Web3🌑Friday Headlines: U.S. Charges 3 in Evolved Apes Scam, Robinhood Acquires Bitstamp, Base Surpasses OP Mainnet, Hamster Kombat Hits 100M Players

Welcome to the latest edition of our Web3 roundup! Today, we're delving into the dynamic world of decentralized finance and blockchain innovations. From legal actions against NFT scams to major acquisitions in the crypto exchange realm, the landscape is ever-evolving. Join us as we unpack the headlines shaping the future of digital finance and explore the implications for investors, developers, and enthusiasts alike. Let's dive in!

1. U.S. Charges Trio in Evolved Apes NFT Scam

Evolved Apes, a $3 million NFT rug pull, lured investors with the promise of developing a video game. The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has charged three individuals—Mohamed-Amin Atcha, Mohamed Rilaz Waleedh, and Daood Hassan—with wire fraud and money laundering. Evolved Apes was a collection of 10,000 unique NFTs, but the game never materialized as the anonymous developer "Evil Ape" vanished a week after launch, siphoning off 798 ether. This scam is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks in the crypto space, where over $14.5 billion has been lost to rug pulls since 2011.

U.S. Charges Three in Connection With Evolved Apes NFT Scam

Evolved apes was a $3 million NFT rug pull that lured investors in with the promise of developing a video game.

CoinDeskSam Reynolds

2. Robinhood's $200M Bitstamp Acquisition for Global Crypto Expansion

Robinhood has acquired Bitstamp for $200 million, aiming to expand its global crypto market presence. This acquisition adds 4-5 million new users and over 85 cryptocurrencies to Robinhood’s offerings. Bitstamp, known for its robust regulatory framework, provides Robinhood with extensive licenses across Europe and beyond. This move marks a significant milestone in Robinhood’s strategy to become a dominant player in cryptocurrency trading. Despite the challenges of integrating operations and navigating regulatory hurdles, the acquisition signifies Robinhood’s commitment to growth and innovation in the financial sector.

Robinhood Acquires Bitstamp for $200M in Ambitious Global Crypto Expansion: Guest Post by WalletInvestor | CoinMarketCap

Robinhood has made headlines with its $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp. This deal marks a significant milestone for the company, which is aiming to expand its footprint in the global crypto market. Bitstamp, a veteran in the crypto exchange arena, brings with it a wealth of e…

CoinMarketCap

3. Base Surpasses OP Mainnet in TVL, Emerging as the Leading Layer

Base, a Layer 2 Ethereum network incubated at Coinbase, surged to top three chains by deposits, totaling $1.7 billion in locked value. Since August 2023, Base's mainnet gained momentum, surpassing OP Mainnet. Key contributors are decentralized exchange Aerodrome with $714 million deposits and Uniswap with $312 million. These optimistic rollups execute transactions off-chain, reducing Ethereum's load, while handling more throughput. Fraud detection ensures transaction validity, distinguishing it from zero-knowledge rollups. Base's rise signifies Ethereum's scaling potential, bolstering its ecosystem's growth.

Base overtakes OP Mainnet in TVL, becoming largest Layer 2 network in OP Stack-based ‘Superchain’

Base, a Layer 2 network incubated at Coinbase, has grown its total value locked to $1.7 billion, marking a 20% increase since May’s start.

The Block[email protected]

4. 'Hamster Kombat' Hits 100M Players - Token Launch Update!

Hamster Kombat, a Telegram game, surges with 100M players ahead of its token launch on TON. The game, resembling Notcoin, garners significant traction for its simple tapping gameplay. With the impending token drop, players anticipate rewards akin to Notcoin's success. Social media attention and a massive Telegram channel signal potential for the game's token. While the launch target is set for July, delays are possible due to compliance and negotiations. Nonetheless, Hamster Kombat's popularity and the rising value of TON suggest promising prospects for both players and investors.

‘Hamster Kombat’ Telegram Game Hits 100 Million Players—Here’s When the Token Is Coming - Decrypt

Telegram’s fast-rising crypto game Hamster Kombat is gearing up to launch a token on The Open Network in the near future. Here’s when.

DecryptAndrew Hayward

As we move forward, staying informed and vigilant will be key in navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. We'll continue to monitor these developments closely and provide you with the latest insights. Until next time, stay tuned to our blog for more updates on the exciting world of Web3. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

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