Connect with us
  • tg

Cryptocurrency

BTC-e Operator Released in US-Russia Prisoner Swap

letizo News

Published

on

Russian national Alexander Vinnik, previously convicted for running a multi-billion-dollar money-laundering operation through his BTC-e crypto exchange, has been released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States.

In return, Moscow freed American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who had been detained on drug charges.

Vinnik’s Role in BTC-e and Legal Troubles

Vinnik operated the BTC-e platform from 2011 to 2017 when he was arrested by police in Greece at the request of American law enforcement agencies.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, the exchange processed transactions worth more than $9 billion across six years, much of which was allegedly tied to crimes such as ransomware attacks, drug trafficking, and identity theft.

Authorities claim that BTC-e’s lack of anti-money laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policies made it attractive to cybercriminals.

Vinnik was extradited to France in 2020 and sentenced to five years for money laundering. He was later sent back to Greece before finally being handed over to the Americans in 2022.

In May 2024, the Russian pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and faced up to 20 years in prison. During his trial, prosecutors accused Vinnik of facilitating over $120 million in losses and described BTC-e as a “significant cybercrime and online money laundering entity.”

Millions of dollars worth of assets belonging to the platform were seized, including $90 million that authorities bagged in New Zealand. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed a $120 million fine on the exchange, with Vinnik personally facing a $12 million penalty.

A Long-Running Extradition Battle

Before his transfer to the U.S., the 45-year-old had been at the center of an international legal battle involving France, Russia, and the United States.

While Russia sought his extradition on lesser fraud charges amounting to just $11,000, France and the U.S. pursued him for broader financial crimes. In 2023, his lawyers tried to include him in a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap involving journalist Evan Gershkovich, but it was unsuccessful.

His exchange for Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia, marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two countries, especially coming against the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine war. Vinnik will have to forfeit tens of millions of dollars in assets as part of the deal.

SPECIAL OFFER (Sponsored)
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).

LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!

Cryptocurrency

NEXST Launches Web3 VR Entertainment Platform with K-Pop Group UNIS as First Global Partner

letizo News

Published

on

[PRESS RELEASE – Dubai, UAE, July 7th, 2025]

Revolutionizing fandom with AI, VR, and Web3 technology

Leading the next wave of immersive digital entertainment, NEXST proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking VR division, powered by cutting-edge AI, VR, Web3, and Real-World Assets (RWA). The platform’s first major collaboration features rising global K-Pop sensation UNIS, making their virtual debut in a revolutionary new format.

As a next-generation AI-driven entertainment platform, NEXST is on a mission to reshape how fans connect with artists. With immersive VR content, real-time interactivity, and digital ownership through Web3, NEXST offers fans an entirely new way to experience music and storytelling.

“We believe the future of entertainment is immersive, decentralized, and artist-centric,” said Axel Gutman, Co-Founder of NEXST.

“Welcoming UNIS to the NEXST VR LIVE platform is just the beginning. We’re excited to announce more collaborations with global artists and top K-Pop stars in the coming months.”

Introducing NEXST VR LIVE: Immersive Web3-Enabled Experiences

NEXST VR LIVE is a dedicated division focused on creating immersive XR experiences using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). This initiative bridges globally famous artists, beloved IPs, and interactive VR environments—seamlessly integrated with Web3 technology.

Key features include:

  • Virtual concerts and performances with world-class artists
  • Interactive fan experiences powered by AI
  • Web3 integration that allows fans to own, trade, and participate in the entertainment economy
  • A smooth Web2-to-Web3 transition for mainstream fans

Inaugural Artist Announcement: K-Pop Powerhouse UNIS Joins NEXST VR LIVE!

Kicking off the launch is UNIS, the powerhouse K-Pop girl group formed through SBS’s hit survival show UNIVERSAL TICKET. Since their 2024 debut with WE UNIS and breakout single SUPERWOMAN, UNIS has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their energy, vocals, and fierce Gen Z appeal.

By partnering with UNIS, NEXST taps into a vibrant, global fanbase—helping transition millions of Web2 music fans into the Web3 world.

$NXT Token: Powering the Web3 Entertainment Economy

The $NXT token powers the NEXST entertainment platform with real-world and digital utilities that enhance fan engagement, access, and ownership.

  • Exclusive Access: Unlockig VR concerts, discounted live tickets, VIP events, and early content drops.
  • AI & Fan Interaction: Accessing premium AI agent features, advanced LLM tools, and participate in artist growth via fan voting.
  • GameFi Rewards: Earning $NXT through gameplay, unlock in-game NFT items, and receive exclusive airdrops.

Details about the $NXT will be released soon via NEXST’s official social channels.

The Road Ahead: NEXST’s Vision for a Connected Future

NEXST will continue to push the boundaries of innovation by integrating AI, VR, and Web3 technologies across various entertainment domains, including music, live performances, and fan communities. Following UNIS, we aim to deepen collaborations with a diverse array of global artists and IPs, consistently delivering next-generation entertainment experiences that foster deeper connections between fans and artists.

We invite you to anticipate more groundbreaking events, collaborations, and updates as we collectively build the future of entertainment.

About NEXST

NEXT INNOVATIONS TECHNOLOGY L.L.C is a cutting-edge entertainment platform developer based in the UAE, dedicated to pioneering next-generation digital experiences.

Staying Connected with NEXST

About UNIS

UNIS is an 8-member South Korean girl group formed through SBS’s survival audition program UNIVERSE TICKET. After debuting on March 27, 2024, with their first mini-album WE UNIS, they have remained highly active, releasing their first single album CURIOUS in August of the same year and unveiling SWICY in 2025. Since their debut, they have continued to expand their global presence through various music shows and events.

UNIS Official Channels

SPECIAL OFFER (Sponsored)
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).

LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!

Continue Reading

Cryptocurrency

We Asked Gemini, ChatGPT, Grok Where Cardano (ADA) Will End 2025: The Verdict Will Surprise You

letizo News

Published

on

TL;DR

  • With bitcoin sitting close to its all-time high of almost $112,000, the general perception among traders and investors is that the bull market is still going on.
  • As such, we decided to ask a few of the biggest AI solutions (Grok, ChatGPT, and Gemini) about one of the most popular altcoins – ADA, and its market potential this cycle.

How High Can ADA Go?

Unlike our similar article regarding XRP, the AI solutions provided more skeptical and, in some cases, bearish price predictions for ADA. ChatGPT, for example, warned investors not to anticipate fireworks from Cardano’s native token by the end of the year, stating, “Expect ADA to float in the $0.55-$0.65 range early in H2.”

Its most aggressive scenario envisions a price surge to somewhere between $1-$2, but said it’s not very likely the asset will go this high. Additionally, it cautioned users that if market support falters in the following months, ADA can drop well below its current levels of around $0.6.

Grok was slightly more bullish on the token’s future price trajectory. Its most realistic price range by the end of the year is “likely between $0.9 and $2.05, with an average around $1.21 and $1.48 if key resistance levels (e.g., $1.1) are breached and market conditions remain favorable.”

It touched upon some of the most extreme predictions circulating online, such as ADA at $7, but labeled them as “less credible without unprecedented adoption.”

Gemini described the overall market sentiment toward Cardano as “cautiously optimistic.” However, it warned that its price could struggle for the next few months and end the year at $0.55, which would mean a lower level than the current one.

What Would Drive This Volatility?

Although their price targets for the end of the year differentiated, the AI solutions were united in terms of what could drive the price gains or losses.

If ADA is to surge toward the most bullish zones outlined in the previous paragraphs, certain factors need to be aligned, ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini said. One of the most important is the potential approval of a spot ADA ETF in the US. The current odds, according to Polymarket, are above 80% for a green light, and several companies have filed to launch such financial vehicles.

If approved, they can attract significant institutional interest, which would be a price booster. Other factors that could send ADA higher include technical upgrades, such as the January-implemented Plomin, which introduced a more sophisticated on-chain governance procedure, expanding the blockchain’s DeFi capabilities, and the overall market structure.

However, the AI chatbots also indicated that regulatory uncertainty, ecosystem stagnation, or broader market downturns could cap ADA at $0.6 or push it even lower. Consequently, the trio warned that investors should do their own research and not rely solely on AI-based predictions.

SPECIAL OFFER (Sponsored)
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).

LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!

Continue Reading

Cryptocurrency

Ethereum Price Analysis: Is ETH Primed for Further Gains After Surge Past $2.5K?

letizo News

Published

on

Ethereum recently broke above the 200-day moving average and completed a pullback; however, the lack of strong bullish momentum suggests a higher likelihood of continued sideways consolidation.

Technical Analysis

By ShayanMarkets

The Daily Chart

After a period of consolidation between the 100-day and 200-day moving averages, ETH successfully broke above the 200-day MA at $2.5K, followed by a pullback. While this move is typically viewed as a bullish signal, ETH has failed to demonstrate strong follow-through, indicating weak market participation and insufficient bullish momentum.

As a result, the likelihood of continued sideways consolidation has increased. Currently, the price remains trapped between the 200-day MA and the critical $2.8K resistance level, with a decisive breakout in either direction needed to establish the next major trend.

The 4-Hour Chart

On the lower timeframe, Ethereum’s recent rally was halted at a key bearish order block between $2,625 and $2,670, a zone that has consistently attracted selling pressure. The rejection has led to a retracement toward the $2.5K support level — a historically significant zone where buyers have previously stepped in.

As anticipated, ETH found temporary support here and attempted a minor rebound. However, the current lack of trading volume and diminished bullish momentum suggests the potential for another rejection at the overhead resistance. Until a breakout above $2,670 or below $2.5K occurs, Ethereum is expected to remain range-bound.

Sentiment Analysis

By ShayanMarkets

This chart presents the Binance Liquidation Heatmap, highlighting zones where significant liquidation events are likely to occur. These areas often act as liquidity magnets, attracting price action due to the concentration of leveraged positions. Large market participants, commonly referred to as whales, tend to exploit these zones to enter or exit positions efficiently.

Currently, a prominent cluster of liquidation levels is situated just above the $2.6K mark, suggesting a strong likelihood that Ethereum’s price could gravitate toward this region. If reached, it may trigger a short-squeeze, fueling further upward momentum and potentially propelling ETH toward new local highs.

Conversely, another substantial liquidity pool resides below the $2.5K level, implying the possibility of a downward move to tap into this zone. As a result, Ethereum remains confined within a tight range between these liquidity clusters, awaiting a decisive breakout to determine the next directional move.

SPECIAL OFFER (Sponsored)
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).

LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!

Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoPotato is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoPotato on whether to buy, sell, or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk. See Disclaimer for more information.

Cryptocurrency charts by TradingView.

Continue Reading

Trending

©2021-2024 Letizo All Rights Reserved