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Bitcoin investor ordered to hand over crypto keys in landmark tax case

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In a landmark tax fraud case, a Texas federal court has ordered early Bitcoin investor Frank Richard Ahlgren III to surrender his cryptocurrency private keys and access codes. This directive follows Ahlgren’s December sentencing to two years in prison for underreporting capital gains on over $3.7 million in Bitcoin sales between 2017 and 2019, resulting in a tax loss exceeding $1 million.

Judge Robert Pitman issued the restraining order on January 6, mandating Ahlgren and any associates to provide all physical devices, public and private keys, seed phrases, and passphrases related to his cryptocurrency holdings. The order also requires the identification of all crypto accounts associated with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ether, or Litecoin. Additionally, it prohibits any transfer or concealment of Ahlgren’s cryptocurrency assets without court approval, except for normal monthly living expenses.

Ahlgren’s fraudulent activities included inflating the cost basis of Bitcoin in his 2017 tax return to underreport capital gains and failing to report Bitcoin sales exceeding $650,000 between 2018 and 2019. He employed multiple wallets, in-person transfers, and mixers to conceal transaction details. Beyond the prison sentence, Ahlgren has been ordered to pay approximately $1.1 million in restitution to the U.S. government and will serve one year of supervised release following his incarceration.

This case marks the first criminal tax evasion prosecution centered solely on cryptocurrency, highlighting the increasing scrutiny by authorities on digital asset transactions. Lucy Tan, acting special agent in charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office, emphasized the significance of this prosecution in enforcing tax laws within the evolving digital currency landscape.

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7-Eleven South Korea to accept CBDC payments in national pilot program

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7-Eleven is set to participate in the testing phase of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative, running from April to June. The retail giant’s involvement highlights the growing push for digital currency integration in everyday transactions.

The pilot program will assess the feasibility of CBDC payments at 7-Eleven stores, allowing customers to make purchases using the digital currency. The initiative is part of a broader effort to explore the real-world application of CBDCs in retail environments, potentially shaping future payment systems.

As central banks worldwide accelerate their digital currency research, private sector collaboration is seen as crucial for widespread adoption. If successful, 7-Eleven’s participation could pave the way for broader CBDC usage across retail and commercial sectors.

The outcome of the testing phase will provide valuable insights into consumer adoption, transaction efficiency, and potential regulatory considerations, influencing how CBDCs are integrated into mainstream financial systems.

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SEC and Gemini ask to pause lawsuit to explore ‘potential resolution’

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and crypto exchange Gemini have agreed to pause legal proceedings as both sides explore a potential resolution to their ongoing lawsuit. The move signals a possible settlement in the high-profile case, which centers around Gemini’s now-defunct Earn program.

The SEC initially sued Gemini, alleging that the Earn program—designed to offer users yield on crypto deposits—operated as an unregistered securities offering. Gemini has pushed back against the claims, arguing that its operations complied with regulatory standards.

By pausing litigation, both parties may be looking for a compromise that could set a precedent for crypto lending products in the U.S. A settlement could also provide regulatory clarity for similar platforms navigating SEC scrutiny.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the crypto industry is closely watching the case, as its resolution could impact future enforcement actions and the broader regulatory approach toward digital asset lending services.

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GameStop finishes $1.5B raise to add Bitcoin to its balance sheet

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GameStop has successfully completed a debt offering, raising capital that may be used to acquire Bitcoin, signaling the company’s deeper foray into digital assets. The move aligns with its broader strategy to diversify beyond traditional retail operations and into emerging financial technologies.

While GameStop has not confirmed the exact allocation of the funds, market speculation suggests that a portion could be used to buy Bitcoin, following in the footsteps of companies like MicroStrategy. The potential investment would reinforce GameStop’s ongoing pivot toward blockchain and digital assets, an effort that began with its NFT marketplace and crypto-related initiatives.

Analysts see this development as part of a growing trend of corporations exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset amid concerns over inflation and monetary policy. If GameStop proceeds with the acquisition, it could further validate Bitcoin’s role as a strategic investment for publicly traded companies.

The company’s board will ultimately decide how the newly raised capital is deployed. Investors and the broader crypto market are watching closely for any official announcements regarding GameStop’s Bitcoin strategy.

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