Sahil Poudel, Author at Bitmala

Terror ! Crypto Terrorism: U.S. Man Gets 30-Year Sentence for Funding ISIS with Digital Assets

Crypto Terrorism: U.S. Man Gets 30-Year Sentence for Funding ISIS with Digital Assets

In one of the most severe punishments ever handed down for digital finance-related terror funding, 35-year-old Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa has been sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison for sending cryptocurrency to ISIS operatives overseas.

The Virginia man was found guilty of funneling over $185,000 to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) from 2019 to 2022, with funds primarily used to aid detained female ISIS members and support frontline fighters.

Chhipa ran a coordinated operation, raising donations via social media, organizing cash pickups, and converting the money into crypto before transferring it to Turkey. From there, it was smuggled into Syria for ISIS activities including prison breaks and funding missions.

Court files revealed that Chhipa worked closely with an active ISIS cell member inside Syria, showing the deep entanglement between digital currencies and modern terror networks.

After a years-long investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office, Chhipa was arrested and convicted in December 2024 on multiple federal charges related to material support of terrorism.

This case has reignited debates on the use of crypto terrorism, calling for tighter regulation and monitoring of cross-border blockchain-based transactions.

Almost every month we get a case of crypto scandal but this might be the first we’ve heard of Crypto Terrorism, Is the impeccable security blockchain provides being used against itself ?

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Cardano’s Strategic Partnerships Propel ADA Amidst Market Volatility

Cardano (ADA) is making notable strides in the cryptocurrency market, leveraging strategic partnerships and technological innovations to enhance its position.

As of May 9, 2025, ADA is trading at approximately $1.44, reflecting a steady performance amidst broader market fluctuations. This stability is attributed to Cardano’s commitment to sustainability and its rigorous, research-driven approach to blockchain development.

Recent collaborations in Africa aim to drive blockchain adoption in developing regions, aligning with Cardano’s mission to create a more inclusive financial system. These initiatives not only expand ADA’s use cases but also reinforce its value proposition to investors seeking long-term growth.

Furthermore, Cardano’s proof-of-stake mechanism offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional consensus models, appealing to environmentally conscious stakeholders. The network’s focus on academic research ensures a solid foundation for future developments, positioning ADA as a sustainable investment choice.

Analysts project that ADA could reach between $3 to $5 by the end of 2025, contingent on continued ecosystem expansion and adoption. As ADA continues to forge meaningful partnerships and advance its technology, it remains a cryptocurrency to watch in the evolving digital asset landscape.

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Insane ! Pepe Coin Rallies as Meme Culture Drives Market Momentum

Pepe Coin Rallies as Meme Culture Drives Market Momentum

Pepe Coin (PEPE), inspired by the iconic internet meme “Pepe the Frog,” has recently witnessed a notable price increase, reflecting the power of meme culture in the cryptocurrency space.

As of May 9, 2025, PEPE Coin is trading at approximately $0.00000739, marking a significant uptick from its previous levels. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including heightened social media activity, increased community engagement, and a broader resurgence in meme coin popularity.

The coin’s developers have hinted at potential integrations with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, which could further enhance its utility and appeal to a wider audience. Additionally, the low transaction fees associated with PEPE make it an attractive option for traders seeking cost-effective transactions.

Analysts suggest that if the current momentum continues, PEPE could solidify its position as a leading meme coin in the market. However, they also caution that meme coins are inherently volatile, and investors should exercise due diligence.

The recent rally underscores the influence of internet culture on financial markets and the potential for meme-based assets to achieve substantial growth. As the crypto community continues to embrace such tokens, PEPE’s trajectory will be one to watch closely.

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Binance Coin Surges Amidst Market Optimism and Exchange Innovations

Binance Coin (BNB) has recently experienced a significant price increase, reflecting growing market optimism and the introduction of innovative features by the Binance exchange.

As of May 8, 2025, Binance Coin is trading at approximately $615.90, marking a notable rise from its previous levels. This upward movement is attributed to several factors, including Binance’s expansion into new markets and the launch of advanced trading tools that have attracted a broader user base.

The exchange’s commitment to regulatory compliance and user security has also bolstered investor confidence. Recent partnerships with financial institutions have further integrated BNB into various payment systems, enhancing its utility beyond the Binance platform.interactivecrypto.com

Moreover, the broader cryptocurrency market has seen renewed interest from institutional investors, contributing to the positive sentiment surrounding BNB. Analysts suggest that if these trends continue, BNB could maintain its upward trajectory in the coming months.

However, it’s essential to note that the cryptocurrency market remains volatile, and investors should exercise caution. Continuous monitoring of market developments and Binance’s strategic moves will be crucial in assessing BNB’s future performance.

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Ethereum’s Price Swings Amid ETF Speculation and Market Dynamics

Ethereum’s price has seen significant movement recently, reflecting the broader volatility in the cryptocurrency market. As of May 8, 2025, Ethereum is trading at approximately $1,970.60, marking a notable increase from its recent lows.

Several factors contribute to this price action. Speculation around the approval of Ethereum-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has intensified. While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Bitcoin ETFs, Ethereum ETFs remain under consideration. The potential approval of these ETFs could open the door for increased institutional investment, potentially driving demand and price.

Additionally, ETH’s recent network upgrades, including the implementation of EIP-4844 (Proto-Danksharding), aim to enhance scalability and reduce transaction costs. These technical improvements are designed to bolster ETH’s position in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and decentralized application (dApp) sectors.

However, challenges persist. Regulatory uncertainties, particularly concerning staking and the classification of ETH as a security or commodity, continue to weigh on investor confidence. Moreover, ETH’s performance has lagged behind Bitcoin’s in recent months, prompting discussions about its relative value proposition.

In summary, ETH’s price movements are influenced by a complex interplay of technological developments, regulatory considerations, and market sentiment. Investors are closely monitoring these factors as they assess ETH’s future trajectory in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

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Breaking ! LockBit Breach Exposes 60K Bitcoin Addresses in Major Dark Web Leak

LockBit Leak Reveals Ransomware’s Crypto Trail

A major blow just landed on one of the most feared ransomware groups online. Hackers broke into LockBit’s dark web affiliate panel and leaked nearly 60,000 Bitcoin addresses used by the group in ransom attacks. It’s one of the biggest leaks ever tied to a cybercrime ring and could change how investigators track these operations.

The leaked database contained 20 detailed tables, including one listing custom ransomware tools made by LockBit affiliates and another with over 4,400 messages between the group and their victims. While no private keys were leaked, the exposure of the addresses gives law enforcement a rare chance to trace payments and map LockBit’s financial footprint.

To top it off, the hackers behind the breach left a taunt: “Don’t do crime. CRIME IS BAD xoxo from Prague.” The same message was used in a separate ransomware gang takedown, suggesting a rogue vigilante group is going after these criminal networks.

LockBit has been under fire for a while. In early 2024, a ten-nation task force moved to dismantle its operations. This leak only ramps up the pressure. And with crypto always in the middle of these schemes, the transparency of blockchain might finally give defenders the upper hand.

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Why Robert Kiyosaki Calls Bitcoin a Better Hedge Than Precious Metals

Robert Kiyosaki Highlights Bitcoin’s Scarcity as Its Greatest Strength

WHY BITCOIN is a better asset than gold or silver:

One reason why I trust Bitcoin is there are only to ever be 21 million.

I own gold and silver mines and oil wells.

If the price of gold, silver, or oil goes up, I will simply mine or drill for more, expanding supply.

I…
— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) May 7, 2025

As gold approaches record highs near the $5,000 mark, finance author and investor Robert Kiyosaki has reaffirmed his belief that Bitcoin is a better investment than traditional precious metals. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Rich Dad Poor Dad author pointed to Bitcoin’s capped supply as the defining reason he favors it over gold or silver.

“One reason why I trust Bitcoin is there are only to ever be 21 million,” Kiyosaki wrote. He contrasted Bitcoin’s strict scarcity with the flexible supply of physical resources like gold, silver, and oil. “If the price of gold, silver, or oil goes up, I will simply mine or drill for more… I cannot do that with Bitcoin.”

Unlike commodities, Bitcoin’s supply cannot expand in response to market demand. It is mathematically fixed and enforced by the blockchain, making it immune to inflationary pressures that affect fiat currencies and mined resources.

Robert Kiyosaki, who owns physical mines and oil wells, stressed that supply increases are possible for virtually all other assets—except Bitcoin. For him, that makes BTC uniquely valuable in uncertain financial environments, where inflation and policy instability are growing concerns.

This isn’t the first time Kiyosaki has voiced support for Bitcoin. He has long encouraged diversification away from fiat currencies and previously predicted Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by 2025. With Bitcoin currently trading near $97,000, that target appears increasingly plausible.

Bitcoin price the time Robert Kiyosaki made the statement

His recent statements came as both gold and Bitcoin are trending upward. Historically, when both assets rise in tandem, Bitcoin often leads the charge due to its higher volatility and market-driven appeal.

Robert Kiyosaki’s latest remarks contribute to the growing perception of Bitcoin as a mainstream hedge asset, not just a speculative play. With traditional investors and institutions joining the fold, the argument that Bitcoin is “digital gold” continues to gain traction.

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Lee Jae-myung Vows to Embrace Crypto ETFs as Part of Youth-Focused Reform

Lee Jae-myung’s Crypto ETF Agenda Targets Youth Wealth Growth

South Korea’s Democratic Party leader and presidential frontrunner, Lee Jae-myung, has committed to approving spot Bitcoin ETFs if elected, signaling a sharp shift toward crypto-friendly regulation in the country. His announcement on May 6 comes as part of a broader plan to boost financial opportunities for younger Koreans.

Speaking at a campaign event, Lee outlined proposals to foster a “safe investment environment” tailored to younger generations. The initiative aims to use digital assets as a tool for wealth-building while also lowering fees and implementing stronger investor protections.

Lee’s support for Bitcoin ETFs aligns with global trends, particularly in the U.S., where BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has logged 16 consecutive days of net inflows. As of the latest data, IBIT added 280 BTC in a single day and has attracted nearly $5 billion in new capital since its January launch.

Lee’s platform would include legislative support for compound cryptocurrency ETFs and an improved regulatory framework. His proposals include the expansion of consumer safeguards and reduced transactional friction to help integrate digital assets into South Korea’s broader financial infrastructure.

Polls from the National Barometer Survey show Lee leading the race with 42% support. Notably, there is growing bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly on the need for clearer digital asset regulations, including support from both the People Power Party and the Democratic Party.

Should Lee win the June 3 election, South Korea could quickly become one of the most crypto-progressive nations in Asia. His policies mark a notable departure from previous regulatory hesitation and reflect increasing public and political interest in blockchain finance.

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Breaking ! What Happened to Ethereum on May 6, 2025?

Ethereum Price Holds Steady Under $3,000 Amid Mixed Market Signals

Ethereum (ETH) traded in a narrow range around $2,945 on May 6, 2025, struggling to push past the psychological $3,000 level. After a week of sideways movement, the market remains on edge as traders await decisive signals about the asset’s next move.

ETH is currently down 1.2% over the past 24 hours, continuing a pattern of low volatility that has defined the month so far. Weekly performance stands nearly flat, with Ethereum posting a modest 0.4% gain over the last seven days.

Trading volume has also tapered off, with 24-hour activity dipping below $12 billion—a significant drop from late April, when ETH frequently saw daily volumes surpassing $20 billion. This decline in volume often suggests uncertainty, as traders hesitate to take strong directional positions.

On-chain metrics also reflect the lull. Data from Glassnode shows that active addresses and daily transaction counts are slightly down from last week, while ETH’s exchange balances remain stable. This indicates that while there’s no panic selling, fresh demand is also limited.

Analysts remain divided on Ethereum’s short-term direction. Some expect a breakout toward $3,300 if ETH closes above key resistance around $3,050. Others warn that failure to gain momentum could send the price back to support near $2,800, particularly if Bitcoin shows weakness.

Long-term sentiment remains more optimistic, driven by expectations surrounding Ethereum’s next major upgrade, which could improve transaction efficiency and scalability. However, until a clear catalyst appears, Ethereum seems locked in consolidation mode.

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Trump’s TRUMP Memecoin Drops 24% in a Week Despite Upcoming Gala

The TRUMP memecoin, unofficially linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has plunged 23.72% in the past week, now trading at $10.48 despite renewed buzz around an upcoming gala dinner for top token holders scheduled for May 22.

TRUMP’s Decline In Spite of Coming Gala

Originally launched in January, the TRUMP token was designed as a digital symbol for supporters of the former president. It had shown signs of strength with a 17.95% rise over the past month, but recent losses have erased much of those gains. Over the past 24 hours alone, the token dropped another 4.39%.

Still, the memecoin continues to attract strong market interest. Trading volume jumped nearly 70% in the last 24 hours to $844.5 million, and the total market capitalization now stands at $2.09 billion, according to CoinGecko.

The upcoming gala event—which promises exclusive in-person access to Donald Trump for top token holders—has stirred debate over the blending of political branding with cryptocurrency incentives. Critics argue the event may cross ethical lines by offering proximity to a political figure in exchange for financial investment in a token.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a known crypto advocate, voiced her unease about the development. “A president offering exclusive access tied to a token gives me pause,” she said, urging greater regulatory clarity for politically affiliated digital assets.

While the gala appears to be an attempt to energize the community and reinforce loyalty among holders, the market downturn indicates growing uncertainty. The coming weeks will reveal whether the May 22 event revitalizes the TRUMP token or intensifies regulatory scrutiny and investor doubt.

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