Crypto
Feds: CT man’s alleged cryptocurrency business exchanged more than $1M. From a storefront.
A Connecticut man has been indicted by federal grand jury on a charge of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, according to federal authorities.
William McNeilly, 55, of New Haven, is charged with one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, which carries a maximum term five years in prison if convicted, and with three counts of making illegal money transactions, which carries a maximum term 10 years in prison on each count, if convicted.
The indictment by a New Haven grand jury was returned on June 5, 2024, and McNeilly was arrested on June 6. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, pleaded not guilty, and is free on a $50,000 bond, according to federal authorities.
Authorities said the indictment alleges that McNeilly owned and operated Global Income Marketplace LLC from a storefront in West Haven and that, according to its Connecticut state registration, GIM was engaged in “website builders programming tech computer repairs and upgrades.”
McNeilly and another individual also operated Global NuMedia LLC, a limited liability company registered in Delaware, authorities said.
Authorities said McNeilly allegedly never obtained a license from the state Department of Banking “to engage in the business of money transmission,” but he allegedly “opened up several bank accounts in the names of GIM and GNM, and a cryptocurrency exchange account in the name of GNM, and used the accounts to operate a business through which he exchanged customers’ cash, checks, and money orders for cryptocurrency, charging a fee for the service.”
From about July 2019 to June 2022, McNeilly allegedly exchanged more than $1 million in U.S. currency for cryptocurrency on behalf of customers throughout the U.S., authorities said. “McNeilly knew that some of the funds involved in his illegal business were derived from fraud schemes, and the investigation revealed that cashiers checks from victims of romance fraud schemes were mailed to GIM and deposited into GIM accounts,” authorities said in a statement.
Authorities also alleged that, in February 2021, “McNeilly was contacted by TD Bank and told that a $10,000 wire transfer to GNM was reported as fraudulent, and that he needed a license to operate a money transmission business,” but “despite the warning, and that TD Bank closed the GIM and GNM accounts, McNeilly continued to operate his money transmission business through other GIM and GNM bank accounts.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Crypto
DeFi Future of Token Burn Mechanisms in Cryptocurrency Supply Control | Bitcoinist.com
Token burn mechanisms are becoming a crucial strategy in the cryptocurrency space for controlling supply, enhancing scarcity, and driving value over time. Projects like the Lightchain AI Presale are leading the way, introducing innovative tokenomics to foster sustainable growth and value creation.
By permanently removing tokens from circulation, burn mechanisms help regulate supply to match demand, benefiting token holders and supporting ecosystem sustainability. This approach has been embraced by major cryptocurrencies like Binance Coin (BNB) and newer initiatives aiming to refine the model with features such as automated burns and community-driven frameworks.
As more projects adopt these mechanisms, token burns are set to play a significant role in building transparent, efficient, and value-driven cryptocurrency ecosystems. The future of token burns holds exciting potential for ensuring long-term growth and sustainability in the crypto world.
Overview of Token Burn Mechanisms
Token burn mechanisms are designed to reduce the circulating supply of a cryptocurrency by permanently removing tokens from circulation. This is typically achieved by sending tokens to an unspendable address, also known as a burn address.
There are various ways in which token burns can be implemented, and each project may have its own unique approach. Some common methods include manual burns, where the project team decides on a set amount of tokens to be burnt periodically, and automated burns, where a portion of transaction fees or network rewards are automatically burned.
Additionally, community-driven token burns have gained popularity as they involve active participation from token holders through voting or staking mechanisms. By involving the community, these projects can enhance decentralization and transparency while aligning the long-term interests of stakeholders.
Types of Token Burn Mechanisms
This method involves periodic token burns initiated by the project team and can be used to reward early investors, reduce inflation, or align with the project’s roadmap and growth strategy. However, this approach requires a high level of trust in the team’s decision-making process and may not always be perceived positively by the community.
With automated burns, a portion of transaction fees or network rewards are automatically sent to a burn address, reducing the circulating supply over time. This is often seen as a fairer approach as it eliminates human bias in determining when and how much to burn.
By involving token holders in the decision-making process through voting or staking mechanisms, community-driven burns can enhance decentralization and transparency. This approach also aligns with the interests of stakeholders and can foster a more engaged and active community.
Benefits of Token Burn Mechanisms
Token burn mechanisms offer significant benefits in cryptocurrency supply control by enhancing scarcity, stabilizing tokenomics, and boosting long-term value. By permanently removing tokens from circulation, burns reduce overall supply, creating deflationary pressure that can increase token value, benefiting investors and holders. This controlled scarcity aligns with economic principles similar to stock buybacks, fostering confidence and attracting demand.
Token burns also stabilize ecosystems by addressing inflation and oversupply concerns, particularly in projects with high token issuance rates. Additionally, burn mechanisms tied to transaction fees or usage, like Ethereum’s EIP-1559, incentivize network activity and promote sustainability.
Community-driven burns foster decentralization and governance participation, strengthening trust. Projects like Lightchain AI (LCAI) leverage innovative burn strategies to optimize tokenomics while integrating with presale dynamics, highlighting their utility as a transparent, strategic tool for long-term ecosystem health and growth.
Obstacles to the Adoption of Burn Mechanisms
While token burn mechanisms have clear benefits, their adoption is not without challenges. One of the main obstacles is developing a fair and transparent process for implementing burns that align with stakeholders’ interests. Additionally, determining the right amount to burn can be a delicate balance as too much can harm ecosystem growth, and too little may not have a significant impact on supply control.
Another challenge relates to regulatory concerns surrounding token burns, particularly in jurisdictions where cryptocurrencies are still in a grey area or strictly regulated. Projects must navigate these complexities while ensuring compliance and transparency to avoid potential legal issues.
Emerging Alternatives to Traditional Burn Models
As the cryptocurrency space continues to evolve, innovative alternatives to traditional burn models are emerging. For example, proof-of-burn protocols like Counterparty use token burning as a way to validate transactions and secure networks, creating more utility for burned tokens.
Projects are also experimenting with creative ways to integrate burns with other features such as staking, liquidity mining, and gamification. These initiatives aim to incentivize participation while promoting sustainability and value creation in the long run.
Future Implications and Innovations
Token burn mechanisms are an essential tool for managing cryptocurrency supply and promoting sustainability. As the industry continues to mature, we can expect to see more projects adopting these mechanisms in innovative ways to optimize their ecosystems’ health and growth.
Innovations such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and smart contracts will offer new opportunities for community-driven burns, enhancing decentralization and transparency even further. With the potential for cross-chain compatibility and interoperability, token burn mechanisms may also have a more significant impact on the broader crypto ecosystem beyond individual projects.
The Role of Lightchain AI (LCAI) in Burn Innovations
Lightchain AI (LCAI) is pioneering token burn innovations to enhance cryptocurrency supply control. Its deflationary model burns a portion of transaction fees and AI task payments, reducing token supply over time and increasing scarcity.
This strategy aims to boost token value and incentivize network participation. Additionally, LCAI’s Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism rewards nodes for performing AI computations, promoting meaningful contributions to AI development while maintaining network security.
These combined approaches position LCAI as a leader in integrating AI with blockchain technology, offering a sustainable and efficient ecosystem for decentralized applications. As of December 2024, LCAI has raised over $2.2 million in its ongoing presale, reflecting growing investor confidence in its innovative model.
How Lightchain AI (LCAI) is Addressing Challenges and Innovating in Token Burning
Lightchain AI (LCAI) has addressed challenges in implementing fair and transparent token burns by involving community members through staking mechanisms. Token holders can stake their LCAI tokens, locking them up for a set period, and participating in voting on burn proposals.
Additionally, LCAI’s deflationary model includes a built-in mechanism to adjust the burn rate based on market conditions, creating a more dynamic approach to supply control. This flexible approach aims to ensure that the project’s growth and ecosystem health are always top priorities.
Through its innovative Proof of Intelligence consensus mechanism and integration with AI development, LCAI is pushing the boundaries of traditional token burn models. By promoting network activity while maintaining scarcity, LCAI is creating a sustainable ecosystem for the future.
To Recap
Token burn mechanisms offer significant benefits for cryptocurrency ecosystems, including enhancing scarcity, stabilizing tokenomics, and boosting long-term value. Despite challenges in adoption and potential regulatory concerns, projects like Lightchain AI (LCAI) are pioneering innovative burn strategies to optimize ecosystem health and growth.
With continued advancements and integration with emerging technologies, token burns will continue to play a vital role in the evolution of the crypto space. So let’s keep an eye on how this technology develops and the impact it will have on the future of cryptocurrencies.
https://lightchain.ai
https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf
https://x.com/LightchainAI
https://t.me/LightchainProtocol
Disclaimer: This is a paid release. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily represent those of Bitcoinist. Bitcoinist does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information available in such content. Do your research and invest at your own risk.
Crypto
Bitcoin soars to $107,000: Will the upward trend sustain? Experts weigh in | Stock Market News
Bitcoin surged to a record-breaking high of $107,000, reflecting a nearly 6 per cent increase over the past week. This unprecedented rally was fueled by President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, modeled after the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The announcement has sparked optimism within the cryptocurrency market, signalling a potential shift toward a more favourable regulatory environment under Trump’s administration.
Trump’s pro-crypto stance has been widely welcomed, with his vision of integrating Bitcoin into the national strategic reserves marking a historic milestone in the recognition of digital assets at a government level. Analysts suggest this policy could enhance Bitcoin’s legitimacy.
Adding to the momentum are expectations of another U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut, as lower rates typically favour risk assets like Bitcoin. The rally also received a boost from the inclusion of MicroStrategy in the Nasdaq 100 index—a landmark event highlighting the growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin.
As per CoinSwitch Markets Desk, this move integrates Bitcoin into one of the world’s largest ETFs, boasting over $300 billion in assets under management (AUM).
“BTC touched an all-time high again after 10 days of consolidation. It seems to have marked its support over 2 trillion dollar market cap – making it the 7th largest asset in the world by market cap with Amazon and Google being less than 15% away,” it said.
Bitcoin among 10 most-valued assets
Bitcoin’s leap beyond the $107,000 mark follows a steady seven-week winning streak, underscoring the cryptocurrency’s robust fundamentals.
Rahul Pagidipati, CEO of ZebPay, noted that Bitcoin’s milestone reflects its evolution into a legitimate asset class. “Bitcoin is now effectively one of the top 10 most valued assets globally, ranking above most commodities and corporations,” Pagidipati said. He also highlighted that the total crypto market capitalisation has crossed $3.5 trillion, underscoring the scale of adoption.
Similarly, Tanvi Kanchan, Head of Strategy at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, highlighting the broader implications of these developments said, “The proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and increasing corporate treasury integration signify a shift toward mainstream adoption.”
Global Crypto Outlook
As the crypto market matures, innovations in decentralised finance (DeFi), blockchain interoperability, and tokenised assets are expected to redefine financial systems.
Sathvik Vishwanath, Co-Founder & CEO of Unocoin, described Bitcoin’s surge as transformative, saying, the market focus now shifts to the $110,000 level as momentum remains strong despite earlier bearish predictions.
“The proposed reserve cemented Bitcoin’s status as a critical financial asset and fueled renewed confidence in its potential. Bitcoin is now up more than 50 per cent since the US election, reflecting its growing influence and appeal as a hedge against traditional market uncertainty,” Vishwanath said.
Thangapandi Durai, CEO of Koinpark, said Bitcoin’s sustained momentum alongside broader adoption and innovative use cases, signals a promising future for the crypto token. While analysts predict potential short-term pullbacks, Bitcoin’s seven-week winning streak exemplifies its strong market fundamentals, he added.
Pankaj Balani, CEO & Co-Founder of Delta Exchange, said Bitcoin ETFs now hold 1% of all U.S. ETF assets, signalling further potential for growth.
“This followed by pro-crypto statements from President-elect Donald Trump, the selection of an SEC chair who is believed to be pro-crypto and increased institutional participation in the last few months have boosted the sentiment and excitement amongst traders. Market participants remain long with current OI hovering around record OI levels and expect further move up here,” he added.
Vishal Sacheendran, Head of Regional Markets at Binance also believes the outlook for crypto appears increasingly promising. However, he cautioned that as crypto momentum builds, investors must remain vigilant—prioritising research, diversifying portfolios and staying informed about industry trends to navigate this transformative era successfully.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
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Crypto
Virginia man convicted for sending cryptocurrency to ISIS members
A Virginian man was convicted for attempting to financially support ISIS, the US Department of Justice reported on Monday.
Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, from Springfield, Virginia, was convicted last week for collecting and sending money to female ISIS members in Syria in an attempt to finance their escape prison camps as well as supporting ISIS fighters.
Chhipa used social media accounts to raise funds, converting them to cryptocurrency before transferring the money to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.
He was assisted by a British-born ISIS member living in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters, the US Department of State reported.
Hundreds of thousands in crypto
The US Department of Justice stated that, in total, Chhipa had sent out over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.
The jury found Chhipa guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Chhipa faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 5, 2025.
The FBI is currently investigating the case.
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