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Why the SEC Is Suing Over Meme Coin Fraud

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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against an individual connected with the issuance and promotion of the Saitama Inu (SAITAMA), according to a complaint released recently.

This legal action follows a series of joint enforcement initiatives launched earlier this month. The SEC, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged multiple cryptocurrency entities suspected of fraud and market manipulation.

SEC Pushes Misleading Investors and Pump-and-Dump Allegations

The complaint, filed in the US District Court, alleges that the defendant, Vy Pham, illegally sold unregistered securities in the form of digital tokens. It also accuses Pham of misleading investors and promoting Saitama Inu through deceptive tactics. Some of the cited deceptive practices include fraudulent statements about the coin’s value and prospects.

According to the SEC, Pham leveraged social media channels to promote the meme coin. He artificially inflated the value of Saitama Inu and ultimately profited at the expense of unsuspecting investors. Advertising a strong community backing and future utility, Pham reportedly promised substantial returns to investors.

However, the SEC contends that Pham’s promotional efforts were part of a “pump-and-dump” scheme, a form of securities fraud. In such schemes, the promoter hypes up the asset to boost its price, only to offload its holdings at inflated rates. This leaves other investors with significant losses as the token value crashes.

“Pham misled investors by making grand promises of wealth, and as a result, many individuals lost significant amounts of money,” said Gurbir S. Grewal, Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division, in a statement.

Read more: How Does Regulation Impact Crypto Marketing? A Complete Guide

This lawsuit is part of a wider crackdown initiated on October 9 by the SEC, FBI, and DOJ against four cryptocurrency entities. Citing Gotbit Consulting, ZM Quant Investment, and CLS Global, the coordinated enforcement action centers on allegations of fraudulent activities and market manipulation. These are tactics used to deceive investors by fabricating market demand.

Potential Implications for the Future of Meme Coins

Meme coins, unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, typically lack intrinsic utility or clear use cases, making them highly volatile. They are often subject to rapid price fluctuations, driven by social media trends or endorsements from influencers.

This lawsuit reflects the SEC’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with securities laws in the growing cryptocurrency market. The SEC is committed to fighting against fraud, misleading information, and market manipulation. This is as more retail investors flock to digital assets.

“The cryptocurrency market continues to grow, and with it, the risks to investors. The SEC will continue to take action against those who violate securities laws, no matter how new or innovative the assets may be,” Grewal added.

Read more: Crypto Regulation: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?

Meme coins can be entertaining and lucrative for some. However, they also come with significant risks, especially when manipulation is in play. The outcome of the SEC’s case against Pham could have far-reaching implications for the future of meme coins.

The court ruling in favor of the SEC could set a legal precedent, bringing stricter regulations on similar digital assets and their promoters.

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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Crypto Whales Bought Millions of These Altcoins This Week

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The second week of November 2024 has seen a surge in crypto whales’ activity, with large-scale investors strategically accumulating key altcoins amid improving market conditions. As the cryptocurrency market experiences heightened volatility, these substantial transactions could indicate a shift in sentiment or anticipation of better price performance.

The altcoins are drawing significant whale interest from established favorites to emerging tokens, highlighting diverse strategies among high-networth investors. That said, the top altcoins crypto whales bought include Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), and Ripple (XRP).

Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin is one of the altcoins that crypto whales bought this week. This development could be linked to the bullish sentiment around the coin since Donald Trump approved Elon Musk’s proposed Department Of Government Efficiency department for the incoming US administration.

On November 8, the large holders’ netflow showed a negative reading, indicating that whales sold. This metric tracks the number of coins bought or sold by large investors. As of this writing, the same metric has increased to 1.72 billion. 

At Dogecoin’s current price, this figure indicates that crypto whales purchased about $636 million DOGE this week. This accumulation has also affected the coin’s value. In the last seven days, DOGE’s price has increased by 85% and surpassed the market cap of XRP. 

Dogecoin whales purchase
Dogecoin Large Holders Netflow. Source: IntoTheBlock

Should whales continue to buy, Dogecoin could rally higher than $0.37 in the coming week. If that does not happen, the cryptocurrency might remain range-bound and trade sideways.

Litecoin (LTC)

Litecoin is another altcoin that crypto whales bought this week. On November 11, 6.33 million LTCs were held by addresses that owned between 1 million and 10 million coins.

At press time, it has risen to 7.57 million, indicating that crypto whales purchased about $106 million worth of Litecoin in the second week of November 2024. Like DOGE, the accumulation has also impacted the altcoin’s value.

Over the last seven days, Litecoin’s price has increased by 20% and currently trades at $85.87. If whale accumulation continues, then LTC could get close to $100. On the flip side, if they decide to return to the sidelines, the price might decrease. 

Litecoin whale accumulation
Litecoin Balance of Addresses. Source: Santiment

Ripple (XRP)

Lastly, crypto whales also purchased Ripple (XRP) in large volume this week. This large accumulation could be linked to Robinhood’s decision to list the token as the US market seeks to gain regulatory clarity on cryptocurrencies. Further, the speculation that SEC Chair Gary Gensler could resign also spurred the accumulation. 

For instance, on November 12, the XRP held by the 1 million to 10 cohort was 3.82 billion. On the same day, the 10 million to 100 million cohort held about 6.79 billion XRP. But at the time of writing, the figures have climbed to 3.97 billion and 6.95 billion, respectively. This means that crypto whales purchased a combined 310 million tokens, valued at around $267 million.

Crypto whales purchase XRP
Ripple Whales Balance. Source: Santiment

As a result, XRP’s price increased by 56% within the past week while trading at $0.87. Should whales continue to pour money into it, the price could close in on $1. If not, it could experience a drawdown.

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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AI Tokens of the Week

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Undeniably, there has been a broader market pullback over the past couple of days. However, several AI-focused tokens have managed to post gains despite the downturn.

In this analysis, BeInCrypto highlights three AI coins with significant price growth.

AIOZ Network (AIOZ)

AIOZ, the native token of the AIOZ Network—a decentralized platform that leverages a global network of nodes to deliver content—has noted a 45.63% price surge over the past seven days. It is one of the AI tokens of the week to pay attention to. As of this writing, it trades at $0.75. 

At its current price, the altcoin trades above its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA). The 20-day EMA calculates the average price over the past 20 days, with more emphasis on recent data points.

This setup indicates a short-term bullish trend. It signals that buying pressure is prevailing and the asset is in an uptrend.

If AIOZ maintains this upward trend, its price may climb toward $0.79. A successful rally past this level may set it on the path to reclaim its year-to-date high above $1.

However, there is a catch. Its plummeting Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicates that the buying pressure is weakening. AIOZ’s CMF, which tracks money flows into and out of its market, is below zero at -0.02. 

AIOZ AI Price Analysis
AIOZ Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

When an asset’s CMF is negative during a price rally, buying pressure is waning, thus forming a bearish divergence. This divergence is a warning signal that the rally may not be sustainable and could face a reversal if the selling pressure continues.

AIOZ’s price may fall to $0.61 if this happens, invalidating the bullish outlook above.

Render (RENDER)

The price of the leading AI-based token Render (RENDER) has spiked by 34% over the past seven days, making it one of the top AI tokens of the week. During the week in review, the AI-based token rallied to a five-month high of $7.20 before witnessing a pullback over the past 24 hours due to the general market downturn. Nonetheless, it trades at $6.69 and still enjoys a bullish bias.

RENDER’s Parabolic Stop and Reverse (SAR) indicator confirms this bullish outlook. As of this writing, the indicator’s dots, which identify an asset’s trend direction and potential reversal points, rest below RENDER’s price. 

When the Parabolic SAR dots are positioned under an asset’s price, it suggests that the asset is enjoying upward pressure and the trend is bullish. Traders interpret this as a signal to go long and exit short positions.

If this trend persists, RENDER’s price will likely test resistance at $7.39. A successful breakout could propel the token towards $8.62.

RENDER AI Price Analysis
RENDER Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, if profit-taking activity resurges, this bullish outlook may be invalidated. The token’s price may fall to $5.87.

NEAR is another AI token that has performed impressively over the past week. It exchanges hands at $5.52 and has logged a 31% rally in the week under review. 

Its Elder-Ray Index confirms that the bulls remain in market control and are attempting to push NEAR’s price higher.  At press time, the indicator’s value stands at 1.07. 

The Elder-Ray Index measures the strength of buyers (bulls) and sellers (bears) in the market. When its value is positive, it generally means that buyers are stronger than sellers, indicating a bullish market sentiment. 

If buying pressure strengthens, NEAR’s price will break above resistance at $6.04 and attempt to trade at $6.74, a high last reached in June. 

NEAR AI Price Analysis.
NEAR Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, shifting market sentiment from positive to negative will invalidate this bullish thesis. If selling activity gains momentum, NEAR’s price may drop below $5 to trade at $4.47.

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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PEPE Experiences Pullback, But Bulls Remain Hopeful

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Pepe’s Coinbase listing pushed its price to an all-time high of $0.000025 yesterday, November 14. However, due to the broader market correction, it has witnessed an 8% pullback over the past 24 hours.

Despite the dip, bullish sentiment around the meme coin remains strong. This suggests a potential revival of its uptrend and an attempt to reclaim its all-time high.

PEPE Traders Anticipate Further Gains

Yesterday, PEPE recorded a 75% intraday rally after leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase confirmed its listing on its spot market using a frog emoji. BeInCrypto reported that this coincided with Robinhood’s decision to list the meme coin, which drove it to an all-time high of $0.000025 during yesterday’s trading session. 

Although it has since slipped by 17% to trade at $0.000021 at press time, the meme coin continues to enjoy a significant bullish bias.

The positive reading from its Elder-Ray Index is one confirmation of this. As of this writing, it stands at 0.000011. For context, yesterday, it rose to 0.000018, its highest level ever.

PEPE Elder-Ray Index
PEPE Elder-Ray Index. Source: TradingView

The Elder-Ray Index assesses the strength of bullish and bearish pressures in the market. When its value is positive, it means that bull power is dominant. It indicates strong buying pressure in the market and offers a good opportunity for traders looking to take a long position.

Notably, PEPE’s funding rate confirms the preference for long positions among its futures traders. Per Santiment, the meme coin’s funding rate, which is the periodic fee paid to keep an asset’s contract price aligned with its spot price, is 0.013% at press time. 

PEPE Funding Rate
PEPE Funding Rate. Source: Santiment

When the funding rate is positive, long-position holders pay short-position holders to maintain their trades. This indicates that there are more buyers than sellers in the market, suggesting bullish sentiment, as it reflects higher demand for the asset and a willingness to pay to keep long positions open.

PEPE Price Prediction: It All Lies With the General Market

PEPE is currently trading at $0.000021. If broader market sentiment improves, the meme coin could break through the newly formed resistance at $0.000022. A successful breach would pave the way for the PEPE meme coin’s price to reclaim its all-time high of $0.000025 and potentially rally beyond it in the short term.

PEPE Price Analysis.
PEPE Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, a sustained decline in demand would push PEPE’s price lower, invalidating the bullish outlook. In this case, the meme coin could drop by 17% to $0.000018. If selling pressure intensifies at this level, the PEPE meme coin’s price may slide further to $0.000015.

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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