Crypto Crime Wave, Market Moves, and Major Developments: Today’s Top Crypto News

A shocking crypto crime has gripped New York City, where two investors allegedly kidnapped and tortured an Italian

businessman for 17 days in a luxury townhouse, demanding his Bitcoin password.

The victim endured brutal treatment, including being shocked, pistol-whipped, and threatened with death, before making a daring escape.

Authorities found evidence of torture and weapons at the scene.

This case highlights a disturbing trend: wealthy crypto holders are increasingly being targeted for ransom, with similar incidents

reported in France and beyond.

French authorities have arrested over 20 people linked to a series of kidnapping attempts targeting crypto entrepreneurs and

their families.

Recent cases include failed abductions in Paris and Nantes, with criminals demanding multi-million euro ransoms.

The French government is ramping up security for crypto executives, as attacks become more frequent and violent.

One official promised, “The entire state apparatus is fully mobilized to track down the perpetrators.” Trump Media has

confirmed a $2.5 billion capital raise to buy Bitcoin, calling it “an apex instrument of financial freedom.” Meanwhile,

Circle, the company behind USDC, is launching its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, signaling growing mainstream

adoption.

In other news, BitMEX now allows XRP as collateral for derivatives trading, boosting its utility.

UFC star Conor McGregor even weighed in, backing XRP as the U.S.

considers a $10 billion crypto reserve.

Ethereum is showing bullish signs, with analysts predicting a potential breakout above $3,000 as technical patterns point to

rising buying pressure.

Bitcoin, meanwhile, is under the spotlight at the Las Vegas Bitcoin Conference.

Historically, Bitcoin prices have dipped after such events, but with institutional interest at an all-time high, traders are

watching closely to see if 2025 will break the trend.