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China Sentences Official for Espionage Fueled by Crypto Debt

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Chinese official Wang Moumou just received a life imprisonment for selling secret documents to British intelligence. Wang racked up heavy debts due to failed crypto trading, and received crypto in payment for espionage.

Official reports from Chinese Ministries have not demonized the crypto community, however, and mostly focused on Wang’s own mistakes.

Wang’s Crypto Misfortunes

According to a recent report from Anping Province’s Ministry of National Security, a Chinese official named Wang Moumou was just sentenced to life in prison. Wang stands convicted of espionage, selling documents and other photos to foreign intelligence agencies. He started this path due to massive debts from failed crypto trades, and received crypto in return for his services.

“The National Security Agency found that Wang provided top-secret and confidential state secrets to the other party and obtained more than 1 million yuan in spy funds through virtual currency recharge and trading. In the end, Wang was sentenced to life imprisonment by the People’s Court for the crime of espionage,” the report said.

In this conviction statement, Chinese authorities did not accuse a specific foreign government of recruiting Wang. However, in previous coverage from June, they accused MI6, the British intelligence agency, of recruiting a man named Wang Moumou as a spy. It seems extremely likely that these two incidents in one year refer to the same person.

Wang’s criminal involvement with the world of cryptocurrency is far from an isolated incident. For example, a famous North Korean hacker group already uses crypto to fund espionage operations. Three years ago, a US nuclear engineer attempted to sell secrets for crypto, but his “foreign handler” was actually part of an FBI sting operation.

The Anping Ministry strongly disparaged Wang’s character and his overall sloppiness, but made only the briefest mention of his enduring crypto interest. The hope of China lifting its Bitcoin ban has persistently remained in the global community. It seems somewhat encouraging that state media had a chance to demonize crypto, and didn’t take it.

China has shown several slightly hopeful signs towards the space in the last year. At the recent BRICS Summit, for example, it was one of the leading architects of a new international payments platform based on blockchain technology. The nation has also been integrating its CBDC, the digital yuan, into more local payment systems.

Ultimately, though, this espionage incident is only a possible weathervane into China’s crypto stance. Of course, it’s hardly good representation for the community, if Wang’s failed crypto trades led him to commit treason. Nevertheless, the state’s thorough condemnation focused on his individual failings, and did not moralize about the “corruptive powers” of crypto.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Will the SEC Approve Grayscale’s Solana ETF?

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Grayscale has submitted a registration statement with the SEC to convert its Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL) into an ETF listed on NYSE Arca. 

Despite the filing, prediction markets remain unconvinced about the chances of approval.

Is a Solana ETF Approval Still Unlikely for Q2?

On Polymarket, odds for a Solana ETF approval in the second quarter of 2025 stand at just 23%. Broader expectations for any 2025 approval are at 83%, down from 92% earlier this year.

The decline reflects regulatory delays. In March, the SEC extended review timelines for several ETF applications tied to Solana, XRP, and other altcoins. 

solana etf odds polymarket
Polymarket Odds on a Solana ETF Approval by July 31. Source: Polymarket

This pattern suggests the agency may be holding off on decisions until a permanent chair takes over. Mark Uyeda, currently serving as interim chair, has not signaled a shift in stance.

Paul Atkins, Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, appeared before the Senate last week. Lawmakers questioned his involvement in crypto-related businesses, adding further uncertainty around future approvals.

Grayscale’s latest filing excludes staking, which could speed up the review process. The SEC has previously objected to staking features in ETF proposals. 

When spot Ethereum ETFs moved forward last year, Grayscale, Fidelity, and Ark Invest/21Shares all removed staking components to align with the SEC’s expectations at the time.

Under Gary Gensler’s leadership, the SEC expressed concern that proof-of-stake protocols could fall under securities law. Asset managers adjusted their applications accordingly to move forward.

Following approvals for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, several firms aim to expand their offerings to include other cryptocurrencies. They plan to offer access through traditional brokerage accounts without requiring direct asset custody.

Solana remains a strong contender due to its growing futures market in the US and a more favorable regulatory environment. Analysts view it as one of the next likely approvals if the SEC opens the door to more altcoin ETFs.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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XRP Price Vulnerable To Falling Below $2 After 18% Decline

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XRP has faced a significant correction in recent weeks, resulting in an 18% decline in the altcoin’s price. As a result, XRP is currently struggling to maintain upward momentum, with investors losing confidence. 

This recent slump has raised concerns about the asset’s future, especially as certain XRP holders begin to sell their positions, increasing bearish pressure.

XRP Investors Are Pulling Back

The recent downturn in XRP’s price has triggered a sharp spike in the “Age Consumed” metric. This indicator tracks the movement of coins from long-term holders (LTHs) and has reached its highest level in over four months. The increase suggests that LTHs, who have been holding XRP for extended periods, are now losing patience. 

This selling behavior may be driven by the lack of price recovery and the overall weak market conditions that have not improved. These holders appear to be attempting to limit their losses by liquidating their positions, which in turn increases the downward pressure on XRP’s price. This mass selling from LTHs further compounds the challenges for XRP, as their decision to sell is often seen as a sign of waning confidence in the cryptocurrency. 

XRP Age Consumed
XRP Age Consumed. Source: Santiment

XRP’s market momentum appears to be weakening, as evidenced by the recent decline in the number of new addresses. The metric tracking new addresses has fallen to a five-month low, suggesting that XRP is struggling to attract new investors. This lack of fresh interest signals growing skepticism within the broader market, with potential investors hesitant to buy into an asset that has failed to deliver strong price action.

The drop in new addresses reflects a broader trend of reduced market traction and the lack of conviction from buyers. When combined with the selling pressure from LTHs, it creates a challenging environment for XRP to regain bullish momentum

XRP New Addresses
XRP New Addresses. Source Glassnode

XRP Price Needs A Boost

XRP’s price is currently holding at $2.06, just above the key support level of $2.02. If it manages to stabilize and break through the immediate resistance at $2.14, there could be a potential rebound, taking XRP higher.

However, with the continued weakness in market sentiment and the aforementioned bearish cues, XRP remains vulnerable to further declines. If the support of $2.02 fails, the price could drop further to $1.94, extending the 18% decline noted in the last two weeks.

XRP Price Analysis
XRP Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If XRP manages to reclaim the $2.14 level and holds above it, the price could make its way toward $2.27. Breaching this level would invalidate the bearish outlook, signaling a potential recovery and restoring investor confidence in the cryptocurrency.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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HBAR Futures Traders Lead the Charge as Buying Pressure Grows

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Hedera Foundation’s recent move to partner with Zoopto for a late-stage bid to acquire TikTok has sparked renewed investor interest in HBAR, driving a fresh wave of demand for the altcoin.

Market participants have grown increasingly bullish, with a notable uptick in long positions signaling growing confidence in HBAR’s future price performance.

HBAR’s Futures Market Sees Bullish Spike

HBAR’s long/short ratio currently sits at a monthly high of 1.08. Over the past 24 hours, its value has climbed by 17%, reflecting the surge in demand for long positions among derivatives traders. 

HBAR Long/Short Ratio
HBAR Long/Short Ratio. Source: Coinglass

An asset’s long/short ratio compares the proportion of its long positions (bets on price increases) to short ones (bets on price declines) in the market. 

When the long/short ratio is above one like this, more traders are holding long positions than short ones, indicating bullish market sentiment. This suggests that HBAR investors expect the asset’s price to rise, a trend that could drive buying activity and cause HBAR’s price to extend its rally. 

Further, the token’s Balance of Power (BoP) confirms this bullish outlook. At press time, this bullish indicator, which measures buying and selling pressure, is above zero at 0.25. 

HBAR BoP.
HBAR BoP. Source: TradingView

When an asset’s BoP is above zero, buying pressure is stronger than selling pressure, suggesting bullish momentum. This means HBAR buyers dominate price action, and are pushing its value higher. 

HBAR Buyers Push Back After Hitting Multi-Month Low

During Thursday’s trading session, HBAR traded briefly at a four-month low of $0.153. However, with strengthening buying pressure, the altcoin appears to be correcting this downward trend. 

If HBAR buyers consolidate their control, the token could flip the resistance at $0.169 into a support floor and climb toward $0.247.

HBAR Price Analysis
HBAR Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, a resurgence in profit-taking activity will invalidate this bullish projection. HBAR could resume its decline and fall to $0.129 in that scenario.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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