1. Clarification from US official: Crypto's role in Hamas attacks minimal.
2. Aptos enters crypto phone market with $99 JamboPhone.
3. Changpeng Zhao's sentencing postponed to April; possible jail time: 12-18 months.
4. Disney & Epic Games collaborate on $1.5 billion metaverse project.
5. Australian cop accused of stealing $4.2 million Bitcoin from 2019 drug raid charges.
A week has passed, and once again, the crypto world has unfolded a series of noteworthy events. While this week saw fewer security breaches compared to previous ones, it introduced a new contender in the crypto-phone arena, a forthcoming $1.5 billion metaverse venture involving Disney and Epic Games, updates on the Binance/CZ case, and a peculiar incident involving a police officer accused of pilfering 81 Bitcoins during a drug dealer raid.
Let's delve into some of the key highlights from the past week.
1. Crypto's Limited Role in Hamas Terrorism Financing Debunked
Contrary to widespread beliefs, crypto's involvement in terrorism financing, particularly in the case of Hamas attacks from 2023, was found to be minimal. Testifying before the House Financial Services Committee, the US Treasury's Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, revealed that terrorist groups still prefer traditional financial avenues, and the reported amounts of crypto received were significantly lower than initially stated.
2. Aptos Joins Crypto-Phone Market with $99 JamboPhone
Following in the footsteps of Solana, Aptos has entered the crypto-phone scene by partnering with Jambo Technology to launch the JamboPhone. Priced at $99, this budget-friendly smartphone integrates crypto and Web3 access, targeting regions with limited Web3 accessibility, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
3. Changpeng Zhao's Sentencing Postponed to April
Changpeng Zhao, former Binance CEO, who pleaded guilty to money laundering allegations, agreed to pay a $50 million fine, forfeit $4.3 billion, and step down from his role. Originally scheduled for February 23, 2024, Zhao's criminal sentencing has been rescheduled to April 30, 2024, with potential imprisonment between 12 to 18 months, as prosecutors seek a harsher sentence.
4. Disney and Epic Games Collaborate on $1.5 Billion Metaverse
In a significant move, Disney and Epic Games have joined forces to invest $1.5 billion in building a metaverse. Disney's extensive intellectual properties will combine with Fortnite's user base, creating an immersive metaverse that integrates Disney's franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar into Epic Games products, enhancing user experiences in gaming, education, and e-commerce.
5. Australian Police Officer Indicted for Bitcoin Theft
An Australian Federal Police officer, William Wheatley, faces theft charges for allegedly stealing 81.616 Bitcoin from a Trezor hardware wallet during a 2019 drug dealer raid. Despite the Bitcoin's value soaring to approximately $4.2 million, Wheatley maintains his innocence, preparing to defend against charges related to theft, money laundering, and misuse of his public office.
Disclaimer: While we strive for accuracy, readers should conduct their own research due to the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. Voice of Crypto is not liable for any missing facts or inaccuracies.
