Connect with us

Business

HK police arrest 4, including teen, in HK$11M crypto fraud

Published

on

Hong Kong police have arrested four individuals implicated in a sophisticated scam involving counterfeit banknotes and cryptocurrency. The arrests come as part of an ongoing crackdown on financial fraud and digital asset crimes.

The suspects are accused of orchestrating a scheme where fake banknotes were used to deceive victims into investing in non-existent cryptocurrency schemes. The fraudulent operation reportedly involved convincing individuals to exchange legitimate currency for counterfeit notes, which were then used to facilitate fraudulent transactions and lure victims into investing in bogus crypto ventures.

Authorities conducted a series of raids across various locations, leading to the apprehension of the suspects and the seizure of evidence related to the scam. The police have confirmed that they are working closely with financial regulators and cybersecurity experts to unravel the full extent of the operation and recover any lost funds.

This case highlights the growing intersection between traditional financial fraud and digital asset crime. As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly mainstream, scammers are finding innovative ways to exploit the lack of regulation and oversight in the sector. The Hong Kong police’s swift action underscores their commitment to tackling these emerging threats and protecting investors.

The arrested individuals face charges related to fraud, counterfeiting, and other financial crimes. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone who may have been affected by the scam to come forward and assist with the inquiry.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and due diligence in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency. As authorities continue to combat financial fraud, both investors and industry participants are advised to remain cautious and informed about potential risks.

Business

Celo, Chainlink, Hyperlane launch crosschain USDT on OP Superchain

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Business

SEC Enforcement Division closes investigation into Robinhood Crypto

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Business

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 cryptonews.lk