French-Moroccan man sentenced to 25 years in prison for France crypto kidnaps

A French-Moroccan man convicted of organizing some of the recent daring kidnappings of crypto figures in France has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.  The news comes amid a growing debate in French society over the massive number of data leaks in the country that are compromising personal security.  Moroccan court sends crypto kidnapper to prison  The Court of Appeal in the Moroccan city of Tangier gave Mohamed Hamid Bajou the harsh sentence on Thursday, May 21, local and French media reported.  The 25-year-old man is the alleged mastermind of a gang that committed a series of brazen abductions of wealthy individuals in France, including prominent people from the crypto space.  Bajou was facing serious charges, the French crypto information portal Journal du Coin noted in an article on Saturday, quoting a post by the Moroccan news website Tanja7 from Friday.  These included establishing a criminal group, kidnapping, unlawful detention and torture for ransom, attempted premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms, and drug trafficking.  One of Bajous victims was David Balland, a co-founder of Ledger, the French company known for its popular hardware cryptocurrency wallets.  The crypto entrepreneur was abducted in January 2025 along with his female partner at their home in Central France.  The attackers demanded a

05-23

Solana Price Prediction: SOL Faces $125 Test After Breakout

Tech  Solana Price Prediction: SOL Faces $125 Test After Breakout  Solana is trading between two clear chart signals, with one setup showing weak corrective rallies and another pointing to a possible breakout retest. SOL needs to hold the $84 to $85 area and clear nearby resistance before the $125 target becomes stronger.  Solana Price Struggles as SOL Rejects Corrective Rallies  Solana traded near $84.68 on the 4 hour chart after another rejection from a short term recovery move. The chart shared by More Crypto Online on X shows SOL failing to hold above the nearby resistance zone around $87.  The main issue is clear. SOL keeps bouncing, but each rally loses strength before price reaches the larger resistance near $95 to $96. That area acted as a major rejection zone earlier in May. As long as SOL stays below it, the recovery structure remains weak.  SOL Corrective Rally Rejection Chart. Source:  The nearest support sits around $82, marked by the red horizontal line. If Solana loses that level, the chart points back toward the main range support area between $77.96, $75.41, and $71.92. These levels match the 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6% Fibonacci retracement marks shown on the chart.  The orange support zone matters because it has held previous

05-23

Wall Street analysts predict Dells stock price for the next 12 months

Finance  Wall Street analysts predict Dells stock price for the next 12 months  Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) is gaining momentum as investors respond positively to the companys surging demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure.  The company has evolved from a traditional PC and server provider into a major AI player, a shift that has fueled strong gains in its stock price.  By press time, DELL stock was trading at $295 after closing Friday up nearly 17%, while the equity has rallied 130% year-to-date.  The main driver behind Dells rally is the explosive demand for AI-optimized servers and infrastructure. Dell ended fiscal 2026, which concluded in January 2026, with a record $43 billion AI server backlog.  In the fourth quarter alone, the company reported about $34 billion in AI-related orders and shipped between $9 billion and $9.5 billion in AI servers, marking a 342% year-over-year increase.  At the same time, Dells broader financial performance also underscored this momentum. Fiscal 2026 revenue rose 19% year-over-year to $113.5 billion, while adjusted earnings per share climbed 27% to $10.30.  The Infrastructure Solutions Group, which includes servers, delivered particularly strong results, with AI contributing a rapidly growing share of total revenue.  Looking ahead, Dell raised its long-term outlook through fiscal 2030, projecting annual revenue growth

05-23

Quantum Threat Forces Crypto Industry Into Defense Mode

Crypto  Quantum Threat Forces Crypto Industry Into Defense ModeCrypto firms are racing to build quantum-proof security as fears over future cyber risks intensify.Google researchers warned quantum computers may crack crypto encryption sooner than expected.Blockchain developers say AI-driven attacks remain a more immediate danger than quantum threats.  The cryptocurrency industry is defending itself against a new technological threat that experts say could eventually weaken the security behind bitcoin and other digital assets. Concerns have intensified after growing advances in quantum computing pushed major blockchain firms to accelerate work on next-generation security systems.  According to reporting from the Financial Times, industry leaders now believe practical quantum machines could emerge around 2030. That timeline has increased pressure on crypto developers, who fear powerful quantum computers may one day crack the cryptographic systems protecting digital wallets and blockchain networks.  Thus, some large organizations like RippleX, Circle, Tron, and the Ethereum Foundation have already begun building post-quantum security products. Along with securing the wallets, the developers wish to improve the transaction validation mechanisms as well.  Quantum Computing Raises Security Concerns  Quantum computers dont work like the computers people use today. Instead of handling one calculation at a time, they can process many possibilities at once.  Because of that, they could one day

05-23

XRP Ledger Enters Next Phase With Incoming XRPL Update

Tech  XRP Ledger Enters Next Phase With Incoming XRPL Update  Hussein Zangana, Director of Community at the XRP Ledger Foundation, who goes by the name Vet on X, hints at an upcoming XRPL software release.  According to Vet, who is also an XRP Ledger dual validator, a new XRP Ledger version 3.2.0 is in the works. This, he says, is an update to further strengthen the foundation XRP is built on. The latest XRP ledger version release XRPL 3.1.3 has entered a two-week activation period with an expected timeline of May 27, 2026, according to XRPScan data.  New XRP Ledger version 3.2.0 is in the works.  An update to further strengthen the foundation your $XRP is living on.  Have to say, AI powered Red/Blue Team and Attackathons/Bug Bounties have delivered strong results!  Another highlight – name transition from rippled - xrpld❤️  — Vet (@Vet_X0) May 22, 2026  The rippled version 3.1.3 contains one fix amendment fixCleanup3_1_3 and includes fixes for NFTs, Permissioned Domains, Vaults, and the Lending Protocol.  You Might Also Like  Bitcoin (BTC), Hyperliquid (HYPE), Zcash (ZEC), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Ethereum (ETH) Price Analysis for May 23: Fundamental Shift in Investors Sentiment  Fidelity: Bitcoin in Early Bull Market  Vet reports progress in strengthening XRPL security as the ‘AI-powered’ Red/Blue Team and Attackathons/Bug

05-23

Three signs from APEC that the U.S., China remain far apart on trade

Second is whats next for the U.S. and China.  There‘s little detail yet on how the two sides will move forward with implementing “constructive strategic stability,” beyond China’s purchase of 200 Boeing airplanes and $17 billion annually in U.S. agricultural products through 2028.  A Chinese readout released early Saturday said Wang met Thursday in Suzhou with Rick Switzer, the U.S. Deputy Trade Representative and head of the U.S. delegation for the APEC trade ministers meeting.  The readout said both sides hoped to reach an agreement as soon as possible on the details of economic outcomes from the Trump-Xi meeting — an indication that differences still remain.  The U.S. embassy in Beijing and the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.  The AI race  Third is a broadening of the U.S. and Chinese tech race into Asia.  The APEC trade ministers meeting reached a “new consensus” on digital trade cooperation, Wang said.  When asked to elaborate, Lin Feng, director-general of the Chinese Commerce Ministrys department of international trade and economic relations, noted plans to make it easier for e-commerce companies to do business in the region, and a “commitment to strengthening trade exchanges related to AI.”  Lin noted efforts to “narrow the digital divide” but

05-23

F2Pool founder who controls 11% of bitcoins hashrate to lead first SpaceX mission to Mars

Chun Wang, the Chinese-born Maltese-Kittitian crypto investor who co-founded F2Pool, has been named Mission Commander for SpaceX‘s first commercial human spaceflight interplanetary mission to Mars, crucial to Elon Musk’s plans to send one million people to the Red Planet.  Wang, whose mining pool controls roughly 11.3% of the global Bitcoin network hashrate and whose personal bitcoin assets are estimated to exceed $300 million, will take a two-year leave from his current role securing digital ledgers to leading humanitys next frontier in deep space.  The SpaceX announcement comes as the company owner Elon Musks aggressive plans to colonize the Red Planet and establish a multi-planetary civilization continue to accelerate.  A two-year trek into the unknown  The ambitious, multi-phase timeline will take Wang on a a week-long circumlunar fly-by within approximately 125 miles of the moons surface alongside Dennis and Akiko Tito before launching on the historic Martian trajectory.  Target launch windows are currently driving technical preparations for a planned 2026 departure. Once launched, the crew will spend two consecutive years in space. The deep-space itinerary includes a full external exploration of the Earth-Moon system, a high-altitude fly-by of Mars, and a complex return trajectory back to Earth.  Navigating deep-space risks  Operating in deep space for 24 months introduces

05-23

ECB Blocks Euro Stablecoin Push, China Stocks Stagnant as Retail Rotates to Bitcoin

Bitcoin  ECB Blocks Euro Stablecoin Push, China Stocks Stagnant as Retail Rotates to Bitcoin  The European Central Bank pushed back against a proposal at an informal EU finance ministers meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, urging restraint on plans to widen euro-denominated stablecoin issuance. Policymakers warned that extending central bank-style support to private token issuers could weaken bank deposit stability and complicate monetary policy transmission. ECB President Christine Lagarde led the resistance, arguing that scaled stablecoin adoption would accelerate disintermediation, increase bank funding costs and erode the institutions ability to steer interest rates. The intervention follows a Brussels policy paper that called for easier liquidity rules and possible ECB funding access for euro stablecoin issuers competing with dollar-backed rivals.  Central bankers attending the two-day Economic and Financial Affairs Council session openly questioned the idea of positioning the ECB as a lender of last resort for stablecoin firms, an arrangement currently reserved for regulated banks. Officials argued that conferring such support without comparable supervision would create asymmetric risk-taking across the financial system. Lagarde, speaking earlier this month at a separate forum, conceded that euro-denominated tokens could generate additional demand for euro-area safe assets, but maintained that the trade-offs — redemption pressure during stress, weaker policy transmission

05-23

Glassnode: Bitcoin Options Traders Are Still Positioned For Trouble

Bitcoin  Glassnode: Bitcoin Options Traders Are Still Positioned For Trouble  Jake Simmons, a dedicated crypto journalist, has been passionate about Bitcoin since 2016 when he first learned about it. Through his extensive work with NewsBTC.com and Bitcoinist.com, Jake has become a trusted voice in the crypto community, guiding newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike towards a deeper understanding of this dynamic field.  His mission is simple yet profound: to demystify Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies and make them accessible to everyone.  With a professional career in the Bitcoin and crypto scene that began right after graduating with a degree in Information Systems in 2017, Jake has immersed himself in the industry. Jake joined the NewsBTC Group in late 2022. His educational background provides him with the technical prowess and analytical skills necessary to dissect complex topics and present them in an understandable format. Whether you are a casual reader curious about Bitcoin or an investor seeking to navigate the latest market trends, Jakes insights offer valuable perspectives that bridge the gap between complex technology and everyday usage.  Jake is not just a reporter on technological trends; he is a firm believer in the transformative potential of Bitcoin over traditional fiat currencies. To him, the current financial system is

05-23

Ford (F) Stock Surges 9% to New 52-Week Peak on Battery Storage Partnership

Ford Motor Company, F  The driving force: Ford Energy entered into a five-year partnership with EDF Power Solutions to deliver up to 20 gigawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems throughout the United States. Initial shipments are scheduled to commence in 2028.  What makes this agreement particularly interesting is Fords strategic approach to fulfilling it. Rather than constructing new production facilities, the automaker intends to leverage spare capacity at its existing electric vehicle manufacturing plants — facilities currently operating below maximum output — to manufacture battery storage units.  This represents an efficient deployment of underperforming assets. Industry observers believe the timing aligns well with escalating demand from artificial intelligence data centers, which require substantial power storage infrastructure to maintain continuous operations.  Financial Impact of the Partnership  Industry analysts project the battery storage sector that Ford is targeting could reach approximately $10 billion in value. Should Ford Energy achieve the complete 20 GWh capacity specified in the EDF partnership, some financial models indicate it could contribute around $0.10 to Fords earnings per share.  While this figure alone won‘t revolutionize Ford’s bottom line, it represents a meaningful strategic pivot. Market watchers are anticipating potential additional customer partnerships that could emerge following this EDF arrangement.  The stock received an additional lift

05-23
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