The ex-Safemoon executives were charged with defrauding investors through unscrupulous smart contracts.
SFM price dropped over 5 percent today despite the wider altcoin market following Bitcoin in bullish sentiment.
A New York jury convicted Braden John Karony, a former CEO of the SafeMoon (SFM) crypto project, on all crucial charges earlier on Wednesday, May 21. Karony was charged by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The verdict was a result of a two-week trial that concluded that the ex-Safemoon executives defrauded SFM investors by draining purportedly locked liquidity for their personal gains. The case prosecutor alleged that Karony alongside Thomas Smith, a former Safemoon CTO, and Kyle Nagy, the project’s creator, misappropriated millions of investors’ funds between 2021 and 2022.
While Smith has already pleaded guilty to all charges and testified against Karony, Nagy remains a fugitive, allegedly in Russia. Meanwhile, Karony will remain in police custody ahead of his sentencing, with his properties worth over $1.8 million seized.
Market Impact on the Safemoon Project
The Safemoon project has struggled to regain market share in the recent past following the indictment of the ex-officials. The project dropped in net valuation from nearly $1 billion to about $7.5 million at the time of this writing, according to our latest crypto oracle.
Following the announcement on Wednesday, SFM price dropped over 4 percent in the past 24 hours to trade about $0.00002 during the late North American trading session.
The Safemoon project has recorded sustained bearish sentiment in the recent past despite the wider altcoin market attempting to follow Bitcoin price in bullish sentiment. Furthermore, BTC price rallied over 4 percent in the past 24 hours to trade at about $109k, while the BNB and Dogecoin led in the wider altcoin recovery.
Movement (MOVE) token price dropped by over 15% after Coinbase’s announcement that it would suspend trading of the token on May 15, 2025. This announcement created panic in the market, causing a significant price fluctuation. The token’s decline is also linked to recent allegations of market manipulation, adding further uncertainty for investors.
Coinbase to Suspend Trading for MOVE Token
Crypto exchange Coinbase has revealed that it would suspend trading for the MOVE token starting on May 15. While the exchange didn’t specify the exact reasons for the decision, it pointed to its ongoing review process to ensure that listed assets meet its standards.
As a result, Coinbase moved MOVE’s order books to limit-only mode, meaning users could place or cancel limit orders, but no new trades could occur. The suspension will affect trading on Coinbase.com (Simple and Advanced Trade), Coinbase Exchange, and Coinbase Prime.
We regularly monitor the assets on our exchange to ensure they meet our listing standards. Based on recent reviews, we will suspend trading for Movement (MOVE) on May 15, 2025, on or around 2 PM ET.
The decision came in the background of the growing concerns related to the activity of the MOVE token on the market. The allegations of market manipulation surrounding the token have drawn scrutiny over its stability. In particular, World Liberty Financial, a Donald Trump linked company, has piqued greater scrutiny of the legitimacy of its token amid its recent ETH sell-off. Considering the uncertainty surrounding the token’s future after Coinbase’s actions and fear or further delistings on other exchanges, market participants are concerned.
MOVE Price Drop and Investor Reactions
After the announcement, the price of the MOVE token dropped more than 15%. According to the latest data, the token’s price is $0.224969, a 50% decline in the last month and 85% from its ATH of $1.45 in December 2024. This MOVE price decline shook investor confidence, prompting some traders to sell off their holdings.
The move by Coinbase is the major factor contributing to the price crash, especially given the ongoing concerns over MOVE’s market manipulation allegations.
This volatile period saw massive interest in the token resulting in a trading volume in MOVE that rose to approximately $374 million. Moreover, MOVE’s open interest in derivatives markets was also up 2.91% at $105.5 million, further indicating that traders were actively engaging with the token in derivative markets.
Allegations of Market Manipulation and Internal Investigations
Recently, MOVE has found itself embroiled in controversy over allegations it engaged in MOVE price manipulation ahead of its launch. According to investigation, the developer behind the MOVE token, Movement Labs entered into a partnership with Web3Port and a third party intermediary, Rentech. According to the arrangement, Rentech would manage a large percentage of the circulating supply of MOVE, helping raise prices shortly after its release.
The case also includes World Liberty Financial, another Movement Labs backer, which adds to the complexity. Moreover, in January, Movement, the network behind the token, discussed blockchain use with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team, just 8 days after Trump’s swearing-in.
However, Movement Labs internal communications suggested the company itself lacked knowledge of the full extent of market making agreements with Rentech and Web3Port. Movement Labs is now investigating these agreements to see if it was misled in the process.
The internal probe may clear up things that will hopefully restore much of the lost trust in MOVE. If Movement Labs finds it was misled, it may recover from the controversy. However, market performance has already started to suffer the damage to the token’s reputation as we see in the suspension plans and MOVE price dip.
Tap To Earn Pi Network native coin Pi coin is finally making real progress in the crypto world. Since launching its Open Mainnet on February 20, 2025, it has been listed on several well-known crypto exchanges. Now, all eyes are on one big question, which major exchange will list Pi Network next?
Where Is Pi Network Already Listed?
A few months after the launch of its mainnet, Pi has made its way onto platforms like OKX, Bitget, MEXC, Gate.io, BitMart, LBank, KuCoin, Bybit, and XT.com. These listings have allowed users to finally start trading PI tokens after years of waiting during the testnet and enclosed mainnet stages.
This shows that Pi is gaining momentum and slowly becoming part of the mainstream crypto market. However, the community is now hoping for more, especially a listing on major platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and others.
Binance May Be The First To List Pi Coin
Back in February 2025, Binance launched a community vote asking people if Pi should be listed. The results were loud and clear, as 88% of the 202,547+ voters said yes. While Binance hasn’t officially confirmed a listing yet, such strong community support could push them to take the next step.
If Binance lists Pi, it could open the doors to millions of new users, increase liquidity, and build even more trust in the project.
Who Else Might List Pi Next?
Besides Binance, other big players like Coinbase, Kraken, and Upbit haven’t added Pi to their platforms yet. But with trading volumes rising and more people talking about Pi, these exchanges may also be keeping a close eye on its progress.
As Pi continues its growth, getting listed on more top exchanges is only a matter of time, especially if the team behind Pi keeps proving its value.
As of now, Pi Network coin is trading around $0.59, reflecting a slight drop seen in the last 24 hours.
The post Who’s Next to List Pi Network? Major Exchanges Under Rader appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Tap To Earn Pi Network native coin Pi coin is finally making real progress in the crypto world. Since launching its Open Mainnet on February 20, 2025, it has been listed on several well-known crypto exchanges. Now, all eyes are on one big question, which major exchange will list Pi Network next? Where Is Pi …
In an exclusive AMA session hosted by BeInCrypto, Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex, unveiled the company’s bold expansion into the U.S. market. With a focus on self-custody, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions, and real-world usability, Wirex Pay is set to shake up how Americans interact with digital assets.
From spending stablecoins at 80 million merchants via Visa to instant on/off-ramp features powered by Bridge, Wirex is an all-inclusive payments platform. Lazarichev explained how this move addresses the growing U.S. demand for crypto solutions that combine speed, security, and control without sacrificing the convenience of traditional finance.
In this AMA, Lazarichev also shared how Wirex empowers users with full ownership of their funds, fosters DeFi adoption via its WXT token, and ensures enterprise-grade security. Let’s get into it!
Join the BeInCrypto Trading Community, participate in our AMA sessions, and earn cash prizes for your questions to our guest speakers!
AMA Session With Wirex
BeInCrypto: Today, we have a special guest speaker – Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex (@DmitryWirex)!
Ok, let’s start with this question
What motivated Wirex to expand its stablecoin payment platform to the U.S.?
Dmitry Lazarichev: The decision to expand Wirex’s stablecoin payment platform to the U.S. was motivated by the growing demand for seamless and secure crypto payment solutions in the country.
The U.S. has long been a leader in the adoption of digital assets, with both consumers and businesses seeking practical ways to leverage crypto in everyday transactions.
By bringing Wirex Pay to the U.S., we aim to meet this demand and offer users a simple, reliable way to use stablecoins in real-world payments while maintaining control over their assets.
Expanding to the U.S. was a strategic move to tap into a market that is rapidly evolving in terms of crypto adoption. The U.S. offers a unique combination of a large user base, innovation-driven businesses, and regulatory frameworks that support the growth of digital assets.
By providing Wirex Pay, we can facilitate the adoption of stablecoin-based transactions, which offer a more stable and secure alternative to traditional financial systems.
BIC: How does Wirex Pay differ from other payment platforms available in the U.S.?
Dmitry: Wirex Pay differentiates itself from other payment platforms by being a self-custodial solution. This means that users retain full control over their funds at all times, unlike many platforms that require users to trust a third party to manage their assets.
Additionally, Wirex Pay allows users to spend stablecoins at over 80 million merchants globally, thanks to its integration with Visa’s payment network. We also offer real-time conversions between crypto and fiat, ensuring smooth transactions without the need for complex wallet transfers or exchanges.
The core difference lies in the control we offer to our users. Most platforms are custodial, meaning they hold your assets in their wallets. Wirex Pay, however, allows users to retain ownership of their funds while making seamless payments through Visa’s global network.
This gives users the flexibility to spend stablecoins without needing to convert them to fiat first, making the process faster, simpler, and more secure.
BIC: What are the key features of Wirex Pay that U.S. users should be excited about?
Dmitry: U.S. users should be particularly excited about the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided through our partnership with Bridge, which allow for seamless, real-time conversions between stablecoins and fiat. This feature eliminates the delays typically associated with converting crypto to traditional currencies, making it easier to use digital assets in daily life.
In addition, users can benefit from real-time on-chain swaps for stablecoins and fiat, offering them greater flexibility and control. The ability to spend stablecoins directly at millions of merchants through the Visa network is also a standout feature.
The convenience of instant conversions ensures that users can access their funds in whichever form they need—whether crypto or fiat—without waiting for transactions to settle. This feature not only improves the user experience but also reduces friction in the transaction process.
Plus, having access to a wide range of merchants through Visa integration makes it incredibly convenient for users to pay with stablecoins wherever they go.
BIC: Can you explain how the collaboration with Bridge improves the user experience for U.S. customers and share more details about how stablecoin orchestration works through Bridge?
Dmitry: The collaboration with Bridge significantly enhances the Wirex user experience by making stablecoin transactions faster, more secure, and hassle-free. Bridge allows for real-time orchestration of stablecoin conversions, meaning users don’t have to manually swap assets or rely on third parties for transactions.
This process is automated and seamless, enabling users to convert between stablecoins and fiat instantly. For U.S. customers, this integration ensures that their funds are always available and ready to be spent, reducing wait times and simplifying the entire experience.
Bridge’s technology essentially streamlines the conversion process, so users don’t have to worry about manually exchanging stablecoins or worrying about market fluctuations. This automated orchestration provides a frictionless experience for users, ensuring that their transactions are not only fast but also secure.
By handling conversions behind the scenes, Bridge allows us to offer a more intuitive and efficient platform for U.S. users.
BIC: What are the benefits of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers while maintaining full control over funds?
Dmitry: The main benefit of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers is that it allows users to maintain full control over their funds while still making payments in a way that feels familiar. Users don’t need to trust a third party with their assets, as they can link their non-custodial wallets directly to the platform.
This gives them the flexibility to spend stablecoins at millions of merchants, without losing control of their crypto. Additionally, Wirex Pay offers seamless integration between crypto and traditional finance, so users can convert funds as needed without extra steps or delays.
The self-custodial nature of Wirex Pay is a game-changer for users who want to keep their crypto assets secure while still using them for daily purchases. This model eliminates the risk associated with custodial services, where assets are held by a third party.
Plus, the flexibility to use cards and bank transfers makes the platform accessible for a wider range of users, offering them the convenience of traditional payment methods while still enjoying the benefits of using stablecoins.
BIC: What kind of impact will the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided by Bridge have on U.S. users’ ability to convert crypto to fiat and vice versa?
Dmitry: The instant on/off-ramp solutions offered through Bridge will have a significant impact on U.S. users by removing the friction typically associated with crypto-to-fiat conversions.
Users can instantly convert their stablecoins into fiat, and vice versa, without waiting for transactions to settle or worrying about exchange rates.
This will make it much easier for users to use crypto in everyday life, whether they’re paying for goods, sending money, or managing their finances. The instant liquidity ensures that users can access their funds in the form they need, right when they need them.
This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who need to make quick payments or transfer funds between different currencies.
It eliminates the delays usually associated with conversion services, ensuring that users always have immediate access to the currency they require.
As a result, it also helps to make crypto more practical for everyday use, enabling faster transactions with fewer barriers.
BIC: Will the integration with Bridge allow U.S. businesses to accept payments in stablecoins directly? If so, what are the benefits for them?
Dmitry: Yes, U.S. businesses will be able to accept payments in stablecoins directly through Wirex Pay, thanks to our integration with Bridge.
The benefit for businesses is that they can avoid the volatility often associated with traditional cryptocurrencies, as stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies.
This offers businesses the ability to accept digital payments while maintaining predictable value. It also allows them to tap into a growing customer base that prefers to use crypto for transactions, opening up new revenue streams.
By accepting stablecoins, businesses not only offer a modern payment method but also reduce transaction fees and payment processing times compared to traditional methods.
This can lead to greater efficiency, lower costs, and faster payments, which are key advantages for businesses looking to innovate and attract a tech-savvy customer base.
BIC: How does Wirex envision the future of crypto payments in the U.S., and what role will Wirex play in it?
Dmitry: Wirex envisions a future where crypto payments are integrated seamlessly into everyday life. As more people adopt digital currencies, we see a growing demand for stablecoin payments that are easy to use and widely accepted.
Wirex’s role will be to make these payments as simple and accessible as traditional card payments or bank transfers. We aim to provide the infrastructure and user-friendly tools that make it easy for individuals and businesses to use stablecoins in real-world transactions.
The future of crypto payments is about making digital currencies as easy to use as cash or credit cards. Wirex aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing U.S. users with the tools they need to transact easily and securely in a digital economy.
As the market evolves, we’ll continue to refine our platform and expand its capabilities to meet the changing needs of both consumers and businesses.
BIC: What updates and new features can U.S. users expect from Wirex in the next six months to a year?
Dmitry: In the next six months to a year, U.S. users can expect a variety of exciting updates and new features. We’re focused on expanding the range of stablecoins available on the platform, improving transaction speeds, and integrating with more payment systems to enhance user experience.
We’ll also be refining our platform’s security features and introducing additional tools that will make managing crypto assets even easier. These updates will ensure that Wirex remains a top choice for crypto payments in the U.S.
In addition to these enhancements, we’ll be rolling out improvements based on user feedback, ensuring that our platform meets the evolving needs of our growing U.S. user base.
The goal is to make Wirex Pay even more accessible and feature-rich, making it easier for U.S. users to navigate and manage their digital assets with confidence.
BIC: Now, my favourite part — questions from our Community
@Nauraa42: How does WXT bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), and what role does it play in Wirex’s long-term vision of integrating crypto into everyday financial transactions?
Dmitry: WXT, Wirex’s native token, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance, acting as the bridge that connects these two worlds within the Wirex ecosystem. Through its utility, WXT helps to simplify the user experience, making DeFi more accessible to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional finance users.
One of the key ways WXT bridges this gap is by offering users a seamless way to participate in DeFi services while also engaging in everyday financial transactions. WXT can be used for earning rewards, and accessing exclusive benefits within the Wirex platform.
These features enable traditional finance users to explore DeFi in a straightforward and familiar manner. For example, users can earn rewards by staking WXT, gaining exposure to DeFi principles like yield farming, without needing to fully immerse themselves in complex DeFi protocols. This hands-on approach provides an easy entry point for those new to the space.
In the long run, WXT plays a key role in Wirex’s mission to make digital finance mainstream. By incorporating WXT into both DeFi activities and everyday transactions, Wirex is positioning itself as a bridge that connects users to the benefits of decentralized finance while ensuring they have the tools and rewards they need to make crypto a regular part of their financial lives.
BIC: @PaulTan001: Wirex is fantastic, and it has good ideas. Each project has interesting stories before it is created. So can you tell us about the story, problems, difficulties, etc., that gave you the motivation to build and develop Wirex?
Dmitry: Absolutely! Pavel Matveev and I, in fact, discussed the inspiration and journey behind Wirex in a recent anniversary episode of the Wirex Crypto Podcast.
We reflected on the exciting moments and the challenges we faced along the way in building the platform from the ground up. If you’re curious about our journey, the lessons we’ve learned, and the vision behind Wirex, make sure to check out the full episode here:
BIC: @tamishabaumann2: How can we trust WIREX and believe it is not a scam project? A lot of rug pulls and exit scams are happening these days.
Dmitry: It’s completely understandable to be cautious, especially with the rise of scams in the crypto space.
However, Wirex is a fully regulated and trusted platform with a proven track record of transparency, security, and compliance. We’re committed to safeguarding our users’ assets and providing them with a reliable, long-term solution for managing both crypto and traditional finance.
At Wirex, security is a top priority. We deploy multiple layers of advanced security measures to protect our customers and their assets. For example, we use Fireblocks Secure MPC Technology, which leverages Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to ensure private keys are never exposed and eliminate any single points of failure. This technology helps secure your assets with institutional-grade protection.
Additionally, all significant withdrawals from Wirex require multi-signature and multi-approval processes, which involve strict approval by authorized personnel using verified devices. This ensures that unauthorized transactions are prevented. We also utilize whitelisted and time-locked transactions, restricting withdrawals to pre-approved addresses and applying time delays for high-value transactions to further mitigate risks.
To further protect our users, Wirex has an advanced fraud and risk management system in place. We continuously monitor transactions for suspicious activity and use automated risk controls and fraud detection algorithms to block unauthorized transfers in real time. We also collaborate with leading cybersecurity and blockchain analytics firms to stay ahead of emerging threats and malicious actors.
Wirex operates in compliance with the highest industry standards. We are ISO 27001 and PCI DSS 4.0 certified, adhering to globally recognized cybersecurity and privacy management standards. Our commitment to regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia, ensures transparency and resilience. Additionally, our security infrastructure undergoes regular third-party audits to validate and strengthen our defenses against evolving threats.
Wirex has been operational for over 10 years, and with the combination of these security protocols, regulatory adherence, and industry best practices, we offer our users peace of mind that their assets are in safe hands. We believe in the power of transparency and security, and we work tirelessly to provide a platform that users can trust.
BIC: @ngocsont993: Can you tell us about WIREX’s team members? Are they qualified and professional in their fields? What are the recruiting qualifications for team members of WIREX?
Dmitry: Absolutely! At Wirex, we are incredibly proud of our team, which is made up of highly skilled and qualified professionals who bring a wide range of expertise from fields like finance, technology, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and more.
Our team members share a common passion for transforming the financial landscape, and together, we work toward our goal of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrency.
Wirex has built a global presence with offices in key locations such as London, Italy, Singapore, and Ukraine. Each office plays an integral role in our operations, helping to ensure we can serve our diverse user base across various regions and maintain a high level of service and innovation. Our teams in these offices bring a wealth of regional expertise while contributing to Wirex’s overarching vision of revolutionizing digital finance on a global scale.
Recruiting at Wirex is a highly selective process, and we seek individuals who not only have strong technical expertise but also align with our values of transparency, security, and innovation.
We are open to accepting brilliant minds from around the world to join us in creating a new story. We believe in building a diverse and dynamic team that reflects the global nature of the crypto ecosystem. You can check out our job openings here https://wirex.bamboohr.com/careers
BIC: @trgdoa: Can you provide WIREX’s official Telegram group links and social media links? I have seen many similar groups.
Dmitry: Sure! For official communication and updates, here are the links to Wirex’s official Telegram group and social media profiles:
Make sure you’re following these official channels for the latest news, announcements, and support. If you see other similar groups, please be cautious and make sure they are not unofficial or potential scams. Always rely on the official Wirex links for your safety and security!
BIC: It was the last question of our AMA session!
@DmitryWirex thank you for being here today
Conclusion
Wirex’s move into the U.S. marks a thoughtful step toward making stablecoin payments more accessible and user-friendly. By offering self-custodial control, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions through Bridge, and integration with Visa’s payment network, Wirex provides a practical solution for those looking to use digital assets in everyday life.
As Dmitry Lazarichev highlighted in the AMA, the focus is on combining the convenience of traditional payments with the benefits of stablecoins, without compromising on security or user control.
With clear use cases for both individuals and businesses, Wirex Pay shows potential to support wider adoption of crypto payments in a way that feels familiar, yet future-ready.
(@CoinbaseAssets) 
