#crypto

U.S. lawmakers are reportedly close to creating a framework for regulating stablecoins, but a separate bill overhauling financial laws' treatment of crypto assets is facing opposition from Democrats who deem it too favorable to the crypto industry. Top Democrats, including Rep. Maxine Waters, have expressed their disappointment with the market structure bill. Meanwhile, Republicans remain optimistic that ongoing negotiations may lead to agreement on stablecoin legislation.

The UK's data watchdog is setting its sights on Worldcoin, Sam Altman's initiative offering free crypto for iris scans. With digital ID on one side and cryptocurrency on the other, it's caught the Information Commissioner's Office's attention. "We note the launch of WorldCoin in the UK and will be making further enquiries," a spokesperson for the ICO says.

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published a report suggesting that a more robust regulatory framework is required for the use of blockchain in finance. The report highlighted the lack of regulation around crypto asset trading platforms and stablecoins and identified non-security crypto asset spot markets as the main regulatory gap. According to the GAO, Congress could address these issues by designating a federal regulator to oversee these markets. Moreover, the report suggests a need for more regulatory coordination and proposes the establishment of a formal mechanism to identify risks and respond to them within an agreed timeframe.

FTX, the prominent cryptocurrency exchange, was recently embroiled in controversy when court documents revealed a plan devised by Gabriel, the younger brother of FTX's CEO, SBF. According to the documents, Gabriel aimed to utilize FTX clients' funds to purchase the entire country of Nauru. The idea was to transform Nauru into a post-apocalyptic sanctuary, complete with a highly secretive laboratory for conducting human genetics experiments and other projects. Who needs a private island when you can have a whole sovereign nation, right? The court documents further detailed instances of transactions involving the founder's family, including those that have been previously disclosed. While the idea of buying a nation for such purposes seems like something out of a sci-fi movie, it underscores the madness that was going on inside the FTX.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is actively recruiting financial investigators with a crypto-edge. To do that, you have to be an accredited financial investigator (AFI), possessing skills in blockchain analysis, and comprehending pertinent legislation.

Michael and Amanda Griffis are in hot water with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as the agency alleges the couple pulled off a grand-scale fraud. Operating under the auspicious name "Blessings of God Thru Crypto," they enticed over 100 individuals to contribute to their digital assets commodity pool. Accumulating over $6 million, the couple promised high returns and security for the pooled resources. According to CFTC, these pledges were not only empty but the pooled funds frequently ended up mingling with the Griffis' personal finances.

The tech tycoon has stirred the online world yet again by displaying the fresh emblem of Twitter and Dogecoin as his profile location. While the overall market is submerged in a sea of red, DOGE has managed to record a 9% surge within a day, now exchanging at $0.077.

Crypto payments processor Alphapo has reportedly been robbed of at least $23 million in Ethereum, Tron, and Bitcoin, according to blockchain analyst ZachXBT. The stolen funds on Ethereum were exchanged for ether and then moved to the Avalanche and Bitcoin networks. The exact amount of stolen Bitcoin remains unknown. Alphapo's client, HypeDrop, has subsequently suspended withdrawals, noting issues with both withdrawals and deposits of BTC, ETH, and TRX. Despite the situation, HypeDrop assured users that their funds remain secure.