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Binance tax evasion verdict set for October

In a high-stakes legal battle, a Nigerian court is set to deliver its verdict on October 11, 2024, regarding the alleged tax evasion by cryptocurrency exchange Binance. This case marks a significant development in Nigeria’s crackdown on financial misconduct within the burgeoning digital asset industry.

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In a high-stakes legal battle, a Nigerian court is set to deliver its verdict on October 11, 2024, regarding the alleged tax evasion by cryptocurrency exchange Binance. This case marks a significant development in Nigeria’s crackdown on financial misconduct within the burgeoning digital asset industry.

The proceedings have drawn widespread attention, partly due to the dramatic developments involving Binance executives. Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, and Tigran Gambaryan, head of Binance’s criminal investigations, were detained in Abuja earlier this year. Anjarwalla notably escaped custody in March, reportedly using a Kenyan passport to flee the country, despite his British passport being held by Nigerian authorities.

Gambaryan remains in custody, having pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of money laundering and tax evasion. His case has been adjourned multiple times, with the latest hearings focusing on procedural issues and access to critical documents.

The charges against Binance and its executives underscore a broader scrutiny of the exchange’s operations in Nigeria, with allegations that it manipulated the local fiat currency, the naira, and facilitated significant money laundering activities. Binance has denied these allegations, emphasizing that Gambaryan had no decision-making power over its business activities in Nigeria.

As the October 11 verdict approaches, the case highlights the increasing regulatory pressures faced by cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide and the critical importance of compliance in international operations.

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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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