenced a former Parliamentarian and senior police officers to life imprisonment in connection with a 2018 Bitcoin extortion and kidnapping case. These incidents highlight the call for strict laws for crypto space.

Also Read: XPL Price Surges 58% as Plasma Mainnet Goes Live with Tether

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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XRP $3 Fakeout Can Send Price to $2 Now: Details

by admin September 26, 2025

XRP’s momentum could not build up
Unsustainable movement

Following what now seems to be a fakeout breakout attempt, XRP’s recent price action is displaying serious warning indicators. The token has retreated into weakness rather than continuing on its upward trajectory, and the structure suggests that if things continue to go against the bulls, it may drop to the $2 mark.

XRP’s momentum could not build up

The chart indicates that XRP is having difficulty maintaining momentum above $3 as it struggles beneath descending resistance lines. The rejection swiftly became a bearish reversal, despite traders’ momentary hope that the move higher would lead to a breakout.

The inability to recover the 50 EMA and 26 EMA indicates that sellers continue to have momentum, and moving averages are now starting to slope lower. This indicates that it will be difficult for bulls to regain control.

XRP/USDT Chart by TradingView

The fact that XRP has tested the 100 EMA but has not produced a compelling reaction adds to the pressure. Comparing the volume to previous surges, it has also stayed relatively low, suggesting that bulls are not strong enough to hold higher levels.

Unsustainable movement

The next significant support if the price does not settle here is in the $2.60 region. Losing this level could hasten the decline even more in the direction of $2, a zone that corresponds with areas of prior accumulation and psychological support.

With Bitcoin’s inability to sustain recent gains and wider altcoin weakness feeding the negative outlook, market sentiment also seems brittle. The likelihood of a further decline is still high unless XRP can recover $3 with significant buying volume.

The $2.80-$2.90 range is the battleground for traders to keep an eye on. A clear failure in this area validates the fakeout and makes the way lower. Bulls must move fast to regain momentum, but the current outlook is in favor of sellers because EMAs are moving against them.

Given how vulnerable XRP looks right now, the market should brace for the prospect of a retracement of the token back toward the $2 mark in the upcoming weeks, barring an immediate reversal above $3.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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Slides 6% as Bitcoin Drop Slashes Bullish Sentiment

by admin September 26, 2025

XRP’s push above $2.90 collapsed under heavy selling on Sept. 25, with a $277 million volume spike hammering price back to $2.75.

The move erased more than $18 billion in market value over the past week and confirmed fresh resistance at $2.80, leaving traders bracing for a test of $2.70 support.

News Background

• XRP slid 5.83% over the Sept. 25–26 session, falling from $2.92 to $2.75 on heavy institutional selling.
• A sharp rejection at $2.80 during the 17:00 hour triggered a 276.77 million volume spike — more than 2.5x the 24-hour average.
• Despite SEC approval of the first U.S. XRP ETF, optimism has been offset by Powell’s warnings on valuations and rising Treasury yields.
• Over the past week, XRP’s market value has contracted by $18.94 billion, down 10.22%, breaking below the $3.00 psychological threshold.

Price Action Summary

XRP traded between $2.92 and $2.74 — a 6.3% intraday range — before closing near $2.75.
• Sellers dominated after $2.80 rejection on extreme volume, creating a distribution zone that capped further upside.
• Subsequent recovery attempts stalled around $2.81–$2.82, confirming fresh resistance clusters.
• Final hour saw a brief 1.09% bounce from $2.75 to $2.78, driven by concentrated flows between 00:50–00:57 on volumes above 3 million per candle.
• Short-term support is now seen at $2.75–$2.77, with downside risk toward $2.70 if breached.

Technical Analysis

• Range: $0.18 (6.3%) between $2.92 high and $2.74 low.
• Resistance: $2.80 initial rejection; $2.81–$2.82 clusters formed on failed retests.
• Support: $2.75 zone defended in late session; $2.70 psychological level next watch.
• Volume: 276.77M at 17:00 vs. 108.42M daily average.
• Pattern: High-volume rejection signals distribution. Short-term consolidation near $2.77 suggests indecision before next move.

What Traders Are Watching

• Whether $2.75 holds through Asia session or breaks toward $2.70.
• ETF optimism versus real money outflows — sell-the-news pattern remains in play.
• Whale flows after $800M in transfers over past week; positioning risk if selling resumes.
• Macro overhang: Powell’s hawkish tone, Treasury yields climbing, Fed cut expectations capped.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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Crypto ETF Boom Expected In Q4, Expert Predicts Surge In Issuer Activity

by admin September 26, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

The remainder of the year is poised to be a pivotal time for crypto ETFs and their issuers, as experts anticipate a significant boom in these investment vehicles. With the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) now adopting a more favorable stance toward crypto assets, the stage is set for a surge in ETF applications.

Industry insiders are optimistic about the potential for new products that aim to provide exposure to alternative cryptocurrencies like XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Hedera (HBAR).

SEC Streamlines Crypto ETF Approval Process

The SEC’s newly updated standards for crypto ETFs, announced just last week, promise to stimulate demand for exchange-traded products linked to these cryptocurrencies.

Analysts are particularly eager about the anticipated approval of products associated with Solana and XRP, with expectations that these ETFs could make their debut as early as October.

Steven McClurg, founder of Canary Capital Group, noted a surge in filings with the SEC, stating, “We’ve got about a dozen filings with the SEC now, and more coming. We’re all getting ready for a wave of launches.”

Jonathan Groth, partner at DGIM Law, also pointed that the fourth quarter of the year is shaping up as “boom time” for the crypto ETF market, further adding to the anticipation for the altcoins to join this trend.

The SEC’s recent vote to adopt new listing standards streamlines the approval process, reducing the time required for new crypto products to launch from up to 270 days to 75 days or less.

This change eliminates the need for individual regulatory reviews for each application, allowing firms to bring products to market more swiftly. As Teddy Fusaro, president of Bitwise, explained, “These are the rules we had been anticipating.”

Market Readiness In Question

Grayscale has already taken advantage of this, rolling out its Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF less than 48 hours after receiving approval from the SEC to transition from a private to a publicly traded fund. This ETF includes major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

To qualify for the expedited approval process, an ETF must meet at least one of three criteria: the underlying asset must already be traded on a regulated market or have futures contracts regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that have been active for at least six months.

Alternatively, an existing crypto ETF tied to that coin, with at least 40% of its assets invested directly in the cryptocurrency, could also pave the way for approval.

Despite the excitement surrounding these new developments, questions remain about the market’s appetite for a flood of crypto ETFs centered on lesser-known coins.

Kyle DaCruz, director of digital assets product at asset manager VanEck, highlighted the need for investor education, noting, “There will be a flood of tokens that many folks have never heard of, and instead of years, there will be weeks or months to provide that education.”

The 1-hour chart shows BTC’s price retrace below the key $112,000 support. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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Feds Charge Brothers in Alleged $8 Million Crypto Kidnapping of Minnesota Family

by admin September 26, 2025

In brief

Two brothers have been charged with kidnapping after allegedly holding a family hostage in a plot to steal $8 million in crypto.
The brothers allegedly forced their way into the family’s home at gun point.
The local school district canceled a homecoming football game as police searched for the brothers.

U.S. federal prosecutors in Minnesota charged two Texas brothers with violently kidnapping a Minnesota family and stealing $8 million in crypto, according to a filing on Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The U.S. Attorney Office, Minnesota district accused Raymond Christian Garcia, 23, and Isiah Angelo Garcia, 24 of using an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun to force their way into the family’s Grant, Minnesota home, where they bound a man, his wife and their son, and held them hostage until he transferred the amount to their digital wallets. The DOJ did not reveal which digital coins specifically were stolen.

The ordeal led to the cancellation of a homecoming football game. Grant is in the Eastern part of the state about 45 minutes from Minneapolis.

“A violent kidnapping that stole $8 million and silenced a homecoming game is not just a crime. It is a blow to the sense of safety of everyone in Minnesota,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said.

He added: “This is not normal. Minnesotans should not accept wild violence and thievery as normal. Every Minnesotan deserves to live in peace and a life unaffected by rampant crime.”

Mahtomedi High School canceled its September 22 game against Bloomington Kennedy for the “safety of its community,” as police searched for the alleged kidnappers.

Investigators allege that the Garcia brothers restrained the family for nine hours starting on September 19. At one point, Isiah Garcia forced the father at gunpoint to drive three hours away to a family cabin to access a portion of the crypto holdings, while Angelo remained with the wife and son.

According to the DOJ report, the son managed to call 911 when Angelo left the home. Police arrived to witness the son and mother still zip-tied and Angelo fleeing the home. They later found a suitcase that held a disassembled rifle, ammunition, clothing and beverages.

Investigators tracked a rented Chevrolet white Malibu to the brothers’ home in Waller, Texas, where they were arrested. Isiah Garcia has confessed to the kidnapping, according to the DOJ report.

The DOJ charged them with kidnapping. The defendants made their initial appearances in federal court on Thursday.

The brothers also face three counts of kidnapping with a firearm, one count of first-degree aggravated robbery, and three counts of first-degree burglary, according to a complaint in Washington County, Minnesota.

Crypto-fueled kidnappings—dubbed “wrench attacks”—are on the rise worldwide. In France, a total of 25 suspects were arrested this year after a series of crypto-driven attacks and kidnapping attempts, including the failed abduction of the pregnant daughter of Pierre Noizat, co-founder and CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium.

And Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were kidnapped in France and held for ransom back in January, with Balland’s finger reportedly cut off and sent to associates. Police liberated the couple after about 24 hours of captivity.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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Garantex Evades Sanctions, Continues Global Crypto Operations

by admin September 26, 2025

Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange with ties to Russian banks, has continued operating through new platforms despite sanctions from the U.S. and EU. The U.S. sanctioned it three years ago, and the EU followed, pointing to the exchange’s connections with Russian cybercrime networks and terrorist groups.

The exchange was charged with stealing $22 million from a US-based blockchain platform. It was also involved in illegal money laundering. Following that, in March 2025, the U.S. Secret Service, Department of Justice, and international law enforcement took over Garantex’s digital systems.

As per the reports, they charged the firm’s operators, Aleksej Besciokov and Aleksandr Mira Serda. Besciokov, a Lithuanian living in Russia in his mid-40s, was arrested in India while awaiting extradition to the U.S. He died of a heart attack on August 31 in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, according to his lawyer, Ashish Panday. The charges were filed by Indian jail officials and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Virginia.

Sanctions blocked Garantex from global financial systems, forcing it to move operations to Grinex, a Kyrgyzstan-based platform. A June Financial Times report revealed that Grinex handled billions in crypto transactions, including a ruble-linked stablecoin called A7A5, despite the sanctions. Following this, the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned Grinex, Exved, Garantex figure Sergey Mendeleev, and the A7A5 creator. The U.S. State Department also offered a $5 million reward for information on Aleksandr Mira Serda’s location.

A Transparency International Russia report explained that Exved converts Russian rubles into Tether’s USDT stablecoin and sends funds through payment processors in countries like Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE to hide their source and destination.

Garantex successors use Telegram to evade sanctions

Researchers, posing as a Hong Kong electronics exporter, discovered Exved’s signup process on Telegram. Exved’s Russian agent, Paysol LLC, works with Feilian, a Hong Kong company run by Sergey Antipov, to facilitate these transfers.

A Paysol compliance officer admitted they use tailored documentation to avoid sanctions checks, often to help import restricted goods into Russia.

Blockchain analysis showed that a cryptocurrency wallet provided by Paysol was linked to a sanctioned Garantex wallet and processed over $112 million in transactions. Leaked Garantex documents from 2021 to 2024 revealed MKAN Coin, a Telegram-based service that helps Russians convert crypto to cash for moving money overseas.

Operating in countries like Kyrgyzstan and Spain, MKAN Coin, run by a former Garantex CEO, uses similar tactics to Garantex, creating a global network to bypass sanctions and avoid detection.

Also Read: FTX Recovery Trust Files $1.15B Lawsuit Against Genesis Digital

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September 26, 2025 0 comments

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Crypto Market Prediction: Shiba Inu (SHIB) $0.00001 Bottom, Ethereum (ETH) Loses $4,000, Bitcoin (BTC): Head and Shoulders to $123,000?

by admin September 26, 2025

The market is expiriencing somewhat of a storm as Shiba Inu, Ethereum and Bitcoin are losing multiple key support levels, and there is a good possibility of an aggravation here as no fresh inflows are present and most of the volume on the market is on the selling side.

Shiba Inu loses key support

The price of Shiba Inu has fallen below important support levels, indicating that a retest of the $0.00001 bottom may be closer than many anticipated. This indicates that the stock is once again under strong selling pressure. According to the asset’s current structure, if sentiment and technicals do not rapidly improve, the asset may be headed for new 2025 lows. The symmetrical triangle structure that had previously kept the price of SHIB stable for months has now been broken on the daily chart.

SHIB/USDT Chart by TradingView

The token broke because it was unable to hold above the 50-day and 100-day EMAs, making it susceptible to additional drops. There is still momentum working against bulls because the 200-day EMA is likewise sloping downward. Previously a dependable short-term floor, the $0.0000122 support zone is now resistance as bears gain ground. Red candles have seen an increase in volume, suggesting that sellers are growing more confident.

Although the RSI has entered oversold territory, it has not yet indicated a reversal, suggesting that the downward momentum may continue. SHIB may be headed for a test of $0.0000115 if the current circumstances continue with the possibility of a decline to the psychological $0.00001 level. In addition to representing a retest of SHIB’s annual lows, such a decline might put the asset in danger of breaching its larger 2025 support range. Recovery appears to be difficult for now.

Ethereum stumbles

The fact that Ethereum has dropped below the crucial $4,000 mark suggests that the market as a whole is weak and that more declines are likely. The decline occurred quickly after ETH failed to maintain its consolidation around the $4,400-$4,500 resistance zone, and bearish pressure took over.

Since its recent symmetrical triangle formation, ETH has been declining sharply, according to the daily chart. With sellers taking charge, this breakdown demonstrates that there is no buying support at higher levels. The bearish move has gained more weight as trading volumes have increased during the decline.

ETH/USDT Chart by TradingView

The Relative Strength Index, meanwhile, has dipped nearer to oversold territory, indicating that bearish momentum may yet worsen before a relief bounce takes place. Ethereum is in a precarious position right now, trading just below $4,000.

The next significant area of interest, if selling persists, is around the 100-day EMA, which is close to $3,833. This moving average has historically served as a dependable level of support during periods of correction, so buyers may intervene there to protect against further losses. Ethereum might level off and try to push back toward $4,200 if the 100 EMA holds.

It is impossible to rule out a more aggressive move toward the $3,600-$3,400 range if this support fails. The 200 EMA would then be the crucial last line of defense to prevent a protracted bearish cycle further below it, at $3,392.

For the time being, Ethereum’s failure to hold the $4,000 mark is a serious setback to bullish sentiment. Investors should closely monitor ETH’s response to the $3,833 mark in the upcoming sessions. Hopes for a midterm recovery could be raised by a strong bounce here, but failure would pave the way for a more significant correction.

Bitcoin pattern recognized

A head and shoulders pattern could determine whether the next move is a surge toward $123,000 or a plunge into bearish territory, which may be its most important formation of the year.

On the daily chart, the pattern has been gradually developing, with Bitcoin settling between $112,000 and $114,000 following several unsuccessful attempts to rise. Bitcoin is currently trading just above the 100 EMA, and the pattern’s neckline is a crucial support level.

The bullish head and shoulders scenario could be confirmed by a clear breakout above the $114,000 resistance, which would pave the way for a medium-term move to $123,000. This level is the next logical target for bulls, since it is where breakout traders and upside liquidity are likely to converge.

But prudence is still necessary. The danger of a decline will increase rapidly if the pattern does not finish and Bitcoin drops below the neckline. The next important level of support is the 200 EMA, which is presently trading at about $106,000. A decline to that level would push the market into a bearish narrative and put investor confidence to the test, even though this would still keep Bitcoin above its longer-term bullish structure.

Hesitance is also suggested by volume trends: selling spikes imply that whales are offloading at every rally attempt, and buying pressure has not been strong enough to break through resistance levels.

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September 26, 2025 0 comments