France arrests over 12 suspects linked to crypto kidnappings: Report

French authorities have arrested more than 12 people who have been linked to two high-profile crypto kidnapping cases in Paris, France, local media reports. Those arrested include several minors, with charges against them including kidnapping, attempted kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, Le Parisien reported on May 26. French investigators are exploring the possibility that a criminal …

Humanoid AI-powered robots duke it out in China fight comp

Four artificial intelligence-enhanced robots have been put through their paces in a Chinese robot fighting competition, duking it out in kickboxing matches until one was declared the champion. The World Robot Competition Mecha Fighting Series had four human-controlled robots built by China-based firm Unitree compete in three, two-minute rounds with winners crowned through a points …

Former CFTC Chair Christopher Giancarlo joins crypto bank Sygnum

Christopher Giancarlo, former chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has joined Sygnum in an advisory role, where he will help the crypto bank navigate global regulations amid growing institutional interest in digital assets.  Giancarlo’s appointment as senior policy adviser places him alongside 11 other members of Sygnum’s Advisory Council, the company disclosed …

Bitcoin long-term holders ‘quietly capitalizing’ with drop to $109K

Bitcoin markets recently experienced two major liquidation events, causing a cascade of forced selling from over-leveraged traders, but analysts say a distinct pattern has emerged. “Overleveraged short-term traders were flushed out, long-term holders have been quietly capitalizing on the reset,” CryptoQuant analyst Amr Taha said on May 26.  They noted the first flush occurred when …

Migos Instagram account hacked in apparent blackmail bid on Solana co-founder

The Instagram account of former US rap trio Migos was hacked in an apparent attempt to blackmail Solana co-founder Raj Gokal. On May 27, Migos’ Instagram account posted at least seven images seen by Cointelegraph that have since been deleted. Two of the images appeared to depict Gokal holding up his passport and driver’s license, …

Saylor says onchain proof-of-reserves a ‘bad idea’ due to security risks

Michael Saylor, the executive chair of major Bitcoin-buying firm Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, says institutions posting onchain proof-of-reserves is a “bad idea” that could pose security risks. “The current, conventional way to publish proof of reserves is an insecure proof of reserves,” Saylor said when asked about institutions adopting the transparency measure at a May 26 …

Meta’s AI boss says current AI lacks ‘intelligent behavior’ — Report

Current artificial intelligence models lack the major traits of human intelligence, Meta’s AI chief has reportedly said, claiming that the firm’s latest model will solve this issue.  Business Insider reported on May 26 that at the AI Action Summit in Paris earlier this year, Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun said that “there are four …

France’s Blockchain Group to buy 590 Bitcoin after bond sale

The Paris-based crypto company Blockchain Group is adding more Bitcoin to its growing treasury through a 63.3 million euro ($72 million) bond sale. The company hopes to buy another 590 Bitcoin (BTC) with the funds, increasing its total holdings to 1,437 BTC, the Blockchain Group said on May 26. Bitcoin is trading at over $109,00, …

Another suspect to surrender in NYC crypto torture case: Reports

A second person suspected of being involved in a high-profile crypto kidnapping case in New York City is expected to turn himself in to police, according to several reports. The second man is a Swiss crypto investor who allegedly assisted business partner Joel Woeltz, who is accused of kidnapping Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan and torturing …

Bitlayer secures 31.5% of Bitcoin's hashrate to bring smart contracts to BTC

Bitlayer’s Bitcoin smart-contract system is being implemented by mining pools behind 31.5% of the network’s hashrate, a development that will help ensure that its system will operate on the Bitcoin blockchain, the company said. According to a May 27 announcement shared with Cointelegraph, Bitlayer’s BitVM implementation will be supported by major Bitcoin (BTC) mining pools …