FBI forms new crypto crimes unit
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a Virtual Asset Exploitation Unit focused on crypto-related crimes. The unit will be a specialized team of cryptocurrency experts dedicated to providing analysis, support, and training across the FBI. It will also innovate its cryptocurrency tools to stay ahead of future threats.
Crypto prices today: Bitcoin slumps 7%, ETH down 5.9%
Bitcoin is currently trading at $40,751, a 6.95% decline over the previous day. Ethereum is down 5.9% over the last 24 hours to $2,908.84. Solana fell 5% to $95.2, while Cardano is down 3.7% to $1.04. Polygon (MATIC) has fallen sharply by 6.5% to $1.71. The global crypto market cap stands at $1.90 trillion, a 3.52% decline over the previous day. Much of the market is red right now amid geopolitical tension and increased law enforcement scrutiny on crypto.
Sequoia Capital to Invest Up to $600 million in crypto startup tokens
Venture capital firm Sequoia Capital has announced the launch of a crypto-dedicated fund that will invest up to $600 million in digital assets. The fund will actively manage its assets, generating yield through token staking and participating in DAO governance votes. The new fund follows the last announcement that Sequoia would combine all of its US and European investments into one fund.
Ukraine legalises crypto amid soaring tensions with Russia
Ukraine legalised cryptocurrencies on Thursday even as its tensions with Russia have agitated global markets in the past week due to global concerns over the prospect of a wider war. Bitcoin donations have soared to Ukrainian volunteer and hacking groups, some of which have supplied equipment to government forces. Ukraine is already amongst the top-5 countries that use cryptocurrency.
Spain’s central bank licenses Bit2Me to be country’s first crypto services provider
Bit2Me, a leading Spanish crypto exchange, has obtained approval from the Bank of Spain to be the first provider of services for the exchange of virtual currency for fiat currency and the custody of digital wallets. It will now be able to provide Spanish-based banks with a white-label service allowing crypto trading on their platforms.
