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Bitcoin was once considered the dominant currency in illicit transactions. However, it is now being replaced by privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), Dash, and stablecoins.

The primary reason for Bitcoin’s decline in illegal activities is its transparency.

Reasons for the Shift from Bitcoin to Privacy Coins

Bitcoin (BTC) once dominated illicit activities on the Dark Web, such as Nucleus Marketplace or Brian’s Club. The report from TRM Labs indicated that Bitcoin accounted for 97% of the total cryptocurrency volume associated with illegal activities in 2016.

However, by 2022, this figure had dropped sharply to just 19%, indicating a significant shift toward other cryptocurrencies. 

According to the TRM Labs’ report, illegal cryptocurrency activities involving Bitcoin will drop to just 12% by 2024. Tron (TRX) holds the top position with 58%. In another report from Chainalysis, stablecoins now account for the majority of total illicit transaction volume at 63%. The use of Bitcoin in illegal activities also recorded a significant decline.

White House Market, one of the largest Dark Web marketplaces, stopped accepting Bitcoin and exclusively used Monero (XMR) for transactions in 2020. 

“The Bitcoin workaround was supposed to be there just to help with transition to XMR and as we are concerned, it’s done, therefore we are now Monero only, just as planned,” stated White House Market.

Elliptic researchers uncovered $11 billion in illicit trades using USDT on Cambodia’s Huione Guarantee marketplace in July 2024. Japanese law enforcement tracked Monero, marking the country’s first arrest linked to Monero transaction analysis.

The decision was driven by Bitcoin’s limitations, particularly its blockchain transparency. This move reflected a strategic shift in Dark Web markets and highlighted the rise of privacy coins like Monero, which are designed to provide enhanced anonymity.

The Popularity of Privacy Coins on the Dark Web

The decline of Bitcoin in illegal activities is not coincidental but rather stems from its inherent limitations. First and foremost, Bitcoin’s blockchain is a public ledger. When combined with additional data such as IP addresses or exchange records, every transaction can be tracked.

This transparency has enabled law enforcement agencies like the FBI to use blockchain analytics tools from Chainalysis and Elliptic to dismantle major Dark Web markets. Examples include the Silk Road shutdown in 2013, AlphaBay in 2017, Hydra in 2022, and Incognito Market in 2024.

Additionally, Bitcoin faces technical challenges, including high transaction fees and slow confirmation times. In contrast, privacy coins like Monero, Zcash, and Dash leverage advanced technologies to ensure high levels of anonymity, making transaction tracking extremely difficult. The Research from ScienceDirect suggests that privacy coins are closely linked to Dark Web traffic, further increasing their popularity in illicit markets.

The Two Sides of the Shift to Privacy Coins

On the positive side, Bitcoin’s declining role in illegal activities may improve its reputation as a legitimate financial tool. This could lead to wider acceptance and attract more users and investors.

However, the shift from Bitcoin to privacy coins and stablecoins has made it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to track and prevent illegal transactions. Despite advanced blockchain analytics tools that can detect transaction trails through mixers and tumblers, dealing with Monero and other privacy coins remains a significant challenge.

Global regulators are increasingly scrutinizing privacy coins and stablecoins. Some countries have outright banned privacy coins, while stablecoins are subjected to stricter oversight.

The transition from Bitcoin to privacy coins and stablecoins on the Dark Web is a clear trend, driven by the growing demand for anonymity and efficiency in illicit transactions. While Bitcoin still plays a role in certain crypto-related crimes, its transparency makes it less attractive to the Dark Web.

Meanwhile, Monero, Zcash, Dash, and stablecoins have become the preferred choices due to their enhanced security and privacy. This trend poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies while driving advancements in blockchain analytics tools. 

However, it also raises concerns about using cryptocurrencies in illegal activities, necessitating a balance between technological innovation and regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and security in the digital financial ecosystem.

The post Bitcoin Falls from the Shadows: Privacy Coins Now Dominate Dark Web Transactions appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Storm Trade, the leader in decentralized derivatives on TON, is once again setting industry trends. With millions of users, an integrated academy, generous airdrops, and the fastest trading experience in a Telegram Mini App, Storm Trade has become synonymous with innovation in decentralized finance.

The protocol combines a professional-grade mobile interface with the full functionality of a web version, providing a seamless experience even for seasoned traders. Here, users can trade not only cryptocurrencies but also forex, commodities, and stocks — all without leaving Telegram.

Today, Storm Trade announces the next step in the evolution of its ecosystem — Upscale, the first prop trading product in a Telegram mini-app, built on StarsFi.

Prop Trading — the Next Big Narrative for 2025?

Following a wave of mass liquidations in the futures market fueled by the hype around meme coins like $TRUMP and others, many traders have started seeking more sustainable trading models. Memes come and go — but losses stay.

In this context, prop trading could become one of the key narratives of 2025.

Prop trading encourages traders to focus not on reckless profit-chasing, but on discipline, risk control, and steady growth. Here, there are no wild liquidations — only clear terms, real money, and a path toward professionalism.

According to analysts, the total trading volume on crypto prop platforms exceeded $10 billion in 2024, with the number of traders in this segment growing by more than 40%.

Instead of chasing fleeting “x’s”, prop trading challenges traders to manage risks and stick to strategies, bringing them closer to becoming truly successful professionals. Upscale is built exactly for that — giving traders a chance to showcase their skills and earn by sharing profits.

Up to $100,000 Under Management — Transparent Terms Directly in Telegram

Upscale offers the opportunity to manage up to $100,000 without risking your own funds. Access to the program is available through a Telegram Stars subscription — fast, convenient, and transparent.

In the profit-sharing model, traders keep 80% of their profits, with the possibility to increase this share with consistent performance. This is one of the highest payout rates among prop platforms, where the average usually sits around 75%.

Trading conditions:

• 0.008% fees on opening and closing positions — lower than major CEXs (which average around 0.05–0.1%).
• Zero slippage on top crypto assets, including BTC, ETH, and other highly liquid pairs.
• Support for short-term strategies, including scalping — execution speed meets professional traders’ standards.

Trader support is available 24/7 — the Upscale team is ready to quickly resolve any issues, from technical problems to challenge progression. According to Binance Research, 60% of traders consider the quality of support a key factor when choosing a platform.

How Upscale Works: From Challenge to Funded Account

Upscale offers a clear and transparent path to gaining access to a trading account with up to $100,000 in capital:

1. Access — choosing challenge parameters. At this stage, traders select the profit targets and risk limits that suit them best.
2. Challenge Phase — the period where traders demonstrate their skills under controlled conditions. It’s crucial to show the ability to manage risks and achieve profit targets.
3. Funded Phase — access to a real account with up to $100,000 in company capital. From this point, traders work with company funds and can withdraw up to 80% of the profits.

The Telegram mini-app ensures constant communication — all progress updates, results, and new opportunities are delivered directly inside the messenger. For those who prefer extended features and analytics, a web version will be available soon.

A ranking and achievements system will make the process not only profitable but also more engaging and fun. New levels, rewards, and challenges will keep traders motivated and moving forward.

Upscale and Telegram Mini Apps — A New Standard for Trading

Upscale was created to remove the barriers between traders and trading opportunities. It’s not just about the conditions or the capital — it’s about making the trading environment itself accessible.

Instead of building a separate application with a traditional onboarding flow, Upscale works as a Telegram Mini App — within an ecosystem already used by over 1 billion people. Telegram is no longer just a messenger — it’s a platform for next-generation products.

Telegram Mini Apps offer:

• Instant start — no downloads or registrations, directly within the familiar chat interface;
• Simplified onboarding — one click and the user is already inside the trading terminal;
• Viral effect — the platform can be easily shared with friends, organically expanding the trader community.

For Upscale, this is not just about convenience — it’s a strategic choice, making prop trading accessible to millions of Telegram users.

Upscale — A New Chapter in Prop Trading

Prop trading has been a growth tool for professional traders in traditional finance. Today, Upscale brings this model into Telegram, providing access to capital and professional conditions where the crypto community already lives and evolves.

Everything is changing — trading formats, platforms, and growth models. But one thing remains unchanged — the opportunity to grow with the market. Upscale makes this path easier: no extra barriers, no clunky interfaces, and no compromises between convenience and quality.

Seamless access via Telegram, up to $100,000 under management, transparent terms, and 24/7 support — all of this forms a new standard of prop trading that becomes part of the Storm ecosystem.

Upscale App | News Channel | GitBook: How to Start with Upscale | X (Twitter)

The post Introducing Upscale: The First StarsFi Prop Trading Platform on Telegram appeared first on BeInCrypto.

HBAR, the native token of Hedera, has been experiencing a steady uptrend recently, attracting the attention of investors. The price surge has contributed to increased trading activity, but for traders, especially those holding short positions, this could lead to significant liquidations. 

While the altcoin is expected to continue its rise, the situation may become challenging for those who bet against it.

HBAR Traders Are In Danger

The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator shows strong inflows into HBAR, signaling that investor sentiment is bullish. The CMF has bounced above the zero line for the first time since December 2024, showing strong demand.

The inflows indicate that investors continue to pour money into the asset, bolstering the price movement. With the CMF turning positive, the likelihood of sustained growth for HBAR increases, as long as the broader market maintains its bullish tone.

The liquidation map for HBAR, which tracks short positions, indicates that traders betting against the asset could face significant losses if the price continues to rise. HBAR’s current price sits at $0.19, not far from the key resistance level of $0.22. If HBAR breaches this resistance, approximately $70 million worth of short positions could be liquidated, leading to further upward pressure. This scenario highlights the intense battle between bullish investors and bearish traders.

Short traders who bet against HBAR are now at risk, as the broader market sentiment pushes the altcoin higher. The increasing momentum fueled by the strong inflows will likely catch many short positions off guard, forcing them to liquidate. If this liquidation occurs, it could lead to a sharp rise in the price of HBAR, further solidifying its bullish outlook.

HBAR Price Continues Its Incline

HBAR is currently trading at $0.194, just below the significant resistance level of $0.200. The altcoin has shown consistent growth over the past month, and with the current positive market sentiment, it is likely to continue rising. A successful break above $0.200 could confirm the bullish momentum and open the path for further gains.

Should HBAR manage to flip $0.200 into support, a rise to $0.220 would likely follow, triggering the $70 million in short liquidations. This would create additional upward pressure, accelerating HBAR’s price move and potentially pushing it higher in the short term.

However, if HBAR fails to maintain its upward trajectory and falls below the uptrend line, the price could slip under the $0.182 support level. Such a decline would likely bring HBAR to around $0.167, invalidating the current bullish outlook. Therefore, traders should closely monitor these key levels to determine the next steps for HBAR’s price action.

The post HBAR Set for $70 Million Liquidations as Uptrend Hints At Price Rise appeared first on BeInCrypto.