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Bill proposes to give Secret Service more power to pursue crypto crime

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A bipartisan group of US Senators has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing the Secret Service’s capabilities to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes. The proposed bill seeks to address the growing concerns over digital asset fraud and illicit activities within the rapidly evolving crypto sector.

The bill, formally known as the “Cryptocurrency Crime Prevention Act,” is designed to strengthen the Secret Service’s role in investigating and mitigating cybercrimes involving digital currencies. It includes provisions for increasing resources and support for specialized units focused on cryptocurrency crime.

“The rise of cryptocurrency has brought with it a new wave of financial crime,” said Senator Maria Lopez, one of the bill’s sponsors. “By equipping the Secret Service with the necessary tools and resources, we can better protect consumers and ensure that those who exploit these technologies for illegal activities are held accountable.”

Key components of the bill include enhanced training for Secret Service agents in digital asset forensics, expanded jurisdiction to tackle cross-border crypto crimes, and increased funding for advanced investigative technologies. The legislation also proposes improved collaboration between federal agencies and international partners to address the global nature of crypto crime.

The introduction of the bill comes in response to a noticeable increase in high-profile cases involving cryptocurrency fraud, scams, and theft. Recent incidents have underscored the need for more robust enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of the financial system and protect investors.

Industry experts have welcomed the legislative move as a step towards more effective regulation and enforcement in the crypto space. “Strengthening the Secret Service’s role in tackling crypto crime is a positive development for the industry,” noted Linda Richards, a financial crime analyst. “It reflects a growing recognition of the need for specialized law enforcement to keep pace with technological advancements.”

The bill is expected to undergo thorough scrutiny and debate in Congress, with discussions likely to focus on its implications for privacy, regulatory balance, and the impact on the broader cryptocurrency market.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders in the cryptocurrency sector will be watching closely to assess how the proposed measures may influence regulatory frameworks and enforcement practices. For ongoing updates and analysis of the bill’s progress, stay tuned to industry news.

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Celo, Chainlink, Hyperlane launch crosschain USDT on OP Superchain

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Celo, Chainlink, Hyperlane, and Velodrome have introduced a cross-chain version of Tether’s USDT on the OP Superchain. The newly launched “Super USDT” is backed by reserves locked on Celo and utilizes Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol and Hyperlane for seamless movement across networks. This innovation aims to enhance liquidity and reduce the fragmentation of stablecoins across the ecosystem.

The initiative aligns with Optimism’s goal of creating a unified, interoperable Superchain. Unlike traditional bridged USDT, which struggles with compatibility, Super USDT is designed to integrate with upcoming interchain standards and future native USDT upgrades. This is expected to simplify stablecoin transactions and increase adoption within the Superchain framework.

Chainlink’s business officer, Johann Eid, emphasized the significance of this development, noting that Chainlink’s Data Feeds have already secured billions in USDT lending markets. With the introduction of Super USDT, users will have greater flexibility in utilizing the stablecoin across multiple Optimism-based chains.

Tether’s USDT remains the dominant stablecoin, accounting for over 61% of the $231 billion stablecoin market. With stablecoin adoption surpassing Visa and Mastercard’s transaction volumes, interoperability solutions like Super USDT are becoming increasingly critical for ensuring seamless and efficient digital asset transfers. Read more.

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SEC Enforcement Division closes investigation into Robinhood Crypto

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has closed its investigation into Robinhood Crypto, informing the company on February 21 that no enforcement action would be recommended. This decision comes less than a year after Robinhood received a Wells notice regarding potential securities violations.

Robinhood Markets’ compliance officer, Dan Gallagher, criticized the investigation, stating that the company has always adhered to federal securities laws. The SEC had been examining Robinhood’s crypto operations since issuing the Wells notice in May 2024, which suggested possible enforcement action.

In January 2025, Robinhood reached a $45 million settlement with the SEC over multiple securities law violations. The company admitted to some findings in the SEC’s order but has since urged regulators to move away from a “regulation by enforcement” approach.

This development reflects a broader shift in the SEC’s stance on crypto regulation, with growing calls for clearer guidelines. Some experts speculate that pending enforcement actions against other major crypto firms could also be reconsidered. Read more.

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Hong Kong investment firm’s board gives nod to more Bitcoin buying

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HK Asia Holdings Limited has expanded its Bitcoin holdings to nearly 9 BTC, following board approval for additional purchases. The Hong Kong-based investment firm acquired approximately 7.88 BTC on February 20, spending around $761,705. This comes after its initial 1 BTC purchase a week earlier, which significantly boosted its stock price.

The company financed its Bitcoin acquisition using internal resources, bringing its total investment in the asset to roughly $861,500. The firm emphasized its growing interest in digital assets amid increasing cryptocurrency adoption in the business world.

Following the Bitcoin purchases, HK Asia’s stock price surged by nearly 93% after its first acquisition and continued to rise by 5.7% on February 24. If the trend holds, the stock could surpass its all-time high from June 2019, reflecting strong investor confidence in the firm’s crypto strategy.

HK Asia voluntarily disclosed its Bitcoin acquisitions, even though they remained below the legal threshold requiring disclosure. This move aligns with a broader trend of publicly traded firms incorporating cryptocurrency into their asset holdings.

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