**News Flash: Insider Trading in Crypto Under Scrutiny**

Insider trading isn't just a stock market issue—it's a hot topic in the crypto world too. The SEC has been cracking down on illegal trading practices, especially as more cryptocurrencies are classified as securities.

- **What is Insider Trading?**

- Using nonpublic information to trade stocks or securities.

- Legal if properly registered with the SEC.

- **Crypto's Wild West Days**

- Historically unregulated, making it ripe for manipulation.

- Whales and insiders often drive "pump and dump" schemes.

- **Recent Cases**

- **Coinbase**: Former manager Ishan Wahi and associates made $1.1M from insider tips.

- **OpenSea**: Nate Chastain used insider info to profit $57K from NFTs.

- **Long Blockchain Corp**: Rebranded from Long Island Ice Tea, leading to a 380% stock surge. Key players were fined for insider trading.

- **SEC's Stance**

- Increasing regulation and monitoring.

- SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasizes that tokens sold with profit expectations are securities.

- **Future Outlook**

- More stringent self-regulation by crypto exchanges.

- Pressure on decentralized platforms to adopt fair trading safeguards.

As the crypto market matures, expect tighter regulations to curb insider trading and protect investors.