Category Archives: finance

business, economy, finance, international

Barclays returns to Saudi Arabia after 11-year absence

2025 年 10 月 27 日 admin Leave a comment

**Barclays Returns to Saudi Arabia After 11-Year Absence**

*October 27, 2025, 2:18 AM ET*

Barclays PLC is set to re-enter the Saudi Arabian market, marking its return after an 11-year absence. The London-based banking giant is reportedly in the process of securing a license to conduct investment banking activities within the oil-rich kingdom.

This move positions Barclays as the latest international bank to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia, a country increasingly attracting global financial institutions amid its ongoing economic reforms and Vision 2030 initiatives.

—

**Barclays PLC (BCS) Stock Overview**

*Note: Please update the above stock metrics with the most recent data for accuracy.*

—

Barclays’ renewed presence in Saudi Arabia underscores the growing appeal of the kingdom’s financial sector and the strategic importance of the Middle East for global banks seeking to tap into emerging markets.

Stay tuned for more updates on Barclays and other financial institutions expanding their footprint in the region.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508478-barclays-returns-to-saudi-arabia-after-11-year-absence?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

business, economy, finance, technology

Analyst Predicts 4 Month Altseason as Fed Rate Cuts and M2 Money Supply Rise

2025 年 10 月 27 日 admin Leave a comment

Crypto Analyst Predicts Parabolic Altseason Within 4-6 Months Amid Key Market Catalysts

Crypto analyst @Ashcryptoreal has forecasted a potential parabolic altseason within the next four to six months. In a post on X dated October 26, 2025, the analyst highlighted that the total cryptocurrency market cap remains in a bullish trend, with panic sellers currently being flushed out ahead of the next major price movement.

### Macro Factors Supporting a Bullish Outlook

Several macroeconomic developments are aligning to support this optimistic forecast:

– **Expanding M2 Money Supply:** Historically, an increasing M2 money supply correlates with more liquidity flowing into risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

– **Federal Reserve Policy Shift:** The Fed is expected to end its quantitative tightening phase and possibly begin quantitative easing. Additionally, three to four interest rate cuts are anticipated within the next six months, which typically lowers borrowing costs and encourages institutional investment into crypto markets.

– **Strong Equities Market:** US equities are reaching all-time highs, signaling broader market optimism.

– **Gold Market Capitalization:** Gold’s market cap has soared to $30 trillion, potentially triggering capital rotation into Bitcoin. Investors often view Bitcoin as a digital alternative to gold, a pattern observed in previous market cycles where Bitcoin rallied after gold hit peak valuations.

– **Pending Altcoin ETFs:** There are currently 155 altcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) filings awaiting approval. These could be greenlit following a resolution to a potential government shutdown, paralleling the impactful Bitcoin ETF market entries earlier in 2025.

### Why Has Altseason Been Delayed?

Despite Bitcoin’s impressive 8.5x price increase from its November 2022 bottom of $15,400 to around $126,000, most altcoins have lagged behind. Only a select few, such as ONDO, FET, SUI, SOL, and BNB, have hit new all-time highs during the current cycle.

Ethereum, a key market barometer, hit its previous all-time high near $4,800 in Q3 2025 and touched around $4,900 in recent trading. Market analysts stress that Ethereum must decisively break and hold above the $5,000 mark before a true altseason can begin.

Investor caution remains high due to ongoing trade war tensions and tariff concerns throughout 2025. This uncertainty has pushed liquidity toward safer assets like gold, bonds, and top-tier stocks, delaying broader crypto market participation.

### Market Conditions Favoring Risk Assets

The present market setup closely resembles the patterns seen during the 2017 and 2021 bull runs. Typically, safer assets rally first, building trader confidence before liquidity gradually shifts toward riskier investments.

The flow of capital generally moves from Bitcoin to Ethereum, and then from large-cap altcoins to smaller-cap altcoins. With expected rate cuts, the end of quantitative tightening, and an easier monetary policy stance, liquidity is likely to return to risk assets — potentially propelling Bitcoin to new highs, followed by Ethereum.

Once Ethereum convincingly surpasses $5,000, analysts anticipate renewed capital inflows into altcoins.

### On-Chain and Sentiment Indicators

– **Bitcoin:** On-chain data shows a 15% increase in Bitcoin transfers to long-term holding wallets, indicating strong conviction among major holders. Trading volumes on leading exchanges reflect increased whale accumulation activity.

– **Ethereum:** The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently hovers around 55, signaling neutral momentum and leaving room for upward price movement without overbought pressure.

– **Market Sentiment:** Overall sentiment is shifting toward greed as these bullish catalysts emerge.

Bitcoin currently faces resistance at $70,000; a breakout above this key level could confirm the onset of a parabolic phase. Support levels have been identified around $60,000 for Bitcoin and $2,500 for Ethereum, which may serve as attractive entry points during potential market dips.

### The Impact of Altcoin ETFs

The substantial filing of 155 altcoin ETFs represents a significant development for the crypto market. If approved, these ETFs could have a transformative impact similar to the Bitcoin ETFs that drove billions of dollars in inflows earlier this year.

Altcoins such as Solana and Avalanche may experience increased volatility, with price swings exceeding 10% following positive regulatory or market news.

—

In summary, with multiple macroeconomic factors aligning, easing monetary policies, growing institutional interest, and anticipated Ethereum price breakthroughs, the cryptocurrency market appears poised for a robust altseason within the next half-year according to analyst @Ashcryptoreal’s outlook. Investors should watch key price levels and regulatory developments closely for the next phase of market growth.
https://coincentral.com/analyst-predicts-4-month-altseason-as-fed-rate-cuts-and-m2-money-supply-rise/

business, economy, finance, media, technology

The Week Ahead: Fed Rate Cut and Mag 7 Earnings Could Boost Crypto Market

2025 年 10 月 26 日 admin Leave a comment

Microsoft is set to report its Q1 fiscal year 2026 earnings on Wednesday after the market closes. Wall Street analysts are forecasting adjusted earnings of $3.68 per share, representing an 11% increase from the previous year. Revenue is expected to show strong growth, particularly within Microsoft’s cloud business. Azure cloud platform revenue is projected to reach $23 billion, marking a 38% year-over-year increase. Overall, the company’s total revenue is forecasted at $75.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year.

Analyst feedback ahead of the earnings release has been largely positive. Deutsche Bank noted overwhelmingly favorable responses from Microsoft customers regarding the company’s competitive positioning. Citi analysts highlighted strong demand for Azure services from both corporate and public sector clients, indicating infrastructure spending remains a key focus for investors.

In line with this, Microsoft revealed it invested $30 billion in data centers and cloud infrastructure in its most recent quarter. Bank of America analysts project full-year capital expenditures could reach $125 billion, exceeding Wall Street’s consensus estimate by $10 billion. This significant spending signals robust demand for AI infrastructure suppliers, including Nvidia. Earnings reports this week from Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will provide valuable insights into the demand outlook for AI chips and data center equipment.

—

**Federal Reserve Rate Decision Takes Center Stage**

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 4% on Wednesday. Markets are pricing in near certainty of this move, with futures markets also indicating another rate cut is likely in December. If these expectations materialize, it would bring total easing to 150 basis points since September 2024.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s post-decision press conference is anticipated to omit economic forecasts or explicit rate projections. Instead, investors will focus on his comments regarding labor market conditions and inflation expectations. Powell is expected to continue expressing caution about potential employment risks while characterizing tariff-related inflation as a temporary issue.

Additionally, the Fed’s quantitative tightening program may see changes soon. Powell recently suggested conditions are nearing a point where the central bank could end its balance sheet runoff. Banking system reserves have fallen below $3 trillion—a level still considered ample for liquidity—which could influence the Fed’s policy moves going forward.

—

**Crypto Markets Show Resilience Ahead of Key Economic Events**

Cryptocurrency markets have demonstrated strength ahead of this week’s major economic announcements. Bitcoin rose 1.7% over 24 hours, reaching $113,600 and extending a three-day winning streak. This upside momentum follows signs of seller exhaustion near the 200-day simple moving average at $108,800. The next resistance level for Bitcoin is the 50-day moving average at $114,250.

Other major cryptocurrencies also gained ground. XRP surged 3% and climbed above its 200-day moving average at $2.60. Ether and Solana posted similar 3% gains over the same period. These movements occurred as traders positioned themselves ahead of the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy decisions.

—

**Upcoming Central Bank and Geopolitical Events to Influence Markets**

The Bank of Japan is scheduled to hold its policy meeting on Thursday, with expectations that interest rates will remain unchanged. Markets currently price in a potential quarter-point rate cut by early 2026. Updates to the BOJ’s economic forecasts could introduce volatility to global markets.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet Thursday in South Korea during the APEC Summit. Both leaders have released statements indicating progress toward a trade agreement. The outcomes of this high-profile meeting may sway risk asset sentiment in the short term.

—

**Big Tech Earnings and AI Spending in Focus**

This week’s earnings calendar is packed with reports from major technology companies including Apple, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Microsoft. Investors will be closely monitoring these earnings for indications of AI-related spending trends, which have been a key driver of market gains since 2023.

The collective performance of these tech giants will provide critical insights into the demand dynamics for next-generation technologies and infrastructure, shaping market expectations for the coming quarters.

—

Stay tuned for full coverage and analysis as these events unfold.
https://coincentral.com/the-week-ahead-fed-rate-cut-and-mag-7-earnings-could-boost-crypto-market/

business, economy, finance, technology

AMD Stock Surges on IBM Quantum Partnership and Major AI Deals

2025 年 10 月 26 日 admin Leave a comment

**AMD Stock Surges Nearly 8% Following IBM Quantum Computing Collaboration**

AMD shares jumped nearly 8% after reports that IBM successfully ran a quantum error correction algorithm on AMD’s field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chips. This breakthrough marks a significant step as IBM plans to launch a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029 using AMD’s technology. IBM confirmed the news to CNBC, and the related research paper is slated for publication next week.

The announcement highlights the growing partnership between AMD and IBM, first established in August, aimed at advancing quantum computing capabilities. IBM described this development as a milestone toward scaling quantum computers without relying on expensive GPU clusters, a notable achievement in quantum technology.

### Quantum Computing Industry Gains Momentum

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle problems beyond the reach of traditional computers. Alongside IBM and AMD, industry giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are actively developing their own quantum computing technologies. Notably, Google unveiled its Willow chip, and Microsoft introduced its first quantum chip last year.

Following the IBM-AMD news, shares of other quantum computing companies including D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and IonQ also experienced gains. Meanwhile, the Trump administration denied reports alleging negotiations to acquire stakes in quantum firms.

### AMD Hits New Heights with Record Stock Performance

AMD stock reached an all-time high of $243.11 on October 24, 2025, reflecting a 90% increase year-to-date. The company’s market capitalization now exceeds $381 billion.

Earlier in October, AMD announced major AI partnerships, securing contracts to supply GPUs to OpenAI and Oracle:

– **OpenAI:** AMD will provide GPUs supporting 6 gigawatts of computing capacity.
– **Oracle Cloud:** Deployment of 50,000 MI450 Instinct GPUs set to begin in Q3 2026.

These agreements are expected to generate tens of billions in annual revenue, with cumulative sales potentially surpassing $100 billion, according to company statements. AMD’s CFO, Jean Hu, emphasized that the OpenAI deal alone should deliver tens of billions in revenue over time.

### Strong Financial Results and Future Outlook

In Q2 2025, AMD reported revenue of $7.69 billion, up 32% year-over-year. The company issued guidance for approximately $8.7 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, aiming for full-year sales close to $33 billion.

AI-related products now constitute 21% of AMD’s total revenue, while data center revenue reached $3.2 billion with 14% growth. CEO Lisa Su attributed the company’s robust performance to successful product rollouts and strategic partnerships.

Despite facing a $1.5 billion revenue headwind in 2025 due to U.S. export restrictions on AI chip shipments to China, AMD maintains strong momentum. The stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 140.52. Approximately 60-65% of analysts rate AMD as a “Buy,” with a consensus price target of $249.92.

—

AMD’s collaboration with IBM and major AI deals position the company as a key player in both quantum computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, paving the way for sustained growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry.
https://coincentral.com/amd-stock-surges-on-ibm-quantum-partnership-and-major-ai-deals/

economy, finance, technology

40x Bitcoin Long Spotted in the Wild: Someone Expects $120,000?

2025 年 10 月 26 日 admin Leave a comment

The recent entry of two high-leverage long positions totaling $29 million by a major whale, address 0xC50a, signals growing market confidence despite persistent volatility.

At an entry price of $111,658, the whale initiated a 40x long on 149 BTC, valued at approximately $16.65 million, and a 10x long on 284,501 HYPE tokens, worth around $12.49 million.

### What’s up with Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is currently trading close to $111,800, just above the whale’s entry point. This move coincides with a weak but improving price structure. The position is presently slightly negative, showing an unrealized loss of about $14,600. However, the aggressive leverage suggests that 0xC50a anticipates a short-term breakout above the $112,000-$114,000 resistance zone—an area known for triggering a large number of short liquidations.

The 200-day moving average (black line) has served as strong dynamic support across multiple sessions. Bitcoin remains steady above this level on the daily chart, currently around $108,200. Following the steep correction earlier this month, the price recovery from this support level indicates a renewed surge of buyer interest.

### Technical Indicators and Resistance Levels

There is still potential for a more robust upward push before Bitcoin becomes overbought. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 48, suggesting neutral momentum currently.

Key short-term obstacles include the 50-day and 100-day moving averages at approximately $112,400 and $114,100, respectively. A close above these lines could trigger a swift rally toward the $118,000–$120,000 range, a zone historically associated with significant profit-taking.

### The Foundation Behind the Rally

Given the size of the whale’s position and the use of leverage, even slight price fluctuations could lead to notable liquidations. Nonetheless, this trade appears structurally safe unless a significant macroeconomic shock occurs, as the liquidation price for the Bitcoin long is set near $53,000.

In summary, the actions of whale 0xC50a highlight increasing confidence in a possible short-term bullish breakout, supported by key technical levels and a recovering market structure.
https://u.today/40x-bitcoin-long-spotted-in-the-wild-someone-expects-120000

crypto, economy, finance, technology

BlockDAG Surpasses $430M In Presale as BNB Dips and Worldcoin Targets $2.10 in the 2025 Crypto Watchlist!

2025 年 10 月 26 日 admin Leave a comment

Learn How BlockDAG’s Over $430M Presale Is Redefining Growth While Binance Coin Dips and Worldcoin Aims for $2.10

The market’s next rotation is already underway. Binance Coin (BNB), Worldcoin (WLD), and BlockDAG (BDAG) headline this week’s top-rated cryptocurrencies, each representing a different phase in market development.

While Binance Coin (BNB) price dropped to $1,182, showing short-term consolidation, Worldcoin’s (WLD) price prediction continues to lean bullish, with analysts expecting a move above $2.10. Yet, it’s BlockDAG’s ongoing presale that has captured global attention, having raised over $430 million with its $0.0015 limited-time entry in Batch 31.

Backed by more than 3.5 million X1 users, 312,000+ holders, and 20,000+ miners sold, BDAG is proving that real traction precedes market hype. While BNB and WLD focus on maintaining support levels, BlockDAG is building an entire ecosystem ready to reshape Layer-1 performance.

BNB Dips Slightly but Retains Long-Term Strength

Binance Coin (BNB) price dropped by 0.23%, resting near $1,182, as the market paused after weeks of steady growth. The pullback seems more like a breather than a breakdown, with the asset still holding above key moving averages.

Technical charts show mixed momentum. A bullish MACD crossover suggests potential upside, while neutral oscillators indicate consolidation. The next crucial resistance is at $1,194, which could confirm renewed upward momentum if broken. On the downside, $1,117 remains a strong support.

This quiet phase gives strategic traders time to reassess positions before the next market swing. BNB’s consistency during broader volatility signals confidence from its community and underlines its reputation as one of the most stable assets among top-rated cryptocurrencies.

Worldcoin Builds Momentum Toward $2.10 Target

Worldcoin (WLD) is showing early signs of strength after weeks of sideways trading. The asset has climbed to $0.98, edging closer to reclaiming the $1.00–$1.10 support range that could serve as a launchpad for the next rally.

Analysts forecast a potential move toward $2.10, which would nearly double its value if buying volume sustains. Renewed optimism follows a steady rise in market sentiment and healthy trading activity, signaling that confidence is returning to WLD.

However, maintaining price stability above $1 remains essential for preserving the bullish outlook. Many analysts describe this current range as an accumulation phase, where gradual consolidation sets the stage for a larger move.

If momentum holds, Worldcoin could soon rejoin the list of top performers among 2025’s trending digital assets.

Final Countdown: BlockDAG’s $0.0015 Presale Sparks a Global Buying Wave

BlockDAG continues to accelerate ahead of its November 26 Genesis Day, marking one of the most successful presales in recent memory. With over $430 million raised, more than 27 billion BDAG coins sold, and a global community exceeding 3.5 million mobile miners, the project’s fundamentals show strength unmatched by most presale initiatives.

Currently priced at $0.0015 in Batch 31, BDAG’s limited-time offer represents the final window before the network transitions to public trading. Its TGE Code feature gives ranked presale participants early airdrop access, adding an incentive layer to engage before launch.

The hybrid DAG + Proof-of-Work design provides scalability for up to 15,000 TPS, maintaining the security standards of PoW systems while optimizing transaction speed.

BlockDAG’s ecosystem already includes verified audits, a functional Awakening Testnet, and a prestigious partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team, extending its brand visibility beyond crypto circles.

This combination of technical credibility, community expansion, and real utility has positioned BDAG as one of the top-rated cryptocurrencies entering 2025. As the presale window narrows, experts agree: BlockDAG isn’t following trends, it’s defining them.

Once Genesis Day arrives, early participants may see the payoff of being ahead of the market’s next major narrative.

BlockDAG Leads the 2025 Outlook

While Binance Coin’s minor pullback reflects consolidation and Worldcoin’s $2.10 target showcases recovery potential, BlockDAG represents growth on an entirely different scale.

Its hybrid architecture, audited infrastructure, and rapidly expanding ecosystem make it a rare presale with measurable progress. With the $0.0015 entry price closing soon and $430M+ already secured, BlockDAG continues to dominate analyst discussions across major crypto forums.

As the countdown to Genesis Day continues, BDAG is shaping the conversation around what defines the next generation of Layer-1s, making it not just a presale story but the start of a new chapter for blockchain scalability and adoption.

Presale Links

Website: [Insert Website URL]
Telegram: [Insert Telegram Link]
Discord: [Insert Discord Link]

This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions.

Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.

About the Author

Krasimir Rusev is a reporter at Coindoo with many years of experience in covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source of information for investors, traders, and anyone who follows the dynamics of the crypto world.

https://coindoo.com/blockdag-surpasses-430m-in-presale-as-bnb-dips-and-worldcoin-targets-2-10-in-the-2025-crypto-watchlist/

economy, finance

LendingClub, ABTC surge, Bitfarms, FHI slide: financials wrap

2025 年 10 月 25 日 admin Leave a comment

Much of the price action across this week’s biggest financial-stock movers reflected the heating up of earnings season.

LendingClub (LC) stood out by rising the most among financial stocks with a market capitalization over $2 billion for the week ended October 24, 2025, posting a significant jump.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508380-lendingclub-abtc-surge-bitfarms-fhi-slide-financials-wrap?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

business, economy, finance, technology

Why XRP Price is Up Today?

2025 年 10 月 25 日 admin Leave a comment

XRP Price Surges 2.94% to $2.48, Outperforming Broader Crypto Market

XRP’s price today surged by 2.94% to reach $2.48 over the past 24 hours, outperforming the broader cryptocurrency market, which recorded a modest 0.9% gain. This rally is fueled by growing institutional interest, driven by Ripple’s recent strategic moves and positive market developments.

**Ripple Prime Launch Boosts Institutional Adoption**

On October 24, Ripple finalized its acquisition of prime brokerage Hidden Road, rebranding it as Ripple Prime. This milestone positions Ripple as the first crypto firm to operate a global multi-asset prime brokerage, providing institutions with direct access to XRP, Ripple USD, and RLUSD for cross-border settlements and collateral management.

Integration with Ripple’s custody and payment infrastructure is expected to accelerate XRP adoption across more than 300,000 FX derivatives markets. This launch follows Ripple’s aggressive expansion strategy, having completed five major acquisitions since 2023, underscoring the company’s push into institutional finance.

Key indicators to watch include the adoption rate of the RLUSD stablecoin on Ripple Prime, which could further strengthen XRP’s utility in traditional financial markets.

**XRP Derivatives and ETF Growth Signal Strong Institutional Demand**

Institutional demand for XRP is also evident in derivatives activity. Since May 2025, XRP options have reached $26.9 billion in notional volume, averaging $213 million in daily trading. Approximately 567,000 options contracts have been traded, compared to a daily spot volume of 600 million XRP.

Meanwhile, the first U.S.-based XRP ETF, ECARP, has surpassed $100 million in assets under management (AUM). Offering regulated exposure to XRP, this ETF has attracted interest from hedge funds and wealth managers. Additionally, CME-listed XRP derivatives have seen open interest rise to 10,100 contracts, signaling increasing institutional participation.

Analysts suggest that growing ETF inflows could reduce sell pressure on XRP, providing further support to its price.

**XRP Price Analysis**

From a technical perspective, XRP recently reclaimed the $2.30 support level, where 70% of recent trading volume occurred. The Relative Strength Index (RSI-14) stands at 39.69, indicating neutral momentum, while the MACD indicator is approaching a bullish crossover.

Fibonacci retracement levels show the 38.2% retracement at $2.50, aligning closely with the 30-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $2.61. A successful break above $2.61 could target a price of $2.73.

However, traders should remain cautious, as approximately 6 million XRP were moved to exchanges in the past week, potentially signaling selling pressure from whale investors.

—

Overall, ongoing institutional developments and technical indicators suggest a positive outlook for XRP, but market participants should monitor key resistance levels and whale activity closely.
https://coinpedia.org/news/why-xrp-price-is-up-today-institutions-are-making-a-big-move/

economy, finance

BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF declares CAD 0.101 dividend

2025 年 10 月 24 日 admin Leave a comment

**BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF Declares CAD 0.101 Monthly Dividend**

BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF has declared a monthly dividend of CAD 0.101 per share. The dividend is payable on November 4, 2025, to shareholders of record as of October 30, 2025. The ex-dividend date is also October 30, 2025.

For more detailed information on ZST, including the dividend scorecard, yield chart, and dividend growth, please refer to the respective sections.

—

**Related Stocks:**

– Symbol: ZSTTF
– Last Price: —
– Percentage Change: —

—

**Trending Analysis & News:**

Stay updated with the latest trends and news related to ZST over various timeframes including 1 day, 5 days, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years.

—

*Recommended For You*

More trending news and analysis available to help you make informed investment decisions.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508257-bmo-ultra-short-term-bond-etf-declares-cad-0_101-dividend?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

crime, drugs, finance, international, law

Five Plead Guilty Over $7.9M Dark Web Crypto Drug Operation

2025 年 10 月 24 日 admin Leave a comment

**Manhattan Prosecutors Secure Convictions Against Dark Web Drug Trafficking Network**

Manhattan prosecutors have successfully secured convictions against five members of a dark web drug trafficking network that shipped thousands of packages containing illegal narcotics across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., while laundering millions of dollars through cryptocurrency.

Nan Wu and his four associates — Peng Peng Tang, Bowen Chen, Zixiang Lin, and Katie Montgomery — previously entered guilty pleas for their involvement with the operation known as “FireBunnyUSA.” This network advertised itself on dark web marketplaces as an established supplier offering quality products with fast, discreet delivery.

“This alleged scheme was a brazen attempt to use the dark web to conceal a national drug trafficking operation,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday. “Even though this activity originated on the dark web, it can still lead to the same dangerous drug-related violence in our neighborhoods that we see far too often.”

**Sentencing and Seizures**

Wu received a minimum sentence of six and a half years in state prison after pleading guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance and money laundering on April 3. Additionally, the court ordered Wu to forfeit approximately 20 Bitcoin (BTC), 3,297 Monero (XMR), and $12,857 in cash recovered during searches.

**The Operation**

The FireBunnyUSA operation ran from January 2019 through August 2022, initially based in Flushing, Queens. During this period, the group mailed more than 10,000 packages nationwide.

Manhattan investigators conducted 11 undercover purchases from the vendor between June 2021 and August 2022, buying drugs including cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine, all shipped directly into Manhattan.

Through the operation, the ring laundered over $7.9 million, including more than $3.1 million in proceeds through cryptocurrency exchanges. Wu and Tang alone collected nearly $8 million in BTC payments throughout the operation’s run. Investigators found close to $900,000 worth of cryptocurrency on Tang’s phone.

The network converted funds into Monero (XMR), a privacy-focused cryptocurrency designed to be untraceable, before converting it back to Bitcoin and moving the funds through exchange accounts controlled by Wu, Tang, and others.

Investigators revealed that over $734,000 was laundered through U.S.-based crypto exchanges, and $2.4 million in Bitcoin was converted into Chinese yuan abroad.

**Following the Crypto Trail**

Recent global law enforcement crackdowns have targeted similar dark web and crypto-enabled crimes. These include the seizure of 145 BidenCash domains linked to $17 million in stolen card trades in the U.S.; Operation RapTor’s coordinated raids across 10 countries, which resulted in the seizure of $200 million in cryptocurrency and the arrest of 270 people; and India’s bust of “Edison,” an alleged darknet vendor accused of moving 10,000 LSD blots monthly through Monero.

Andrew Fierman, Head of National Security Intelligence at Chainalysis, previously told Decrypt that while a growing number of criminals migrating to privacy coins such as Monero and Zcash for anonymity is concerning, “the vast majority of criminal activity still uses mainstream cryptos, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins.”

He added, “Crypto is only useful if you can buy and sell goods and services or cash out into fiat, and that is much more difficult with privacy coins, especially as many mainstream exchanges have offboarded the use of privacy coins, such as Monero.”

Fierman also emphasized that privacy coins, “like other cryptos, operate on an immutable ledger,” meaning records of illicit transactions remain permanent and “such evidence can be investigated and prosecuted even years later.”

—

This case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat dark web drug trafficking and the evolving challenges of cryptocurrency-related money laundering.
https://decrypt.co/345833/five-plead-guilty-over-7-9m-dark-web-crypto-drug-operation