The surge in social media chatter around the highly anticipated US Federal Reserve September interest rate decision could be a warning sign for crypto, says sentiment platform Santiment.
“Historically, such a massive spike in discussion around a single bullish narrative can indicate that euphoria is getting too high and may signal a local top,” Santiment said in a report on Saturday. The firm said that social media mentions of keywords tied to the Fed and interest rate cuts have jumped to their highest level in 11 months.
Santiment urges caution as analysts are divided
“While optimism about a rate cut is fueling the market, social data suggests caution is warranted,” Santiment said.
Santiment has detected an increase in mentions of the keywords: Fed, rate, cut, and Powell. Source: Santiment
Powell said during his speech on Friday that current conditions in inflation and the labor market “may warrant adjusting” the Fed’s monetary policy stance. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, 75% of market participants expect a rate cut at the September meeting.
Many crypto analysts have based their crypto market forecasts on the Fed’s decisions throughout this year. While some see a rate cut as a potential bullish catalyst, others are divided on the outcome.
After Powell’s speech, crypto trader Ash Crypto said, “the Fed will start the money printers in Q4 of this year,” along with two rate cuts, which means “trillions will flow into the crypto market.”
“We are about to enter a parabolic phase where Altcoins will explode 10x -50x,” Ash Crypto said.
Analyst warns crypto may face short-term pressure
Others suggest that the crypto market may not immediately see the impact of a Fed rate cut.
On April 11, 10x Research head of research Markus Thielen said, “Expecting a bullish impulse is too early.” He said that while a longer-term price opportunity for Bitcoin (BTC) could emerge, it may face short-term pressure driven by recession fears.
AVAX price prediction shows potential for $32 target as technical indicators turn bullish following 13.18% daily surge, with key resistance at $25.99 acting as critical breakout level.
Avalanche has demonstrated impressive momentum with a 13.18% surge in the past 24 hours, pushing AVAX to $25.77 and positioning it near crucial resistance levels. Our comprehensive AVAX price prediction analysis suggests the altcoin is setting up for a potential breakout toward the $32 price target, though several technical factors will determine whether bulls can sustain this momentum.
AVAX Price Prediction Summary
• AVAX short-term target (1 week): $27.50 (+6.7%) with potential extension to $32.00
• Avalanche medium-term forecast (1 month): $28.00-$34.00 range if breakout confirms
• Key level to break for bullish continuation: $25.99 immediate resistance, then $27.38
• Critical support if bearish: $21.34 immediate support, major support at $17.62
Recent Avalanche Price Predictions from Analysts
The latest analyst predictions for AVAX show a notable divergence in short-term versus long-term outlooks. Blockchain.News presents the most compelling Avalanche forecast with a medium-term price target of $27.00-$32.00, aligning closely with our technical analysis of current resistance levels at $25.99 and strong resistance at $27.38.
Short-term predictions cluster around the $22.00-$22.50 range from sources like Changelly ($22.51) and CaptainAltcoin ($22.12), which now appear conservative given today’s 13% rally that has already pushed AVAX well above these targets. The more aggressive long-term predictions from PricePredictions.com ($75.97) and CoinCu ($44.34) reflect bullish sentiment but require significant fundamental catalysts to materialize.
The consensus among analysts suggests cautious optimism, with most AVAX price prediction models anticipating gradual appreciation rather than explosive growth. However, the current technical setup suggests the market may be underestimating Avalanche’s near-term potential.
AVAX Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Breakout
The current Avalanche technical analysis reveals a compelling bullish setup developing across multiple timeframes. AVAX is trading at $25.77, just below the critical resistance level at $25.99, with the Bollinger Bands position at 0.97 indicating the price is testing the upper boundary of recent trading ranges.
The RSI reading of 58.48 provides room for additional upside without entering overbought territory, while the MACD histogram showing a positive 0.0727 confirms bullish momentum is building. Most significantly, AVAX is trading above all major moving averages, with the SMA 7 at $24.05, SMA 20 at $23.78, and SMA 200 at $21.45, creating a bullish alignment that supports our AVAX price target projections.
The daily ATR of $1.66 suggests healthy volatility that could support a move toward the $27.38 strong resistance level. Volume analysis shows robust participation with $156.6 million in 24-hour Binance spot trading, providing the liquidity foundation necessary for sustained price appreciation.
Avalanche Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for AVAX
Our primary AVAX price prediction scenario targets the $27.00-$32.00 range based on technical breakout patterns and analyst consensus. The immediate catalyst requires breaking above $25.99 resistance, which would likely trigger algorithmic buying and push AVAX toward the $27.38 strong resistance level.
A successful breach of $27.38 opens the path to our primary Avalanche forecast target of $32.00, representing a 24% gain from current levels. This aligns with the Blockchain.News prediction and finds technical support from the measured move calculation based on the recent consolidation pattern.
The bullish case strengthens if AVAX can maintain above the $24.63 pivot point while volume remains elevated above the recent average. Key technical confirmation would come from the RSI breaking above 65 and the MACD histogram expanding further into positive territory.
Bearish Risk for Avalanche
Despite the bullish setup, our AVAX price prediction acknowledges significant downside risks if current support levels fail. The immediate support at $21.34 represents the first critical test, coinciding with the lower Bollinger Band at $21.66.
A breakdown below $21.34 would invalidate the near-term bullish thesis and target the strong support at $17.62, representing a potential 32% decline from current levels. This scenario aligns with the more bearish analyst predictions and would likely trigger if broader crypto market sentiment deteriorates.
Risk factors include the current position near the upper Bollinger Band creating potential for mean reversion, and the Stochastic %K reading of 94.21 suggesting short-term overbought conditions that could prompt profit-taking.
Should You Buy AVAX Now? Entry Strategy
Based on our Avalanche technical analysis, the optimal entry strategy involves a layered approach rather than a single large position. For those asking whether to buy or sell AVAX, current levels offer reasonable risk-reward if proper risk management is employed.
Conservative buyers should wait for a pullback to the $24.00-$24.50 range, which would provide better entry positioning near the SMA 7 and EMA 12 levels. Aggressive traders can enter at current levels with a tight stop-loss at $24.00, representing approximately 7% downside risk for potential 24% upside to the $32 AVAX price target.
Position sizing should reflect the inherent volatility in cryptocurrency markets, with risk management prioritizing capital preservation. A stop-loss below $21.34 is essential for any long position, as a break of this level would signal a broader trend reversal.
AVAX Price Prediction Conclusion
Our comprehensive analysis supports a bullish AVAX price prediction with a primary target of $32.00 over the next 4-6 weeks, contingent on breaking key resistance at $25.99. The technical setup shows strong momentum indicators, bullish moving average alignment, and healthy volume participation supporting this Avalanche forecast.
Confidence level for reaching $27.00 is MEDIUM-HIGH given the strong technical foundation and analyst consensus. Confidence for the full $32.00 target is MEDIUM, requiring sustained market momentum and successful navigation of intermediate resistance levels.
Key indicators to monitor include maintaining support above $24.63, RSI holding above 50, and volume remaining elevated above recent averages. A break below $21.34 would invalidate this bullish scenario and require reassessment of the medium-term outlook. Timeline for this prediction centers on the next 3-4 weeks, with initial confirmation expected within 5-7 trading days.
Thai authorities have arrested a South Korean man accused of helping a call center gang launder cryptocurrencies into gold worth more than $50 million.
The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) said officers apprehended Han, 33, at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday under a warrant issued in February, according to a report from The Nation. He faces charges of fraud, computer crimes, money laundering, and involvement in a criminal syndicate.
The case stems from a large-scale call center scam that began in early 2024. Victims were lured into “investment opportunities” promising 30%–50% returns. Initial payouts created a false sense of security, but as deposits grew, withdrawals were blocked with claims that investors had failed to meet requirements.
Dozens of complaints eventually reached the TCSD, prompting a probe that has already led to the arrest of ten suspects, including five alleged launderers and five mule account holders.
Thai police arrest Korean man in crypto money laundering case. Source: Bangkok Post
Investigators discovered Han’s arrival in Thailand and coordinated with the Immigration Bureau to detain him at the airport checkpoint. His mobile phone, containing multiple crypto accounts tied to the laundering network, was seized.
According to the report, Han previously studied in China before joining a South Korean company that converted cryptocurrencies into gold bars for the scam network. He allegedly oversaw crypto accounts receiving victim funds, which were then used to purchase gold from overseas suppliers before being shipped back to the syndicate.
Authorities estimate that between January and March 2024, Han’s accounts processed roughly 47.3 million USDt (USDT), funneled into gold. Each laundering round reportedly involved more than 10 kilograms of gold, valued at about $1 million per transaction.
Han has denied parts of the charges but remains in custody as Thai police continue investigating the wider network.
Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted 14 individuals in what they describe as the nation’s largest cryptocurrency money laundering case, involving more than 1,500 victims and over $70 million in illicit proceeds.
The Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office filed charges for fraud, money laundering and organized crime, seeking the confiscation of nearly $40 million in illicitly obtained assets.
Authorities also requested the seizure of 640,000 USDt, undisclosed amounts of Bitcoin (BTC) and Tron (TRX), more than $1.8 million in cash, two luxury cars and $3.13 million in frozen bank deposits.
Prosecutors said the group laundered the funds by converting cash into foreign currency and then buying USDt through local exchange BiXiang Technology before transferring the assets abroad.
DOT price prediction shows bullish momentum building toward $13.50 medium-term target, with Polkadot forecast suggesting potential upside to $19.45 by year-end 2025.
Polkadot (DOT) is showing early signs of technical recovery after a strong 8.83% daily gain, positioning the cryptocurrency for potential medium-term upside. Our comprehensive DOT price prediction analysis reveals multiple bullish catalysts converging as the token trades at $4.13, setting up for a possible rally toward analyst targets.
DOT Price Prediction Summary
• DOT short-term target (1 week): $4.67 (+13.1%) – testing strong resistance
• Polkadot medium-term forecast (1 month): $5.20-6.80 range based on momentum continuation
• Key level to break for bullish continuation: $4.37 immediate resistance, then $4.67 strong resistance
• Critical support if bearish: $3.54 immediate support, with $3.31 as strong support floor
Recent Polkadot Price Predictions from Analysts
Recent analyst forecasts present a notably bullish Polkadot forecast landscape, with significant variation in timeframes and conviction levels. KoinX leads the optimistic camp with their DOT price prediction of $19.45 to $22.69 for the long term, citing anticipated market growth and adoption rates as key drivers.
InvestingHaven takes a more conservative approach, targeting $13.90 while emphasizing the critical 50% Fibonacci retracement level at $14.04. This DOT price target aligns closely with PricePredictions.com’s medium-term forecast of $13.50, suggesting strong consensus around the $13-14 zone as a realistic intermediate objective.
The outlier remains DigitalCoinPrice’s short-term target of $4.36, which appears conservative given current momentum indicators. However, this prediction serves as a useful near-term benchmark, sitting just above current resistance levels.
DOT Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Bullish Breakout
Current Polkadot technical analysis reveals encouraging momentum building beneath key resistance levels. The MACD histogram reading of 0.0131 confirms bullish momentum, while the RSI at 54.83 provides ample room for upward movement without entering overbought territory.
DOT’s position within the Bollinger Bands at 0.76 indicates the price is trending toward the upper band at $4.30, suggesting continued buying pressure. The convergence of all major moving averages between $3.94-3.97 creates a tight support cluster, indicating reduced downside risk.
Volume analysis shows robust participation with $62.2 million in 24-hour Binance spot trading, providing the liquidity foundation necessary for sustained price advancement. The daily ATR of $0.25 suggests normal volatility levels, allowing for measured price progression.
Polkadot Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for DOT
The primary bullish DOT price target sequence begins with breaking immediate resistance at $4.37, followed by the strong resistance at $4.67. Successfully clearing these levels opens the path toward the $5.20-6.80 range within 30 days.
Medium-term upside aligns with analyst consensus around $13.50-13.90, representing a 227-236% gain from current levels. This Polkadot forecast requires sustained market recovery and successful navigation of the critical $14.04 Fibonacci level.
The most optimistic scenario targets KoinX’s $19.45-22.69 range, though this requires broader cryptocurrency market expansion and significant Polkadot ecosystem developments throughout Q4 2025.
Bearish Risk for Polkadot
Downside protection exists at immediate support of $3.54, with the key support floor at $3.31 representing only 20% downside from current levels. Breaking below $3.31 would invalidate the bullish thesis and potentially target the 52-week low of $3.15.
Risk factors include broader market correction, regulatory headwinds affecting parachain development, or failure to maintain momentum above the moving average cluster. The proximity to the 200-day SMA at $4.15 suggests any sustained break below could trigger technical selling.
Should You Buy DOT Now? Entry Strategy
Current levels present a favorable risk-reward setup for those seeking DOT exposure. Immediate entry at $4.13 offers proximity to support levels while maintaining access to near-term resistance breaks.
Conservative traders should consider dollar-cost averaging on any pullback toward $3.80-3.90, utilizing the moving average support cluster. Aggressive positions can be initiated on a confirmed break above $4.37 with increased conviction on volume expansion.
Risk management suggests stop-loss placement below $3.50 for near-term trades, while longer-term positions should monitor the $3.31 strong support level. Position sizing should account for DOT’s historical volatility and the current uncertain macro environment.
DOT Price Prediction Conclusion
Our comprehensive analysis supports a medium confidence DOT price prediction targeting the $13.50-19.45 range by Q4 2025. The combination of bullish technical indicators, analyst consensus, and improving momentum creates a compelling case for Polkadot’s recovery.
Key confirmation signals include sustained trading above $4.37, expanding volume on upward moves, and maintaining support above the moving average cluster. Failure to hold $3.54 support would require reassessment of the bullish thesis.
The timeline for this Polkadot forecast extends through the remainder of 2025, with initial targets of $4.67 and $5.20 serving as interim milestones. Investors should monitor parachain development progress and broader DeFi adoption trends as fundamental catalysts supporting these technical projections.
Crypto sentiment returned to “Greed” on Saturday as the crypto market surged, following dovish comments from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that raised speculation of a possible rate cut in September.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index, which measures overall crypto market sentiment, rose to a “Greed” score of 60 on Saturday, up 10 points from Friday’s “Neutral” reading of 50, after briefly dipping into Fear earlier in the week.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index returned to Greed on Saturday after the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at upcoming rate cuts. Source: alternative.me
The rebound came after Powell’s speech at the annual Jackson Hole economic symposium on Friday, where he said that the current conditions in inflation and the labor market “may warrant adjusting” the Fed’s monetary policy stance.
ETH is the “most rate-sensitive aspect of crypto”
After Powell’s speech, Bitcoin (BTC) surged 5% to $117,300, liquidating $379.88 million in shorts. Meanwhile, Ether (ETH) reclaimed its 2021 all-time highs of $4,878, reaching as high as $4,851, representing an 11.51% increase over the 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap.
In an X post on the same day, Axie Infinity co-founder Jeffrey “Jiho” Zirlin called Ether the “most rate-sensitive aspect of crypto.”
“As interest rates drop, the spread between what can be earned by depositing your stablecoins in DeFi vs. depositing your USD in a bank widens,” he said.
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, 75% of market participants anticipate a rate cut at the Sept. 17 Fed meeting. Trading resource The Kobeissi Letter said, “It appears Fed Chair Powell is setting the stage for a September rate cut.”
Crypto market participants were expecting the surge
However, St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem told Reuters on Friday that he still needs more time to decide whether he will support an interest rate cut.
“I will be updating my outlook and balance of risks all the way up and until two days, three days before the meeting,” he said.
Author Jason Williams said on Wednesday, if Powell “comes in soft and learns that rate cuts are likely, we turbo rip.”
Crypto Banter trader Ran Neuner said “Jackson Hole will shape crypto’s direction moving forward,” before adding, “Trump is pushing for a rate cut with good reason, but will Powell listen?”
Bitcoin surged 5% to $117,300 after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at an upcoming interest rate cut, liquidating $379.88 million in shorts.
Analysts say the BTC “uptrend is back,” with the potential to hit $200,000 before the end of the year.
Bitcoin (BTC) took out the ask liquidity above $117,000 on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at a potential September interest rate cut during his speech at Jackson Hole.
BTC price rose more than 4% to an intraday high of $117,300 on Bitstamp from a six-week low of $111,600.
According to CoinGlass data, $379.88 million in short positions were liquidated, with Ether (ETH) accounting for $193 million of that total as it soared nearly 15% to $4,760. Bitcoin followed with $56.4 million in short liquidations.
Across the board, a total of $629.48 million was wiped out of the market in short and long positions, as shown in the figure below.
Total crypto liquidations. Source: CoinGlass
The sudden market recovery led to the liquidation of 150,217 traders over the period, catching many off guard as investor sentiment flipped to bullish.
The Bitcoin liquidation heatmap showed the price eating away liquidity above $117,000, with more than $259.5 million ask orders sitting between $117,000 and $118,000.
Bitcoin liquidation heatmap. Source: CoinGlass
Bitcoin analysts say “uptrend is back”
BTC’s swept lows below $112,000, providing traders with a good entry position, according to MN Capital Founder Michael van de Poppe.
Earlier in the week, van de Poppe told his X followers to be on the lookout for a sweep beneath the Aug. 3 low of $111,900 as a great area to accumulate.
“A small sweep took place and an immediate massive move upward on #Bitcoin,” he said in a X post on Friday, adding:
“Uptrend is back.”
BTC/USD four-hour chart. Source: Michael van de Poppe
Fellow analyst Jelle said that it is likely that the Bitcoin price could retrace following today’s pump, but one thing remains clear: “The market wants higher.”
It comes as several crypto industry participants recently shared forecasts for higher prices in the crypto market. Analyst BitQuant said on Monday that his cycle top target of $145,000 for Bitcoin was still in play throughout 2025.
Meanwhile, Bitwise’s head of European research André Dragosch said in Cointelegraph’s Chain Reaction daily X spaces show on Monday that US President Donald Trump’s move to allow crypto in 401(k) retirement plans could push Bitcoin to $200,000 by the end of the year.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Japanese financial conglomerate SBI has inked new blockchain partnerships with USDC issuer Circle, XRP developer Ripple and the Web3 company Startale.
SBI Group announced three separate partnerships on Friday, including stablecoin-related collaborations with US companies Circle and Ripple, and a new tokenization project with Singapore-based Startale.
In cooperation with Startale, SBI plans to build an onchain trading platform for tokenized stocks and real-world assets (RWAs) to enable 24/7 trading.
As part of stablecoin collaborations with Ripple and Circle, SBI will explore new ways to promote adoption of Circle’s USDC (USDC) and Ripple’s Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin.
Joint Circle venture versus RLUSD distribution
WhiletheCircle announcement mentions the establishment of a joint venture with SBI, the partnership with Ripple aims to establish RLUSD distribution in Japan through SBI’s crypto subsidiary SBI VC Trade.
“The establishment of this joint venture aims to promote the use of USDC in Japan and create new use cases in the Web3 and digital finance domains,” SBI said.
The Ripple announcement refers to a new memorandum of understanding with Ripple Labs on distributing RLUSD in Japan, with SBI VC Trade aiming to make the stablecoin available during the fiscal year ending March 2026.
“The introduction of RLUSD will not just expand the option of stablecoins in the Japanese market, but a major step forward in the reliability and convenience of stablecoins in the Japanese market,” SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo said.
SBI had previously announced similar partnerships with both Circle and Ripple, with SBI VC Trade completing registration to support USDC operations in March. The Japanese conglomerate has also maintained a long-standing partnership with Ripple, facilitating various XRP (XRP) services across its platforms over the past several years.
Startale collaboration boosts RWA trend
As part of a joint venture with Startale, SBI has secured “milestone-based committed funding” to build an upcoming onchain tokenized platform in Japan.
The development echoes many tokenization initiatives globally, with companies like Gemini, Kraken, Robinhood and introducing similar 24/7 trading platforms offering tokenized stocks of companies like Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) earlier this year.
“As tokenized RWAs enable 24/7 real-time settlement and achieve unprecedented liquidity and capital efficiency, the convergence of traditional finance and DeFi will likely accelerate,” SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao said.
Total RWA market chart and main components as of Aug. 21, 2025. Source: RWA.xyz
“We predict that this movement will eventually lead to the digitalization of capital markets themselves, including exchanges,” the executive said, adding:
“By capturing this trend and by leveraging our corporate ecosystem together with Startale’s blockchain technology, we have great expectations for creating a new decentralized platform.”
The announcement does not specify either the expected launch date for the platform with Startale or what blockchain network would be used as part of the venture. Startale is known for co-developing Sony’s layer-2 blockchain Soneium and Astar Network.
“We’re not ready to reveal the technical architecture just yet,” Startale Group CEO Sota Watanabe told Cointelegraph.
“What matters is the joint venture’s mission: to deliver an always-on, compliant trading platform for tokenized assets,” Watanabe said, adding that the timeline will be announced at a later date.
Cointelegraph approached SBI for comment regarding the joint tokenization project but had not received a response by publication.
SBI’s move comes as major financial players globally are experimenting with the tokenization of traditional assets. Earlier on Friday, Bloomberg reported that Eric Trump plans to visit Tokyo in September as part of his family’s expanding push into the cryptocurrency industry.
Taiwanese prosecutors reportedly indicted 14 people in what they say is the country’s biggest-ever cryptocurrency money laundering case, involving more than 1,500 victims and over $70 million in illicit funds.
The Shilin District Prosecutor’s office indicted the 14 on charges related to fraud, money laundering and organized crime, requesting the confiscation of 1.275 billion New Taiwan dollars ($39.8 million), which was allegedly obtained from victims through fraud, according to a Friday report from local media outlet UDN.
Prosecutors also requested confiscation of another 640,000 USDt (USDT), undisclosed Bitcoin (BTC) and Tron (TRX) holdings, over $1.8 million in cash and two luxury cars. They reportedly seized bank deposits totaling $3.13 million, with the rest of the proceeds set to be recovered later.
The group was charged with laundering $71.9 million collected from unknowing victims in cash, before being converted into foreign currency and transferred overseas to purchase USDT through Taiwanese cryptocurrency exchange BiXiang Technology.
The prosecution released the following money laundering flow chart along with the indictment to illustrate the group’s activities.
Money laundering flow chart. Source: Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office, UDN.
Authorities launched the investigation into the case in April when the 14 individuals were arrested, including ringleader Shi Qiren, who may get a 25-year prison sentence as the main suspect behind the scam and for his refusal to plead guilty, UDN reported.
Over 1,500 victims defrauded through a non-licensed crypto exchange
Prosecutors alleged that since 2024, Qiren, his wife and a manager surnamed Yang collaborated to open 40 stores across Taiwan under the brand “CoinW” and “CoinThink Technology Co., Ltd.,” and collected millions in franchise fees before using a partner firm to set up deposit machines to collect cash from victims.
They allegedly posed as the only firm authorized by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission, defrauding 1,539 people out of $71.9 million through franchise fees and cash collection machines.
The group also fell victim to a side fraud, according to prosecutors, when another suspect surnamed Gu allegedly tricked Shi into paying $93,000 for false promises of securing Anti-Money Laundering registration.
The indictment came days after a crypto influencer was sentenced to a year in prison for money laundering and wire fraud charges after he defrauded two major cloud computing providers in a large-scale cryptojacking operation.
A month earlier, a Russian citizen allegedly laundered $530 million through US banks and crypto exchanges using USDT to facilitate payments for Russian clients tied to sanctioned banks, Cointelegraph reported on July 17.
Taiwanese prosecutors reportedly indicted 14 people in what they say is the country’s biggest-ever cryptocurrency money laundering case, involving more than 1,500 victims and over $70 million in illicit funds.
The Shilin District Prosecutor’s office indicted the 14 on charges related to fraud, money laundering and organized crime, requesting the confiscation of 1.275 billion New Taiwan dollars ($39.8 million), which was allegedly obtained from victims through fraud, according to a Friday report from local media outlet UDN.
Prosecutors also requested confiscation of another 640,000 USDt (USDT), undisclosed Bitcoin (BTC) and Tron (TRX) holdings, over $1.8 million in cash and two luxury cars. They reportedly seized bank deposits totaling $3.13 million, with the rest of the proceeds set to be recovered later.
The group was charged with laundering $71.9 million collected from unknowing victims in cash, before being converted into foreign currency and transferred overseas to purchase USDT through Taiwanese cryptocurrency exchange BiXiang Technology.
The prosecution released the following money laundering flow chart along with the indictment to illustrate the group’s activities.
Money laundering flow chart. Source: Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office, UDN.
Authorities launched the investigation into the case in April when the 14 individuals were arrested, including ringleader Shi Qiren, who may get a 25-year prison sentence as the main suspect behind the scam and for his refusal to plead guilty, UDN reported.
Over 1,500 victims defrauded through a non-licensed crypto exchange
Prosecutors alleged that since 2024, Qiren, his wife and a manager surnamed Yang collaborated to open 40 stores across Taiwan under the brand “CoinW” and “CoinThink Technology Co., Ltd.,” and collected millions in franchise fees before using a partner firm to set up deposit machines to collect cash from victims.
They allegedly posed as the only firm authorized by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission, defrauding 1,539 people out of $71.9 million through franchise fees and cash collection machines.
The group also fell victim to a side fraud, according to prosecutors, when another suspect surnamed Gu allegedly tricked Shi into paying $93,000 for false promises of securing Anti-Money Laundering registration.
The indictment came days after a crypto influencer was sentenced to a year in prison for money laundering and wire fraud charges after he defrauded two major cloud computing providers in a large-scale cryptojacking operation.
A month earlier, a Russian citizen allegedly laundered $530 million through US banks and crypto exchanges using USDT to facilitate payments for Russian clients tied to sanctioned banks, Cointelegraph reported on July 17.
In crypto’s fast-moving world, traders have long relied on charts, such as candlesticks, Fibonacci lines and Bollinger Bands, to interpret price action. But a quiet shift is underway.
Instead of staring at graphs or toggling between indicators, traders are increasingly turning to AI models like ChatGPT and Grok for real-time context, sentiment analysis and narrative framing. These tools don’t replace charts outright, but they’re becoming the first stop for insight, transforming how many retail and semi-professional traders approach decisions.
Here’s how and why it matters.
The crypto chart fatigue shift
Crypto charts are dense with data, but that doesn’t always translate into clarity. Reading them well requires not just technical skill but also emotional control and pattern recognition. For newer traders, charts can become overwhelming: a wall of indicators, conflicting signals or simply visual noise.
That’s where conversational AI steps in. Instead of decoding relative strength index bands or candlestick wicks, traders are now asking models questions like, “Is this a good time to buy Solana (SOL)?”
AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok offer an alternative path to insight, one that’s faster, more intuitive and less intimidating. Rather than parsing charts, users are feeding in natural-language prompts such as:
Example 1
Prompt: Summarize current sentiment on XRP using X discourse.
According to Grok, XRP (XRP) sentiment on X is mixed but cautiously bullish. It highlights optimism around regulatory catalysts and resilience while acknowledging lingering skepticism over centralization and past underperformance. The summary is well-balanced, context-rich and captures the emotional and narrative divide within the XRP community.
Example 2
Prompt: If Bitcoin closes above its 200-day moving average, what tends to follow?
ChatGPT’s response highlights the historical implications of a 200-day moving average breakout, such as increased buying interest and improved sentiment. It also responsibly noted the risk of false breakouts. The tone is balanced, with emphasis on confirmation and context, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate traders.
Example 3
Prompt: Compare Solana and Avalanche in terms of user activity this month.
Grok’s response, as shown in the image below, provides a clear, data-backed comparison, highlighting Solana’s dominance in user activity, transaction volume and decentralized exchange engagement. It contrasts Avalanche’s growth via developer activity but notes weaker metrics. The response is concise, informative and balanced, with strong contextual framing around ecosystem drivers and institutional influence.
Did you know? ChatGPT benefits from OpenAI’s Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF), fine-tuned for safe, instructive dialogue.
ChatGPT vs. Grok: Who’s more “trader-friendly?”
ChatGPT is ideal for breaking down technical indicators, comparing token fundamentals and simulating trading scenarios. It integrates well with TradingView via plug-ins or API for those who still want some visual analysis.
Grok, tightly integrated with X, is ideal for real-time sentiment and meme-aware cultural signals. It’s better suited for catching fast-moving narratives or early alpha from the crypto community.
To explore how these models interpret the same input differently, the following two prompts were fed into both GPT-4o (ChatGPT) and Grok (via X):
Example prompt 1
Prompt: Give me two reasons to invest in Ethereum (ETH) in August 2025.
ChatGPT output:
Grok 3 output:
As observed above, ChatGPT’s response provides a broader and more accessible rationale. It focuses on exchange-traded fund (ETF) momentum and ecosystem growth through layer-2 solutions and decentralized applications, concepts that are easier to grasp for newer investors. This response takes a big-picture view and highlights Ether’s (ETH) expanding utility and adoption. However, it lacks the specificity and numerical support found in the Grok response, which may make it feel less grounded or convincing for those seeking hard data or detailed developments.
Grok 3’s response offers a more data-driven and technically detailed justification for investing in Ether in August 2025. It highlights significant institutional interest by citing a specific ETF inflow figure ($528 million in July 2025), which lends credibility and a sense of urgency.
Additionally, it references the Pectra upgrade and Ethereum Improvement Proposal 7251, which are specific improvements tied to Ethereum’s scalability and validator efficiency. This caters well to technically literate investors or those seeking precise, up-to-date insights. However, the technical language might overwhelm general audiences or casual investors unfamiliar with Ethereum’s internal mechanics.
Example prompt 2
Prompt: Analyze this intraday price chart of BTC/USD from July 26, 2025. Identify any visible trend shifts or breakout levels. Does the late-session surge suggest bullish momentum, or could it be a short squeeze or reaction to external news? Offer a possible short-term outlook.
ChatGPT output:
Grok 3’s output:
As observed, ChatGPT’s analysis is more fluid and narrative-based. It mentions range-bound trading early on, with a breakout around 11:30 UTC and a rally near 12:00, identifying the move as a trend shift. The potential causes, external news or a short squeeze, are similar to Grok 3’s explanation. While the support/resistance levels are less precise ($117,800-$117,900), it concludes with a cautiously bullish outlook, flagging a pullback as possible. It’s easier to follow but slightly less detailed in technical precision.
On the contrary, Grok 3’s analysis offers a more segmented and data-rich explanation. It breaks down the chart into key sections: trend shifts, surge cause and short-term outlook. The response notes a clear shift around 11:00 UTC, with a breakout above $118,000, supported by a possible $144-million liquidation event and external triggers like geopolitical tensions. The response also identifies resistance ($118,200-$118,500) and support ($117,600-$117,400) zones and interprets the late-session rally as potentially bullish if Bitcoin (BTC) holds key levels. This structured, technical breakdown helps traders focus on key decision points.
Based on two comparative experiments, one focused on investment reasoning and the other on intraday market analysis, here is a summary table outlining the strengths and weaknesses of Grok 3 and ChatGPT-4o.
So, ChatGPT is your analyst, but Grok is your trader friend who never sleeps and always has X open.
Notably, if other models (like Gemini or Claude) were used, the outputs would likely vary in tone, depth and real-time relevance, depending on the model’s access to current data, reasoning style and domain alignment.
The key takeaway? Different AIs serve different trading needs. For fundamentals and structured logic, GPT-4o is a reliable analyst. For sentiment and speed, Grok is your plugged-in, socially attuned trading companion.
Did you know? Grok 3 is trained on real-time X data, giving it a native edge in capturing fast-moving sentiment shifts and cultural language others often miss.
Will AI replace charts entirely?
Not quite. Charts remain a foundational tool for tactical execution, especially for day traders, swing traders and quant systems that rely on real-time volume, indicators and price structure.
But AI is beginning to take over the cognitive layer of trading: the “why” behind the “what.”
Where charts show what is happening, models like ChatGPT and Grok help explain why it’s happening, digesting macro news, onchain flows, community sentiment and historical context within seconds. They’re increasingly used for narrative framing, scenario simulation and filtering signals from noise — roles charts were never designed to fill.
So, while candlesticks won’t disappear, they’re no longer the sole source of insight. More often, traders now turn to AI first for clarity, direction and speed before confirming with the chart.
From charts to chatbots: How AI is becoming the first stop for crypto traders
If you’ve recently asked an AI model about a coin before opening a chart, you’re not alone. The move from visual to conversational analysis is already underway, especially among part-time traders and mobile-first users who prefer direct answers over dashboards.
Charts aren’t going away. But their role is changing. They’re no longer always the starting point, just the next layer.
In a space where speed matters but clarity is king, AI is becoming the first place traders go to ask:
What’s driving this move?
What happened last time?
What should I watch next?
Because sometimes, the smartest chart… is the one that talks back.
Why AI isn’t a substitute for your strategy
While AI models offer speed and clarity, they aren’t infallible. Their outputs depend heavily on training data, recent content and prompt quality. They don’t “see” live order books or price movement in real time and may miss nuance in complex macro events.
Overreliance can lead to false confidence, especially if used without cross-checking with charts or news. Traders should treat AI as a thinking assistant, not a trading oracle.
Just as charts can mislead without context, so can AI without verification. The best insights come when human judgment and machine reasoning work together, not in isolation.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
