Scammers exploited a data leak in Kent, England, to steal $1.2 million from nine victims using fake police reports. Fraudsters accessed personal data and created counterfeit Action Fraud reports, then posed as law enforcement to trick victims into believing they were under investigation.

Victims received calls from fake “security officers” claiming to be from their crypto wallet provider, coercing them into revealing their seed phrases. This allowed scammers to access and drain their wallets. Authorities warn against sharing sensitive information over the phone.

Kent Police have urged affected individuals to report incidents without fear of embarrassment, emphasizing that scammers use urgency to manipulate victims. Detective Sergeant Darryll Paulson advised people to verify identities before acting on security-related claims.

To prevent further losses, crypto investors are reminded never to share their seed phrases and to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes. Law enforcement continues investigating the breach and its impact on affected residents.

Metaplanet, a Japanese investment firm, has increased its Bitcoin holdings with a recent purchase of 156 BTC, bringing its total to 2,391 Bitcoin, valued at around $13.4 million. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its cryptocurrency portfolio, having already invested nearly $200 million in Bitcoin since 2022. CEO Simon Gerovich has also been in talks with U.S. financial institutions to discuss potential listings on major stock exchanges like Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.

The firm aims to secure 21,000 BTC by 2026, positioning itself as a leader in Japan’s crypto investment landscape. Gerovich’s discussions with U.S. exchanges could pave the way for Metaplanet’s international growth, extending beyond its native market. The company believes that the increased institutional interest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will drive long-term value.

Metaplanet’s strategy is rooted in its belief in Bitcoin as a core asset for the future of financial markets. With growing global demand for cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, Metaplanet intends to capitalize on the expanding interest from institutional and retail investors.

The decision to expand its operations into the U.S. market follows a growing trend of Japanese firms increasing their Bitcoin exposure. Metaplanet’s bold move demonstrates how companies are shifting their focus toward cryptocurrencies as part of a diversified investment strategy.

Olumide Osunkoya, the first person in the UK to be sentenced for operating illegal crypto ATMs, has been handed a four-year prison term. Osunkoya ran a network of unregistered crypto ATMs from December 2021 to March 2022, processing around $3.14 million. He avoided detection by transferring the machines to his personal name and even attempted to launder money through the operation. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) uncovered the scheme after an investigation that included the seizure of 30 machines in 2023.

The sentencing has been hailed as a landmark decision by the FCA, with Therese Chambers, its executive director, stating that it sends a strong warning to others engaging in similar unlawful activities. Osunkoya had not only run unregistered ATMs but also falsified documents to bypass anti-money laundering checks and possessed criminal property obtained from his illegal business activities. The authorities emphasized the high risks of dealing in crypto, which remains largely unregulated in the UK.

Osunkoya’s case comes amid broader efforts by UK regulators to crack down on illegal crypto operations. In 2023, the FCA, in collaboration with local police, conducted a nationwide sweep of unregistered crypto ATMs, resulting in the closure of many machines across the country. The regulator has been vigilant in ensuring crypto businesses comply with the necessary registration processes and in protecting consumers from potential fraud and illegal activities.

The FCA’s crackdown reflects growing concerns over the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the UK. Despite its decentralized nature, crypto continues to present regulatory challenges, especially regarding money laundering and fraud. Osunkoya’s case underscores the importance of compliance within the crypto industry and serves as a cautionary tale for those operating outside the legal framework.