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SBF trial moves to final stages

Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial is reaching its final stages over the next few days, with the prosecution scheduled to rest their case on Oct. 26 following almost 20 testimonies.

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Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial is reaching its final stages over the next few days, with the prosecution scheduled to rest their case on Oct. 26 following almost 20 testimonies.

The prosecution presented a lineup of witnesses over the past three weeks, including former FTX employees, customers, investors, government officials and law enforcement agents. At the heart of the case is the central argument that Bankman-Fried intentionally deceived all of them and that he was behind the decisions resulting in the $8 billion gap between FTX and Alameda Research in November 2022.

As for Bankman-Fried’s defense team, they still haven’t confirmed whether they will waive the case. In criminal trials, attorneys aren’t required to present a defense. Assuming his legal team will present a case, it will begin on Oct. 26.

Bankman-Fried’s counsel, led by Mark Cohen and Christian Everdell, has struggled to present a narrative to jurors. The attorneys even missed crucial arguments during the cross-examination of his former closest friends, including Caroline Ellison, Nishad Singh, Adam Yedidia and Gary Wang. Cooperating with the government, the group accused Bankman-Fried of directing them to commit crimes.

Among the highlights of the previous week in court was the testimony of FTX’s former engineering director. Singh told jurors that Bankman-Fried instructed him to make millionaire venture investments via loans from Alameda. According to Singh, he didn’t know the funds were tied to FTX customer’s deposits. Singh faces up to 75 years in prison for charges related to defrauding users of the crypto exchange.

Also, in the last few days, FTX’s former general counsel, Can Sun, presented a spreadsheet to track $2.1 billion in loans to Bankman-Fried and other executives. Can was unaware of the exchange’s commingling of funds with Alameda, he told jurors. He is also cooperating with the government in the case.

Bankman-Fried could spend up to 115 years in prison if convicted of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud.

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Bitcoin price risks drop to $71K as Trump tariffs hurt US business outlook

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Bitcoin is setting its sights on the $71,000 mark as market conditions shift in response to geopolitical and economic developments, including a new tariff agreement and weakening U.S. business sentiment.

Recent market activity suggests that Bitcoin is benefiting from concerns over traditional economic indicators, with investors turning to digital assets as a hedge against economic uncertainty. A rare slump in U.S. business outlook has fueled speculation that risk assets, including Bitcoin, could see increased inflows.

Additionally, ongoing global trade negotiations and tariff adjustments have contributed to market volatility, prompting investors to seek alternative stores of value. Analysts suggest that if macroeconomic pressures persist, Bitcoin could continue its upward trajectory, potentially testing the $71,000 resistance level.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Bitcoin remains a focal point for investors navigating inflation concerns, regulatory shifts, and global economic trends. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its momentum and break through key price barriers.

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Crypto donations top $1B in 2024, gain traction after Myanmar, Thailand quake

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Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has donated 1,000 BNB to aid relief efforts following a powerful earthquake that struck the Thailand-Myanmar border region. The donation, valued at approximately $600,000, aims to support those affected by the disaster and assist in recovery operations.

The earthquake caused significant damage in several areas, displacing residents and impacting local infrastructure. CZ’s contribution highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency in humanitarian aid, providing fast and transparent relief funding.

The donation will be distributed to organizations working on the ground to deliver emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. Crypto-based aid is increasingly being utilized in disaster response efforts due to its efficiency in reaching affected communities without the delays of traditional banking systems.

As the affected regions begin the recovery process, the crypto community continues to demonstrate how blockchain technology can play a meaningful role in global humanitarian initiatives.

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Hackers are selling counterfeit phones with crypto-stealing malware

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Security researchers have uncovered a wave of counterfeit Android devices preloaded with malware designed to steal cryptocurrency, posing a significant threat to users worldwide. The infected devices, which mimic popular smartphone brands, contain malicious software capable of hijacking digital wallets and siphoning funds.

The malware, embedded at the firmware level, allows attackers to gain remote access, intercept sensitive data, and execute unauthorized transactions. Because the malicious code is deeply integrated into the device’s operating system, it is difficult to detect and remove, making it a persistent threat.

Cybersecurity experts warn that unsuspecting buyers may unknowingly expose their crypto holdings to risk by purchasing these compromised devices from unverified sellers. Users are urged to exercise caution by only purchasing smartphones from trusted retailers and manufacturers.

The discovery highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting the cryptocurrency sector. As mobile-based crypto transactions become more common, security measures such as hardware wallet usage and multi-factor authentication are increasingly essential to safeguard digital assets from emerging threats.

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