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Websea Secures Strategic Investment from Middle Eastern Family Fund; Withdrawals to Resume Shortly, Ushering in a New Phase of Growth
According to an official announcement, the digital asset trading platform Websea has reached an investment agreement with a strategic investor and will officially resume withdrawals at 16:00 (UTC+8) on May 18, simultaneously releasing the specific withdrawal arrangements. The strategic investment is reported to come from a Middle Eastern family fund. The two parties conducted multiple rounds of in-depth discussions on core topics including the platform’s asset status, business structure optimization, recovery roadmap design, and long-term development planning, ultimately reaching a consensus on cooperation. Currently, the investor is proceeding with fund injection per the established process, while concurrently conducting legal due diligence, signing agreements, and finalizing equity arrangements.
Paxos Labs Raises $12 Million in Funding, Led by Blockchain Capital
According to Fortune, Paxos Labs—a stablecoin and blockchain infrastructure company—has announced a $12 million funding round led by Blockchain Capital, with participation from Robot Ventures, Maelstrom Family Office, and Uniswap Labs. Paxos Labs was spun out from Paxos and focuses on providing enterprises with stablecoin issuance and decentralized finance (DeFi) access solutions, enabling clients to create branded stablecoins via a single software suite and offering features such as interest-bearing crypto deposits and collateralized lending. Paxos Labs has already secured clients including Hyperbeat and Aleo and expects to reach breakeven by the end of this year. Previously, Paxos acquired cryptocurrency wallet company Fordefi for over $100 million to meet growing client demand for DeFi market solutions.
Senator Warren Demands SEC Investigation into Trump Family's Cryptocurrency Company
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the cryptocurrency company of President Donald Trump's family. (Jin10)
Websea Secures Strategic Investment from Middle Eastern Family Fund; Withdrawals to Resume Shortly, Ushering in a New Phase of Growth
According to an official announcement, the digital asset trading platform Websea has reached an investment agreement with a strategic investor and will officially resume withdrawals at 16:00 (UTC+8) on May 18, simultaneously releasing the specific withdrawal arrangements. The strategic investment is reported to come from a Middle Eastern family fund. The two parties conducted multiple rounds of in-depth discussions on core topics including the platform’s asset status, business structure optimization, recovery roadmap design, and long-term development planning, ultimately reaching a consensus on cooperation. Currently, the investor is proceeding with fund injection per the established process, while concurrently conducting legal due diligence, signing agreements, and finalizing equity arrangements.
Reuters: Iran’s Largest Crypto Exchange Nobitex Linked to the Family of Iran’s Supreme Leader
According to a Reuters investigation, Nobitex—the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Iran—was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who maintain close ties to Iran’s highest leadership. The investigation found that the exchange was established by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname “Aghamir” to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family—a family long embedded in Iran’s political inner circle, including historical links to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his successors. The report states that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users and dominates Iran’s cryptocurrency market. It continued operating during Iran’s conflicts with the United States and Israel—even amid nationwide internet blackouts—and processed transactions throughout. Analysts estimate its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, accompanied by substantial outflows of funds overseas. Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms have identified that the platform processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Data also shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency assets to Nobitex in 2025—widely believed to be an effort to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex has denied any government affiliation and stated that illicit transactions constitute only a small fraction of its overall business.
Iranian Crypto Exchange Nobitex Controlled by Founders' Family with Close Ties to High-Ranking Officials, Trading Remains Active During Wartime
Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who have close ties to Iran's supreme leadership. Investigations show the exchange was created by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname "Aghamir" to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family. This family has long-standing, deep ties to Iran's political core, including historical links to Ali Khamenei and his successors.The report indicates that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users, dominates the Iranian crypto market, and has continued operating throughout conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel, even processing transactions during nationwide internet blackouts. Analysts say its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, with significant funds flowing overseas.Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms point out that the platform has processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Other data shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets to Nobitex in 2025, allegedly to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex denies any connection to the government, stating that illegal transactions represent only a small fraction of its overall business. (Cointelegraph)
Descendant of the Cartier Jewelry Family Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for $470 Million Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Case
According to The Block, a U.S. court sentenced Maximilien de Hoop Cartier—a descendant of the Cartier jewelry family—to eight years in prison for operating an unlicensed over-the-counter cryptocurrency exchange. Prosecutors stated that the exchange transferred over $470 million in drug proceeds through U.S. bank accounts to Colombia. Prosecutors alleged that Maximilien de Hoop Cartier falsely claimed his companies engaged in software publishing and software development. In reality, these companies were used to receive and transfer drug money and other illicit proceeds: drug funds were received in cryptocurrency, converted into fiat currency, deposited into shell company accounts under his control, and then forwarded to other nodes within the money-laundering network. These funds were ultimately withdrawn in Colombian pesos in Colombia. In addition to imprisonment, Maximilien de Hoop Cartier was ordered to pay a fine of approximately $2.36 million—representing commissions he earned from participating in the fraud scheme. The court also ordered the forfeiture of specific bank accounts held in the names of shell companies used in the scheme.
Reuters: Iran’s Largest Crypto Exchange Nobitex Linked to the Family of Iran’s Supreme Leader
According to a Reuters investigation, Nobitex—the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Iran—was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who maintain close ties to Iran’s highest leadership. The investigation found that the exchange was established by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname “Aghamir” to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family—a family long embedded in Iran’s political inner circle, including historical links to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his successors. The report states that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users and dominates Iran’s cryptocurrency market. It continued operating during Iran’s conflicts with the United States and Israel—even amid nationwide internet blackouts—and processed transactions throughout. Analysts estimate its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, accompanied by substantial outflows of funds overseas. Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms have identified that the platform processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Data also shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency assets to Nobitex in 2025—widely believed to be an effort to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex has denied any government affiliation and stated that illicit transactions constitute only a small fraction of its overall business.
Iranian Crypto Exchange Nobitex Controlled by Founders' Family with Close Ties to High-Ranking Officials, Trading Remains Active During Wartime
Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who have close ties to Iran's supreme leadership. Investigations show the exchange was created by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname "Aghamir" to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family. This family has long-standing, deep ties to Iran's political core, including historical links to Ali Khamenei and his successors.The report indicates that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users, dominates the Iranian crypto market, and has continued operating throughout conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel, even processing transactions during nationwide internet blackouts. Analysts say its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, with significant funds flowing overseas.Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms point out that the platform has processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Other data shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets to Nobitex in 2025, allegedly to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex denies any connection to the government, stating that illegal transactions represent only a small fraction of its overall business. (Cointelegraph)
Family of American Gangster John Gotti Sentenced for Involvement in Cryptocurrency-Related Fraud
Odaily News: The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed that Carmine Agnello, the grandson of gangster John Gotti, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining approximately $1.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds and investing part of the money into cryptocurrency businesses.Prosecutors stated that between April 2020 and November 2021, Agnello obtained multiple relief loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through false applications, claiming they were for the operation of his auto parts and recycling business. In reality, he diverted the funds for personal use, with about $420,000 invested in cryptocurrency-related investments.The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York said this conduct occurred during the peak of the pandemic and constituted a serious misuse of government aid funds. Agnello is expected to begin serving his prison sentence on July 1.Furthermore, official data shows that fraud related to U.S. pandemic relief funds is severe. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that approximately $135 billion (about 15% of the total) flowed into fraudulent activities. (CoinDesk)
Trump Family’s American Bitcoin Adds 11,000 New Mining Rigs, Total Hashrate Reaches 28.1 EH/s
According to Decrypt, American Bitcoin, a mining company affiliated with the Trump family, has deployed 11,298 Bitcoin miners at its Drumheller facility in Alberta, Canada, adding 3.05 EH/s of hash rate and bringing its total in-house hash rate to 28.1 EH/s across 89,242 devices. Following the announcement, ABTC’s stock rose over 13% during Wednesday’s pre-market trading. American Bitcoin stated that this deployment completes its previously announced expansion plan and that the average energy efficiency of its current in-house miners is 16.0 J/TH.
Paxos Labs Raises $12 Million in Funding, Led by Blockchain Capital
According to Fortune, Paxos Labs—a stablecoin and blockchain infrastructure company—has announced a $12 million funding round led by Blockchain Capital, with participation from Robot Ventures, Maelstrom Family Office, and Uniswap Labs. Paxos Labs was spun out from Paxos and focuses on providing enterprises with stablecoin issuance and decentralized finance (DeFi) access solutions, enabling clients to create branded stablecoins via a single software suite and offering features such as interest-bearing crypto deposits and collateralized lending. Paxos Labs has already secured clients including Hyperbeat and Aleo and expects to reach breakeven by the end of this year. Previously, Paxos acquired cryptocurrency wallet company Fordefi for over $100 million to meet growing client demand for DeFi market solutions.
Related news
Senator Warren Demands SEC Investigation into Trump Family's Cryptocurrency Company
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the cryptocurrency company of President Donald Trump's family. (Jin10)
Websea Secures Strategic Investment from Middle Eastern Family Fund; Withdrawals to Resume Shortly, Ushering in a New Phase of Growth
According to an official announcement, the digital asset trading platform Websea has reached an investment agreement with a strategic investor and will officially resume withdrawals at 16:00 (UTC+8) on May 18, simultaneously releasing the specific withdrawal arrangements. The strategic investment is reported to come from a Middle Eastern family fund. The two parties conducted multiple rounds of in-depth discussions on core topics including the platform’s asset status, business structure optimization, recovery roadmap design, and long-term development planning, ultimately reaching a consensus on cooperation. Currently, the investor is proceeding with fund injection per the established process, while concurrently conducting legal due diligence, signing agreements, and finalizing equity arrangements.
Reuters: Iran’s Largest Crypto Exchange Nobitex Linked to the Family of Iran’s Supreme Leader
According to a Reuters investigation, Nobitex—the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Iran—was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who maintain close ties to Iran’s highest leadership. The investigation found that the exchange was established by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname “Aghamir” to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family—a family long embedded in Iran’s political inner circle, including historical links to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his successors. The report states that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users and dominates Iran’s cryptocurrency market. It continued operating during Iran’s conflicts with the United States and Israel—even amid nationwide internet blackouts—and processed transactions throughout. Analysts estimate its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, accompanied by substantial outflows of funds overseas. Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms have identified that the platform processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Data also shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency assets to Nobitex in 2025—widely believed to be an effort to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex has denied any government affiliation and stated that illicit transactions constitute only a small fraction of its overall business.
Iranian Crypto Exchange Nobitex Controlled by Founders' Family with Close Ties to High-Ranking Officials, Trading Remains Active During Wartime
Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who have close ties to Iran's supreme leadership. Investigations show the exchange was created by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname "Aghamir" to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family. This family has long-standing, deep ties to Iran's political core, including historical links to Ali Khamenei and his successors.The report indicates that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users, dominates the Iranian crypto market, and has continued operating throughout conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel, even processing transactions during nationwide internet blackouts. Analysts say its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, with significant funds flowing overseas.Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms point out that the platform has processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Other data shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets to Nobitex in 2025, allegedly to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex denies any connection to the government, stating that illegal transactions represent only a small fraction of its overall business. (Cointelegraph)
Descendant of the Cartier Jewelry Family Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for $470 Million Cryptocurrency Money Laundering Case
According to The Block, a U.S. court sentenced Maximilien de Hoop Cartier—a descendant of the Cartier jewelry family—to eight years in prison for operating an unlicensed over-the-counter cryptocurrency exchange. Prosecutors stated that the exchange transferred over $470 million in drug proceeds through U.S. bank accounts to Colombia. Prosecutors alleged that Maximilien de Hoop Cartier falsely claimed his companies engaged in software publishing and software development. In reality, these companies were used to receive and transfer drug money and other illicit proceeds: drug funds were received in cryptocurrency, converted into fiat currency, deposited into shell company accounts under his control, and then forwarded to other nodes within the money-laundering network. These funds were ultimately withdrawn in Colombian pesos in Colombia. In addition to imprisonment, Maximilien de Hoop Cartier was ordered to pay a fine of approximately $2.36 million—representing commissions he earned from participating in the fraud scheme. The court also ordered the forfeiture of specific bank accounts held in the names of shell companies used in the scheme.
19-Year-Old Female College Student from Guangdong Province Suspected of Being Trafficked to Myanmar Telecom Fraud Compound After Traveling to Thailand; Family Demanded $30,000 in USDT Ransom
According to China News Weekly, a 19-year-old female college student from Guangdong Province was recently invited to attend the Songkran water festival in Thailand. Upon arrival, she was reportedly detained and allegedly trafficked to a telecom fraud compound near the Thailand-Myanmar border in the Three Pagodas Pass area. Her family stated that the perpetrators claimed to have purchased her for 29,000 US dollars and subsequently demanded a ransom of $30,000—approximately RMB 200,000. After the family paid the ransom, the perpetrators delayed her release, citing reasons such as “the compound allows entry but no exit,” and demanded that media coverage of the case be retracted. The Baiyun Branch of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau launched an investigation into the case on April 15, and Guangdong provincial education authorities have also become involved.