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Nigerian prison fails to bring Binance exec to court

A Binance executive is facing extended legal proceedings in Nigeria, as the court has delayed a decision regarding his alleged involvement in a money laundering case. The executive, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been detained in a Nigerian prison since the allegations surfaced.

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A Binance executive is facing extended legal proceedings in Nigeria, as the court has delayed a decision regarding his alleged involvement in a money laundering case. The executive, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been detained in a Nigerian prison since the allegations surfaced.

The Nigerian authorities have charged the Binance executive with facilitating illicit financial transactions through the cryptocurrency exchange, accusing him of aiding in the laundering of millions of dollars. The case has drawn significant attention due to Binance’s prominent role in the global cryptocurrency market.

In a recent court session, the defense team requested a swift resolution, arguing that the executive has been wrongfully detained without concrete evidence. However, the court decided to postpone the hearing, citing the need for further investigation and the review of additional documents presented by the prosecution.

Binance has consistently denied any involvement in illegal activities, emphasizing its commitment to compliance with international regulations and robust anti-money laundering (AML) policies. A spokesperson for Binance reiterated this stance, stating, “We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of criminal activity on our platform. Our executive is fully cooperating with the Nigerian authorities to clarify the situation and prove his innocence.”

The delay in court proceedings has raised concerns within the cryptocurrency community, as it underscores the challenges faced by exchanges operating in jurisdictions with evolving regulatory landscapes. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could have broader implications for the regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges in Nigeria and beyond.

Binance has been actively working to enhance its regulatory compliance globally, including implementing stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and collaborating with law enforcement agencies. The company’s efforts aim to build trust and ensure the integrity of its platform amidst increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide.

As the legal battle continues, the detained executive remains in custody, with the next court date yet to be scheduled. Binance and its legal team are hopeful for a fair and expedited trial that will clear the executive of all charges.

This high-profile case highlights the ongoing regulatory challenges in the cryptocurrency industry and the importance of compliance and transparency for exchanges operating in diverse legal environments.

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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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