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“Bitcoin Bonnie & Clyde” to plead guilty

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Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, known as the “Bitcoin Bonnie & Clyde,” are reportedly preparing to plead guilty for their involvement in an alleged cryptocurrency laundering scheme worth $4.5 billion.

The couple was charged with money laundering and conspiracy to defraud in the United States in February 2022, related to the laundering of 119,754 bitcoins stolen from Hong Kong’s Bitfinex in 2016.

In a recent court filing, it was revealed that Lichtenstein and Morgan have been newly charged with a document called an “information,” which outlines criminal charges similar to an indictment but does not require a grand jury’s vote. This suggests that they may have agreed to plead guilty, and federal prosecutors commonly use such documents in such cases.

“Bitcoin Bonnie & Clyde” gets Hollywood attention – Read more

The alleged cryptocurrency laundering scheme was a complex operation, and the couple is accused of attempting to move a vast sum of money through digital assets while concealing its origin.

The value of the stolen bitcoins significantly increased over time, with 119,754 bitcoins now worth nearly $3.6 billion.

Lichtenstein, a Russian emigre, has been in a Washington, D.C., jail since his arrest, while Morgan, a rapper known as “Razzlekhan,” is out on a $3 million bond.

If found guilty, the couple could face up to 25 years in prison, but the potential impact of a plea deal on their sentence remains uncertain.

Morgan has been on 24-hour house arrest in a Wall Street high-rise and sought remote work opportunities, specifically in B2B growth, marketing, sales, copywriting, and demand generation.

She has been granted permission to work from her employer’s New York office three days a week, with monitoring software installed on her computer and smartphone.

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Money

Amazon launches ‘Haul’ for low-cost goods

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Amazon has introduced ‘Haul,’ a new budget outlet with prices capped at $20 to take on low-cost rivals Shein and Temu.

The online giant says Haul will feature “crazy low prices” with delivery times of up to two weeks.

The launch marks Amazon’s foray into selling cheaper goods, similar to the fast-growing model of its Chinese competitors.

Retail analysts caution that this new venture may face environmental concerns similar to Temu’s and Shein’s.

With most items priced under $10, Amazon is banking on a surge in demand for affordable finds.

Haul offers free delivery on orders over $25, positioning itself as the new low-cost option in the crowded market.

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Traders bet on Bitcoin hitting $100k by end of year

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Surge in Bitcoin prices follows pro-crypto political victories, with traders betting on a $100,000 milestone by year-end.

Bitcoin’s value surged past $90,000 on Wednesday, marking a record high amid investor excitement surrounding a possible cryptocurrency renaissance as Donald Trump steps into his second term as U.S. president.

The election of Trump, who has openly endorsed crypto, has sparked a 30% rise in bitcoin’s price since Election Day, boosted by the success of dozens of congressional candidates supported by crypto-friendly political action committees.

Hitting $100,000

According to Jake Ostrovskis, an OTC trader at crypto market maker Wintermute, traders are betting that Bitcoin could hit $100,000 before the end of the year, with $850 million in options contracts speculating on this milestone by December 27.

The crypto industry, which contributed around $170 million to support candidates viewed as allies, is optimistic about a wave of deregulation and favorable policies.

Trump has promised to establish a national bitcoin reserve and aims to replace SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who has led a strict regulatory approach to crypto.

With aggregate open interest on Bitcoin derivatives soaring to $61 billion, investors are increasingly bullish, betting on bitcoin’s growth via options and perpetual futures contracts.

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Consumer prices rise as Fed weighs December rate cut

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Consumer prices ticked up in October, marking a slight rise after September’s 3½-year low, showing an uneven path for inflation.

Despite the bump, the increase likely won’t deter the Federal Reserve from a possible December interest-rate cut.

The Labor Department reported consumer prices were up 2.6% from a year ago, with core inflation, excluding food and energy, up 3.3%.

Steady consumer spending and hiring may fuel debate on slowing rate cuts early next year.

Investors welcomed the report, betting on a quarter-point rate cut in December.

This response reflects confidence that President-Elect Trump and the Fed will avoid early policy clashes, despite Trump’s pro-lower-rate stance.

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