Crypto scammers have increasingly turned to Telegram malware scams, with reports revealing a staggering 2,000% rise in such incidents since November. Unlike traditional phishing scams, these schemes involve fake verification bots within bogus trading, airdrop, and alpha groups, tricking users into downloading malware. Once installed, the malware allows attackers to steal passwords, crypto wallet keys, and browser data.
Security experts have noted this shift as scammers adapt to user awareness of phishing links. Malware tactics, such as fake Cloudflare verification pages and copied text injection, now dominate the landscape. Security firm Scam Sniffer highlighted that these scams target legitimate communities and rely on sophisticated social engineering to lure victims.
The consequences are severe yet difficult to measure, with $2.3 billion stolen in 2024 across 165 incidents, according to Cyvers. Whilst losses in December were lower than usual, scammers continue to evolve their methods, making these attacks increasingly challenging to counter.
Cannes is set to embrace cryptocurrency payments as part of its preparations for the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in 2025. Mayor David Lisnard has announced training sessions for local merchants to adopt crypto payment systems, starting on 4 February at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The initiative will cover crypto integration’s technical, legal, accounting, and tax aspects, aligning with the city’s broader Web3 strategy.
To welcome EthCC attendees and tourists, Cannes will develop a “crypto-friendly” merchant map showcasing businesses that accept digital payments. EthCC, Europe’s largest Ethereum event, will take place from 30 June to 3 July 2025 and is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees. This provides local businesses a unique opportunity to connect with a global audience and enhance Cannes’ reputation as a premier destination for major events.
Whilst focused on boosting local commerce, Lisnard’s pro-crypto stance has stirred speculation about potential ambitions for the 2027 French presidential race. The move underscores Cannes’ commitment to blockchain and digital finance innovation, setting an example for other cities worldwide.
Dubai is set to add a 17-storey Crypto Tower to its skyline by 2027, with developers DMCC and REIT Development announcing that the building will be a hub for blockchain and crypto startups. The tower will feature office floors for crypto companies, incubators for blockchain projects, an AI innovation floor, a crypto club, and an NFT art gallery, all powered by blockchain technology. DMCC’s Ahmed Bin Sulayem emphasised that the Crypto Tower will showcase Web3’s future, ensuring transparency and ownership through blockchain.
The development follows the success of DMCC’s crypto centre in Uptown Tower, supporting the growing blockchain ecosystem in the region. Meanwhile, in Asia, a Bitcoin hotel is set to open in Tokyo in Q3 2025. Operated by Metaplanet, the hotel aims to become a hub for Bitcoin adoption, education, and community, featuring a Bitcoin gallery, art museum, and workspaces.
Global interest in crypto-linked buildings continues to rise, with other projects such as a Bitcoin hotel chain by IKAR Holdings and the ambitious Satoshi Island, designed as a blockchain-based city, in the works. However, progress on some high-profile projects, like Akon City in Senegal, has slowed.
Arweave, a decentralised data storage company, has sent its ‘Genesis Block’ to the moon in collaboration with Iridia and LifeShup. The mission, announced on 15 January, involved launching encrypted data and cryptocurrencies aboard a space capsule using Iridia’s synthetic DNA-based storage technology and LifeShup’s lunar landing craft. The groundbreaking venture highlights the potential of permissionless networks like Arweave in pioneering new storage innovations.
Founded in 2017, Arweave aims to provide affordable permanent storage for global knowledge and history. The moon mission, which also included Artificial Super Intelligence Alliance tokens, is a step toward safeguarding digital assets and knowledge for future generations. The stable environment of the moon and advancements in nanotechnology will help preserve this data for millennia, according to the companies involved.
Sam Williams, Arweave’s CEO, expressed excitement about the collaboration, which underscores the growing capabilities of decentralised storage networks, while Iridia’s VP, Buck Watia, highlighted the mission’s significance in preserving information beyond time and space.
Indonesia is making waves in the global Web3 revolution with its rapid adoption of cryptocurrency and a young, tech-savvy population. Ranked third in the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, Indonesia recorded 157 billion dollars in crypto inflows between 2023 and 2024. With nearly 200% year-on-year market growth, the country’s decentralised exchange transactions surpass global averages, reflecting the population’s enthusiasm for digital assets.
The Indonesian government’s support has been a key driver of this growth. Cryptocurrencies were recently reclassified as digital financial assets, a move expected to enhance transparency and investor protection under the Financial Services Authority’s oversight. Meanwhile, crypto is reshaping sectors like e-commerce and remittances, saving Indonesians millions yearly and boosting financial accessibility.
Despite its impressive rise, challenges remain. With less than 8% of the population actively using crypto, significant room exists for growth. Addressing cultural and ethical considerations, including Shariah-compliant financial tools and education initiatives, could unlock this potential. By embracing tailored solutions and fostering partnerships between blockchain and traditional finance, Indonesia is poised to cement its leadership in the Web3 economy.
Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction market, has come under fire for alleged violations of Singapore’s strict gambling laws. Authorities blocked access to the platform, deeming it an unlicensed gambling site. Those who attempt to bypass restrictions risk hefty fines and jail time under the Gambling Control Act 2022.
Further criticism erupted as Polymarket allowed users to bet on tragic events like the devastating Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles. The platform’s wildfire-related betting markets have been widely condemned as unethical, with accusations of profiting from human suffering. Polymarket’s attempts to defend its actions have done little to appease public outrage.
Meanwhile, Polymarket faces intense scrutiny in the US. The FBI recently raided CEO Shayne Coplan’s residence, seizing electronic devices, while the CFTC subpoenaed Coinbase for information on the platform’s activities. Despite its rapid growth during the US elections, with record-breaking trading volumes, Polymarket now grapples with plummeting activity and mounting regulatory challenges.
Brazilian neobank Nubank has introduced a fixed 4% annual return for users holding the USDC stablecoin in their crypto wallets. The largest digital bank in Latin America, which serves over 85 million customers across Brazil and 6 million in Mexico and Colombia, launched the feature after testing it with a select group of users.
To qualify for the return, customers need to hold a minimum of 10 USDC in their wallets, with returns credited daily. The feature can be activated or deactivated at any time through the Nubank app, and users can access their funds instantly. The neobank chose USDC for its growing popularity, with the stablecoin making up 30% of crypto users’ portfolios and more than half of new Nubank Crypto users selecting it as their first digital asset.
Nubank continues to expand its crypto offerings, including a recent addition of a crypto swap tool for trading popular digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Uniswap for USDC. However, not all of the bank’s crypto initiatives have gone smoothly, as seen with the abrupt halt of its Nucoin token trading in September 2024 to protect users from market volatility.
The Bank of England (BoE) has announced plans to launch a new initiative called the “Digital Pound Lab” in 2025, aimed at testing the potential for a central bank digital currency (CBDC), commonly known as a digital pound. This sandbox project will focus on developing blockchain-powered payment systems and exploring use cases and business models for a digital currency. The BoE aims to collaborate with both local and international financial players to address challenges in the current payment ecosystem.
Despite the initiative, no final decision has been made regarding the introduction of a digital pound. The BoE’s report clarified that the central bank and HM Treasury will first work on developing a detailed policy and technology framework, based on feedback gathered during the design phase. The process could take several years before any conclusions are drawn.
The BoE has closed its previous Technology Forum to make way for the Digital Pound Lab, which will take a more active, hands-on approach to consulting with industry participants. However, even if the lab progresses, the digital pound would still require approval from the UK Parliament, followed by public consultation and legislation before any official rollout.
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering approving exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest directly in Bitcoin, aiming to expand its growing cryptocurrency market. This decision, reported on 15 January, reflects Thailand’s efforts to keep pace with nations like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US, which are advancing in cryptocurrency regulation and innovation.
The move comes as the country experiences a surge in crypto trading activity. As of November 2024, active trading accounts more than doubled to 270,000 compared to the previous month. Acknowledging the sector’s importance, SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon stated that the goal is to provide investors with diverse crypto options under proper regulatory protections.
Thailand is also exploring broader crypto adoption initiatives. Alongside potential Bitcoin ETFs, the SEC is evaluating the issuance of stablecoins backed by corporate bonds to improve access to debt markets. Meanwhile, the government continues to tackle illegal operations, such as the recent closure of an unauthorised Bitcoin mining farm in Chonburi.
In addition, a pilot project proposed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra aims to introduce Bitcoin payments in Phuket, particularly for tourists. With such developments, Thailand hopes to position itself as a leading hub in the Asia-Pacific region for crypto innovation.
Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest bank, has made headlines by purchasing 11 Bitcoins for €1 million, marking a significant step in the nation’s financial history. The investment makes it the first Italian bank to directly acquire cryptocurrency, setting a potential precedent for others in the country’s financial sector.
Confirmation of the purchase came after an internal email from the bank was leaked online, reportedly signed by Niccolò Bardoscia, head of its Trading and Investment division for Digital Assets. However, the bank has refrained from commenting on its motivations or whether this move signals a broader strategy involving digital assets.
This investment aligns with the bank’s ongoing exploration of blockchain technologies. Intesa Sanpaolo previously underwrote a €25 million blockchain bond in July 2024 and introduced cryptocurrency spot trading last November. As global institutions increasingly embrace Bitcoin, this move solidifies the bank’s role as a leader in digital asset adoption within Europe.
