DeFi TVL breaks above $116B as lending roars back

A Belgian court just handed down 12-year prison sentences to three people involved in the kidnapping of a cryptocurrency coach’s wife. This case is part of a worrying trend—crypto-related abductions are on the rise, especially in France, where criminals target individuals tied to the digital currency world.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another kidnapping case—it’s a sign that as cryptocurrencies gain value, they’re also attracting dangerous attention. Criminals are going after people connected to crypto, thinking they’ll score big ransoms. The stiff sentences here send a message, but the bigger question is whether it’ll be enough to deter others. If you’re deep in crypto, this is a reminder to stay cautious.

A crypto analyst known as Cantonese Cat is reviving the hype around Dogecoin's long-shot $1 target, sharing a chart that suggests the meme cryptocurrency could skyrocket by late 2025. Using a technical method called Ichimoku analysis, the projection hinges on Dogecoin holding its current trends—but let’s be real, this is DOGE we’re talking about, so buckle up for a wild "what if" scenario.

Editor’s Note: Dogecoin’s journey from joke to (occasional) market mover keeps getting weirder. While $1 seems far-fetched, these kinds of bold predictions can stir up trader excitement—and volatility. Whether you’re a true believer or just watching the circus, it’s a reminder that crypto’s speculative side never sleeps.

Bitcoin has a history of dropping in price around July 4th—four times, to be exact. While the cryptocurrency has generally trended upward over the years, these Independence Day dips happened during bigger market slumps or industry turmoil. The latest was in 2022, when Bitcoin plunged to $19,750 from nearly $35,000 the year before.

Editor’s Note: For crypto traders, timing matters—and historical patterns like this one can hint at when markets might wobble. While Bitcoin’s long-term growth is the bigger story, these seasonal dips remind us that even the most bullish assets aren’t immune to volatility. If you’re holding or trading, it’s worth keeping an eye on these trends.

Russia's state-owned defense giant Rostec is making a big move into crypto—sort of. They’re planning to use a ruble-backed stablecoin for "secure transactions," likely to sidestep international sanctions and keep money flowing in and out without relying on traditional banking systems. It’s a sign that even heavily regulated industries are exploring blockchain workarounds, though details on how this will actually work are still fuzzy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tech—it’s about survival. With Russia locked out of much of the global financial system, stablecoins could offer a lifeline for critical deals (think arms sales or raw material imports). But it’s also a gamble: if the Kremlin pushes this too hard, expect swift backlash from regulators worldwide. Either way, it shows crypto’s creeping into geopolitics, whether the West likes it or not.

A crypto analyst is sounding the alarm on XRP, warning investors to sell now before a potential 72% price crash to $0.60. Despite buzz around Ripple’s legal battles with the SEC and hopes for a Bitcoin-driven rally, this prediction throws cold water on the optimism, suggesting the token’s hot streak might not last.

Editor’s Note: XRP’s been riding high on hype—legal wins, Bitcoin’s momentum, and social media chatter—but this take is a stark reminder that crypto markets are volatile as hell. If the analyst’s call is right, it could shake confidence in XRP’s near-term potential. For traders, it’s a "brace for impact" moment.