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Dark web market owner arrested in New York after FBI traces crypto

The founder of Incognito Market, a notorious dark web marketplace, has been arrested and charged in New York, marking a significant victory in the fight against online criminal activities. The arrest was made as part of a broader crackdown on illegal operations conducted via the dark web.

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The founder of Incognito Market, a notorious dark web marketplace, has been arrested and charged in New York, marking a significant victory in the fight against online criminal activities. The arrest was made as part of a broader crackdown on illegal operations conducted via the dark web.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, narcotics distribution, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Incognito Market, which facilitated the sale of illegal goods and services, had been under investigation for several years.

According to the DOJ, the marketplace was a hub for the distribution of illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and stolen data, among other illegal items. The founder’s arrest is seen as a critical step in disrupting the operations of such platforms that exploit the anonymity provided by the dark web to conduct illegal transactions.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, emphasized the significance of the arrest: “This arrest sends a clear message that we will pursue and dismantle the infrastructure that enables illegal activities online. The dark web is not beyond the reach of the law.”

The operation involved multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), highlighting the collaborative effort required to tackle sophisticated cybercriminal networks. Authorities also seized substantial amounts of cryptocurrency, which was used as the primary medium of exchange on Incognito Market.

This arrest is part of a larger initiative by law enforcement agencies worldwide to combat dark web marketplaces. The downfall of Incognito Market follows the shutdown of other similar platforms, signaling a continued commitment to eradicating online criminal enterprises.

In summary, the founder of Incognito Market has been arrested and charged in New York, dealing a significant blow to one of the dark web’s major illicit marketplaces. This action underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle cybercriminal networks and enforce the law in the digital realm.

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Tether USDT stablecoin seen on Bolivian store price tags

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Retailers across Bolivia are now quoting prices in Tether’s USDT stablecoin for everyday goods like chocolates, sunglasses, and snacks, according to Tether CTO Paolo Ardoino.

The shift reflects growing reliance on stable digital currency as Bolivians seek protection against volatility in the boliviano, with USDT providing a more predictable value for both consumers and merchants.

Ardoino highlighted that using digital dollars at the point of sale offers practical advantages for everyday shoppers, and analysts suggest this could serve as a model for other countries facing currency instability.

This development builds on earlier steps toward crypto integration in Bolivia—most notably, the launch of USDT custody services by Banco Bisa in October 2024, under the oversight of the country’s financial regulator.

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Metaplanet shares jump after $5.4B plan to buy Bitcoin

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Tokyo-based Metaplanet has unveiled plans to significantly boost its Bitcoin reserves, targeting the acquisition of 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026—up from its previous goal of 21,000 BTC. The announcement, shared via X on June 6, follows a recent purchase increasing its holdings to 8,888 BTC and signals a bold move to expand its crypto presence .

The firm intends to buy at least an additional 91,112 BTC over the next 18 months. CEO Simon Gerovich emphasized that this accelerated acquisition is a deliberate response to global financial shifts, including geopolitical tensions, excessive sovereign debt, and growing doubts over traditional safe-haven assets like bonds and gold.

To fund this plan, Metaplanet will issue up to 555 million new shares via stock acquisition rights, supplementing its existing 210 million-share program. The issuance is expected to raise around ¥770.3 billion (approximately $5.32 billion) at an initial strike price of ¥1,388 per share.

Looking ahead, the company aims to hold over 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027—roughly 1% of Bitcoin’s fixed supply cap. This ambitious growth trajectory cements Metaplanet’s status as Asia’s leading corporate Bitcoin holder—a strategy that echoes the approach taken by U.S. firm MicroStrategy.

As Metaplanet positions itself for further expansion, its aggressive accumulation strategy and large-scale capital raising mark a transformative shift in how non-financial firms are using corporate treasury to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies.

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Coinbase says it’s tackling frozen accounts in ‘major issue’

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Coinbase announced it has cut back on unnecessary account freezes by 82%, following extensive user complaints about prolonged access limitations. CEO Brian Armstrong acknowledged this issue on June 6 via a post on X, describing account freezes as “a major issue” that had been tolerated for “longer than is acceptable.” He confirmed the problem is now being prioritized and urged affected users to contact Coinbase Support.

The improvement follows sustained frustration among users who reported being locked out of their accounts—sometimes for weeks or months—without clear explanations or timely support. Armstrong credited the swift progress to the recent hiring of product expert Dor Levi, whose team revamped Coinbase’s machine learning systems to minimize false positives in fraud detection.

Despite reducing “false positives,” both Armstrong and Levi cautioned that certain freezes will still occur in cases involving legal requirements or fraud prevention. Levi admitted the current level of support still “doesn’t meet [his] own bar” and pledged to continue refining the process. Meanwhile, user sentiment remains divided, as many continue to report lingering issues and slow customer service.

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