[Crypto Highlights: Dec. 15–21]

This week in crypto brought lawsuits, predictions, payouts, and more. Here’s a quick roundup:

[Top Stories]

1. Hawk Tuah Memecoin Scandal:

Influencer Haliey Welch denied involvement in a memecoin pump-and-dump scheme and is helping lawyers represent investors. The lawsuit targets the creators, not Welch.

2. Cathie Wood’s Bold Predictions:

ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood expects a boom in startup mergers and acquisitions if Trump wins the election. She also believes Bitcoin could hit $1 million by 2030 due to its scarcity.

3. Cryptopia Hack Victims Paid:

After nearly six years, $225 million has been distributed to over 10,000 verified users affected by the 2019 Cryptopia hack. More payouts are planned.

4. Craig Wright Sentenced:

The controversial figure claiming to be Bitcoin’s creator received a suspended one-year jail sentence for ignoring court orders.

5. Bitfinex Hacker Speaks Out:

Ilya Lichtenstein admitted to the 2016 hack and took full blame, hoping to shield his wife, Heather Morgan, from criticism.

[Market Highlights]

Bitcoin is at $97,321, Ether at $3,464, and XRP at $2.28.

Winners: Pudgy Penguins (+492%), HyperLiquid (+56%), Movement (+38%).

Losers: Aptos (-28%), dYdX (-28%), Curve DAO Token (-28%).

[Notable Quotes]

- Arthur Hayes warns of a crypto sell-off tied to Trump’s inauguration.

- Sarah Knafo supports Bitcoin over a digital euro.

[Other News]

Bitcoin correction might be ending after recent price drops.

Bybit will stop services in France by January 2025 due to stricter regulations.

An alleged SEC hacker is allowed holiday travel despite pending charges.

[The Takeaway]

From legal troubles to market shifts, this week was a rollercoaster for crypto. Stay tuned for more twists and turns in the blockchain world!