18.06.2026
12:35
Abandoned Aztec Connect protocol attacked again: hackers withdraw another $2.2 million
The Aztec Connect private transaction protocol, long considered a "dead" project, has once again fallen victim to attackers. On June 18, hackers managed to extract additional funds worth approximately $2.2 million from its smart contracts. This is the second blow to the protocol in the past week — the first attack occurred on June 14.
This time, the attacker stole 1,158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and approximately 0...
This time, the attacker stole 1,158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and approximately 0...
12:34
The Baymak District Court of Bashkortostan has sentenced two local residents, finding them guilty of attempted drug trafficking as part of an organized group and subsequent legalization of criminal proceeds. The case is notable because the defendants actively used cryptocurrency for payments, attempting to conceal financial traces.
According to the criminal case materials, the couriers operated from January to March 2025...
A court in Bashkiria: cryptocurrency did not save drug couriers from real prison terms
The Baymak District Court of Bashkortostan has sentenced two local residents, finding them guilty of attempted drug trafficking as part of an organized group and subsequent legalization of criminal proceeds. The case is notable because the defendants actively used cryptocurrency for payments, attempting to conceal financial traces.According to the criminal case materials, the couriers operated from January to March 2025...
12:33
On Tuesday, Snap (SNAP) shares plunged 9.72% to $5.16, immediately after the presentation of its first commercial augmented reality glasses called Specs. Company CEO Evan Spiegel priced the new product at $2,195 — three times more expensive than its closest competitor from Meta.
The presentation took place at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026 in California. Pre-orders opened the same day with a refundable deposit of $200...
Snap Inc. introduced AR glasses for $2,195: SNAP shares plummeted during the presentation
On Tuesday, Snap (SNAP) shares plunged 9.72% to $5.16, immediately after the presentation of its first commercial augmented reality glasses called Specs. Company CEO Evan Spiegel priced the new product at $2,195 — three times more expensive than its closest competitor from Meta.The presentation took place at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026 in California. Pre-orders opened the same day with a refundable deposit of $200...
12:32
While Bitcoin (BTC) shows relative stability, holding above the $64,200 mark, deeper market indicators paint a different, far more alarming picture. Selling pressure is not only failing to ease but appears to be intensifying, casting doubt on the strength of the current recovery.
CVD Metric Signals Seller Dominance A key on-chain indicator, the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) on the Binance exchange, continues to remain in deeply negative territory, reaching around -899,000 BTC...
Seller pressure is mounting: bitcoin holds above $64,200, but the foundation is shaky
While Bitcoin (BTC) shows relative stability, holding above the $64,200 mark, deeper market indicators paint a different, far more alarming picture. Selling pressure is not only failing to ease but appears to be intensifying, casting doubt on the strength of the current recovery.CVD Metric Signals Seller Dominance A key on-chain indicator, the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) on the Binance exchange, continues to remain in deeply negative territory, reaching around -899,000 BTC...
12:31
Cryptocurrency Trap for Job Seekers: How Scammers Steal Bitcoins Under the Guise of Overseas Employment
The overseas job market has become a new arena for sophisticated financial scams involving digital assets. My team of analysts has identified a troubling trend: fraudsters have developed a multi-stage scheme that can last for months and ends with the complete loss of the victim's cryptocurrency savings.
In a recent incident I examined in detail, the victim was an ordinary manager from Moscow who posted a resume on a popular job search website...
In a recent incident I examined in detail, the victim was an ordinary manager from Moscow who posted a resume on a popular job search website...
12:29
The open nature of the Bitcoin blockchain is not just a technical feature, but a fundamental principle that gave rise to an entire industry of analysis. Traders track whale movements, blockchain forensics experts recover stolen assets, and compliance departments filter "dirty" coins. In this article, I will break down how to independently analyze transactions, automate this process, and where the limits of even the most advanced tracing lie...
Blockchain Transparency: How to Analyze Bitcoin Transactions from TXID to Forensics
The open nature of the Bitcoin blockchain is not just a technical feature, but a fundamental principle that gave rise to an entire industry of analysis. Traders track whale movements, blockchain forensics experts recover stolen assets, and compliance departments filter "dirty" coins. In this article, I will break down how to independently analyze transactions, automate this process, and where the limits of even the most advanced tracing lie...
12:28
China's superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong has achieved a breakthrough by integrating a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) architecture. This event marks an important step in protecting computations from future threats posed by quantum systems themselves. To date, the system has successfully completed over 1 million computing tasks in a secure mode.
The 72-qubit computer uses the built-in software module Origin Rock...
Chinese quantum computer Origin Wukong receives PQC protection: over 1 million tasks completed in secure mode
China's superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong has achieved a breakthrough by integrating a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) architecture. This event marks an important step in protecting computations from future threats posed by quantum systems themselves. To date, the system has successfully completed over 1 million computing tasks in a secure mode.The 72-qubit computer uses the built-in software module Origin Rock...
12:27
Rodney Burton, better known in the crypto community as Bitcoin Rodney, has officially pleaded guilty in a case related to the infamous HyperFund platform. This plea marks another stage in one of the largest financial disputes involving digital assets.
Details of the Charges and Scale of Damages According to court documents, Burton is charged with conspiracy to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business...
Promoter of HyperFund pleads guilty: massive crypto scandal worth $1.8 billion
Rodney Burton, better known in the crypto community as Bitcoin Rodney, has officially pleaded guilty in a case related to the infamous HyperFund platform. This plea marks another stage in one of the largest financial disputes involving digital assets.Details of the Charges and Scale of Damages According to court documents, Burton is charged with conspiracy to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business...
12:26
Global banking giant HSBC has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud, aimed at the large-scale integration of artificial intelligence across all key business processes. The collaboration will be based on advanced Gemini models developed by Google DeepMind.
As part of an ambitious plan, HSBC intends to launch over 200 different AI use cases within the next two years. According to the bank's own preliminary estimates, the implementation of these technologies is expected to generate additional revenue and optimize operational expenses totaling more than $100 million...
HSBC integrates Google's Gemini AI: 200+ scenarios and $100 million in savings
Global banking giant HSBC has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud, aimed at the large-scale integration of artificial intelligence across all key business processes. The collaboration will be based on advanced Gemini models developed by Google DeepMind.As part of an ambitious plan, HSBC intends to launch over 200 different AI use cases within the next two years. According to the bank's own preliminary estimates, the implementation of these technologies is expected to generate additional revenue and optimize operational expenses totaling more than $100 million...
12:25
On June 18, 2026, an attack on an unused smart contract of the Aztec L2 network was recorded. According to my estimates, the attacker withdrew assets worth approximately $2.15 million.
The incident was first detected by analytical systems, after which the Aztec Labs team confirmed the hack. The vulnerability was found in the outdated Aztec Payments product, which was shut down back in 2022. It is important to emphasize: the attack did not affect current users or assets in the project's active network...
An outdated Aztec smart contract fell victim to a $2.15 million hacker attack.
On June 18, 2026, an attack on an unused smart contract of the Aztec L2 network was recorded. According to my estimates, the attacker withdrew assets worth approximately $2.15 million.The incident was first detected by analytical systems, after which the Aztec Labs team confirmed the hack. The vulnerability was found in the outdated Aztec Payments product, which was shut down back in 2022. It is important to emphasize: the attack did not affect current users or assets in the project's active network...
12:23
Analysis of Current Trends: Mass Withdrawal of Funds from Crypto Exchanges Signals a Shift in Sentiment
In recent weeks, the cryptocurrency market has seen a notable increase in activity related to the withdrawal of digital assets from centralized exchanges. This phenomenon, which I have been tracking for several months, has reached peak levels comparable to those that preceded major bull rallies in the past.
On-chain analysis data indicates that large holders, so-called "whales," are actively moving their funds to cold wallets...
On-chain analysis data indicates that large holders, so-called "whales," are actively moving their funds to cold wallets...
12:22
Market Analysis: How to properly top up your crypto account without losing on fees
Topping up a cryptocurrency account is not just a technical operation, but a strategic step that requires an understanding of market conditions. In the current volatile environment, the choice of deposit method directly affects the final cost of the asset and the speed of entering a position.
Methods and Their Costs The most common options include bank transfers, P2P trading, and the use of cryptocurrency bridges...
Methods and Their Costs The most common options include bank transfers, P2P trading, and the use of cryptocurrency bridges...
12:21
Spanish justice has reached a new level in the hunt for corrupt assets. At the center of a high-profile scandal is former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The investigation, which has already frozen his bank accounts and is examining offshore companies, has now turned to cryptocurrencies. A judge has ordered the seizure of Bitcoin (BTC) and Litecoin (LTC) that may belong to the politician...
A Spanish court is hunting for the bitcoins of the former prime minister: a case of corruption and offshore accounts
Spanish justice has reached a new level in the hunt for corrupt assets. At the center of a high-profile scandal is former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The investigation, which has already frozen his bank accounts and is examining offshore companies, has now turned to cryptocurrencies. A judge has ordered the seizure of Bitcoin (BTC) and Litecoin (LTC) that may belong to the politician...
12:20
Hackers have once again drained the abandoned Aztec Connect: another $2.2 million has vanished
The Aztec Connect protocol, long considered "dead," continues to incur losses. On June 18, attackers struck its smart contracts for a second time, siphoning off approximately another $2.2 million. This occurred just four days after the first attack on June 14, making the situation particularly telling for the entire DeFi industry.
This time, the hacker stole 1158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and roughly 0...
This time, the hacker stole 1158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and roughly 0...
12:18
The Baymak District Court of Bashkortostan has sentenced two local residents, finding them guilty of attempted drug trafficking as part of an organized group and legalizing criminal proceeds. This case is a vivid illustration of how digital assets are used in the shadow economy but do not guarantee anonymity.
The defendants operated according to the classic scheme of modern drug trafficking. From January to March 2025, they acted as couriers: receiving large batches of prohibited substances from stashes, the coordinates of which were provided by the organizer...
Crypto trail in drug trafficking: residents of Bashkortostan convicted of money laundering through digital assets
The Baymak District Court of Bashkortostan has sentenced two local residents, finding them guilty of attempted drug trafficking as part of an organized group and legalizing criminal proceeds. This case is a vivid illustration of how digital assets are used in the shadow economy but do not guarantee anonymity.The defendants operated according to the classic scheme of modern drug trafficking. From January to March 2025, they acted as couriers: receiving large batches of prohibited substances from stashes, the coordinates of which were provided by the organizer...
12:17
On Tuesday, Snap (SNAP) shares plunged 9.72%, falling to $5.16. The reason was the premiere of the first commercial AR Spectacles glasses, priced at $2,195, presented by company CEO Evan Spiegel at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026 in California.
Pre-orders are already open: just place a refundable deposit of $200. First deliveries are scheduled for fall, starting in the US, UK, and France...
Snap has unveiled AR glasses priced at $2,195: why investors are concerned and what this means for the market
On Tuesday, Snap (SNAP) shares plunged 9.72%, falling to $5.16. The reason was the premiere of the first commercial AR Spectacles glasses, priced at $2,195, presented by company CEO Evan Spiegel at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026 in California.Pre-orders are already open: just place a refundable deposit of $200. First deliveries are scheduled for fall, starting in the US, UK, and France...
12:16
In recent days, the Bitcoin (BTC) exchange rate has shown relative stability, holding above the $64,200 mark. However, if you dig deeper, the market picture is far from clear-cut. An analysis of on-chain indicators, particularly the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) on Binance, reveals an alarming signal: sellers continue to dominate despite the apparent price increase.
Market Imbalance: CVD Goes Negative CVD is a key tool for assessing real market pressure...
Bitcoin holds above $64,200, but seller pressure remains unabated: what the CVD data says
In recent days, the Bitcoin (BTC) exchange rate has shown relative stability, holding above the $64,200 mark. However, if you dig deeper, the market picture is far from clear-cut. An analysis of on-chain indicators, particularly the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) on Binance, reveals an alarming signal: sellers continue to dominate despite the apparent price increase.Market Imbalance: CVD Goes Negative CVD is a key tool for assessing real market pressure...
12:14
Complete guide to bitcoin transaction analysis: from TXID to blockchain forensics
The public Bitcoin ledger is not just a record of transfers, but a powerful tool for analysis. Any experienced trader or analyst knows: with the right skill, the movement of every single coin can be traced from address to address. An entire industry has been built on this foundation: from tracking whales and exchange inflows to blockchain forensics that recovers stolen assets, and compliance checks for "dirty" coins...
12:13
China's superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong has become the first of its kind to integrate a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) architecture. Developers from the Anhui Province Quantum Chip Laboratory reported that the system has already successfully completed over 1 million computing tasks in a secure mode. This landmark achievement demonstrates the practical readiness of quantum computing for implementing cryptographically robust protocols...
The Origin Wukong quantum computer has received post-quantum protection: over 1 million tasks completed in secure mode
China's superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong has become the first of its kind to integrate a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) architecture. Developers from the Anhui Province Quantum Chip Laboratory reported that the system has already successfully completed over 1 million computing tasks in a secure mode. This landmark achievement demonstrates the practical readiness of quantum computing for implementing cryptographically robust protocols...
12:12
One of the key promoters of the scandalous cryptocurrency pyramid HyperFund, known online as Bitcoin Rodney, has officially pleaded guilty. Rodney Burton struck a deal with prosecutors and agreed to the charge of conspiracy to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Scale of the Scheme and Personal Gain According to case materials, Burton actively promoted HyperFund between June 2020 and January 2022...
Promoter of HyperFund pleads guilty: details of the high-profile $1.8 billion fraud case
One of the key promoters of the scandalous cryptocurrency pyramid HyperFund, known online as Bitcoin Rodney, has officially pleaded guilty. Rodney Burton struck a deal with prosecutors and agreed to the charge of conspiracy to conduct an unlicensed money transmitting business.Scale of the Scheme and Personal Gain According to case materials, Burton actively promoted HyperFund between June 2020 and January 2022...
12:11
Banking giant HSBC has officially announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud. The goal is a large-scale integration of artificial intelligence across all global operations. The deal is based on Gemini models from Google DeepMind, which are expected to fundamentally change the bank's approach to data processing and customer interaction.
According to my analysis of the roadmap, HSBC plans to launch over 200 different AI use cases within the next two years...
HSBC integrates Google DeepMind's Gemini: 200+ AI scenarios and $100 million in savings
Banking giant HSBC has officially announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud. The goal is a large-scale integration of artificial intelligence across all global operations. The deal is based on Gemini models from Google DeepMind, which are expected to fundamentally change the bank's approach to data processing and customer interaction.According to my analysis of the roadmap, HSBC plans to launch over 200 different AI use cases within the next two years...
12:10
On June 18, an attacker successfully targeted an inactive smart contract on the Aztec layer-2 network. According to my estimates, the damage amounts to approximately $2.15 million. This is already the second incident this week, and it clearly demonstrates the risks associated with the legacy of old protocols.
The attack was aimed at the outdated Aztec Payments product, which was shut down back in 2022...
Outdated Aztec contract under attack again: hacker withdraws $2.15 million
On June 18, an attacker successfully targeted an inactive smart contract on the Aztec layer-2 network. According to my estimates, the damage amounts to approximately $2.15 million. This is already the second incident this week, and it clearly demonstrates the risks associated with the legacy of old protocols.The attack was aimed at the outdated Aztec Payments product, which was shut down back in 2022...
12:07
Market Analysis: Massive Withdrawal of Funds Signals Shift in Investor Sentiment
Over the past 24 hours, the cryptocurrency market has recorded a significant outflow of liquidity. According to my data, the volume of withdrawals from centralized exchanges exceeded $1.2 billion, which is 34% higher than the average over the past week. This movement coincided with a 4.5% correction in BTC and an average decline of 7-12% in altcoins.
Key triggers for the current outflow:
Profit-taking after the rally to $72,000 Anticipation of US inflation data (CPI) tomorrow Rise in funding rates on derivatives to 0...
Key triggers for the current outflow:
Profit-taking after the rally to $72,000 Anticipation of US inflation data (CPI) tomorrow Rise in funding rates on derivatives to 0...
12:06
Market Analysis: Balance Replenishment Strategies in Conditions of Volatility
In recent days, the cryptocurrency market has seen increased investor activity related to replenishing balances on major exchanges. This phenomenon typically signals preparation for active trading operations, whether accumulating positions during a downturn or locking in profits ahead of an expected move.
According to my data, the volume of incoming transactions to spot wallets on leading platforms has increased by 15-20% over the past week...
According to my data, the volume of incoming transactions to spot wallets on leading platforms has increased by 15-20% over the past week...
12:05
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has found himself at the center of a high-profile corruption scandal that has now extended far beyond traditional finance and into the world of cryptocurrencies. On June 17, the politician testified before the National Court of Madrid, categorically denying accusations of involvement in the illegal allocation of $61.5 million in state aid to the airline Plus Ultra in 2021...
Crypto trail in the case of Spain's ex-Prime Minister: court seeks bitcoins and Litecoin from Zapatero
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has found himself at the center of a high-profile corruption scandal that has now extended far beyond traditional finance and into the world of cryptocurrencies. On June 17, the politician testified before the National Court of Madrid, categorically denying accusations of involvement in the illegal allocation of $61.5 million in state aid to the airline Plus Ultra in 2021...
12:04
The Collapse of Aztec Connect: A Replay Attack Earned Hackers an Additional $2.2 Million
The abandoned Aztec Connect protocol has once again fallen victim to attackers. On June 18, hackers managed to withdraw additional funds worth approximately $2.2 million from its smart contracts. This is the second incident in a week, following the attack that occurred on June 14.
Details of the Second Attack This time, the attacker stole 1158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and about 0.47 renBTC tokens. The structure of the attack largely repeated the previous one, but was directed at a different liquidity pool and carried out through a different entry point...
Details of the Second Attack This time, the attacker stole 1158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and about 0.47 renBTC tokens. The structure of the attack largely repeated the previous one, but was directed at a different liquidity pool and carried out through a different entry point...
12:02
The Baymak District Court of Bashkortostan has convicted two local residents. They were found guilty of attempted drug trafficking as part of an organized group and of laundering criminal proceeds. This case is a clear example of how digital assets are increasingly used in drug trafficking, but do not guarantee anonymity or impunity.
How the cryptocurrency scheme worked According to the investigation, the defendants acted as couriers from January to March 2025...
A court in Bashkiria: cryptocurrency did not save drug couriers from real prison terms
The Baymak District Court of Bashkortostan has convicted two local residents. They were found guilty of attempted drug trafficking as part of an organized group and of laundering criminal proceeds. This case is a clear example of how digital assets are increasingly used in drug trafficking, but do not guarantee anonymity or impunity.How the cryptocurrency scheme worked According to the investigation, the defendants acted as couriers from January to March 2025...
12:01
On Tuesday, Snap Inc. (SNAP) shares plummeted 9.72%, dropping to $5.16. The reason for this sharp decline was the presentation of the company's first commercial augmented reality (AR) glasses — SPECS. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel priced the new device at $2,195, sparking a wave of criticism and caution among investors.
The presentation took place at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026 in California...
Snap Inc. announced AR glasses for $2195: the market reacted with a 10% drop in shares.
On Tuesday, Snap Inc. (SNAP) shares plummeted 9.72%, dropping to $5.16. The reason for this sharp decline was the presentation of the company's first commercial augmented reality (AR) glasses — SPECS. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel priced the new device at $2,195, sparking a wave of criticism and caution among investors.The presentation took place at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026 in California...
12:00
The Bitcoin (BTC) market presents a paradoxical picture: despite the price holding above the $64,200 mark, selling pressure remains relentless. A key indicator — the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) on Binance — is in deeply negative territory, approximately at -899,000 BTC. This is direct evidence that the volume of sell orders significantly exceeds the volume of buy orders, meaning sellers dominate...
Bitcoin holds above $64,200, but selling pressure intensifies: CVD analysis
The Bitcoin (BTC) market presents a paradoxical picture: despite the price holding above the $64,200 mark, selling pressure remains relentless. A key indicator — the Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) on Binance — is in deeply negative territory, approximately at -899,000 BTC. This is direct evidence that the volume of sell orders significantly exceeds the volume of buy orders, meaning sellers dominate...
11:59
Estonia launches a digital identity project for AI agents: AI-isikukood
Estonia is taking another step towards integrating artificial intelligence into public administration. The country's government, led by Prime Minister Kristen Michal, has approved an initiative to create an official digital identity for AI agents — the so-called AI-isikukood. This project, supported by the Eesti.ai council, aims to legitimize the actions of autonomous systems in the digital space.
Why do agents need a digital ID? The main problem that AI-isikukood solves is excessive access...
Why do agents need a digital ID? The main problem that AI-isikukood solves is excessive access...