CoinDesk Podcast Network

This week, we dig into the rise of BitConnect, the strange kidnapping case that ultimately helped unravel the scheme and an important Texas Securities Commission cease and desist order.

"Crypto Crooks" is sponsored by Chainalysis.

BitConnect investors were on top of the world. Their investments were going up, up and up. The BitConnect token was making inroads around the world. It was almost too good to be true.

Or rather, it was too good to be true.

In this first episode of “Crypto Crooks,” we go back to the beginning with Amitoj Singh, a CoinDesk regulatory reporter based in India, to look at the rise of BitConnect. We also tackle some of the crimes surrounding the company, including a vicious kidnapping, and the suspicions regulators quickly brought to BitConnect’s door. It was a glorious beginning … already ripe for a tragic end.

Clips:

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Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, Web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.

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“Crypto Crooks” is a CoinDesk Podcast Production. The executive producer is Jared Schwartz, with additional production by Eleanor Pahl, Rob Mitchell, Nora Battelle, Jonas Huck, and Moon Beast. Fact-checking is by Amber Von Schassen, and sound design and music are by Altus Noumena. This show is written and voiced by David Z. Morris.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to sources, the U.S. agencies’ investigations are in early stages and Digital Currency Group has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

On today’s episode, NLW catches up on:

(CoinDesk is an independent subsidiary of DCG.) 

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Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code BREAKDOWN to get 15% off your pass. Visit https://consensus.coindesk.com/register/?utm_campaign=thebreakdown&utm_content=c23&utm_medium=marketing&utm_source=podcast&utm_term=organic&utm_id=c23

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“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Image credit: z_wei/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The most valuable crypto stories for Monday, January 9, 2023. 

"The Hash" group discusses today's top stories, including around 117 parties expressing interest in buying units of FTX, according to a legal filing. Plus, Metropolitan Commercial Bank announces it will end its crypto-related services because of "recent developments" in the digital asset industry. And, a closer look at the super bearish ether trade that made all the noise last week.

See also: 

Around 117 Parties Interested in Buying FTX Units, Court Documents Show

Metropolitan Bank Heads for Crypto Exit

The Ether Trade That Made the Most Noise Last Week

Ethereum in 2023: Here’s What to Look Forward To

Ethereum Builder ConsenSys and AMD SPAC Plows on Despite 95% of Shares Being Redeemed

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This episode has been edited by Michele Musso. Our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Neon Beach.”

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With billions of customers around the globe, Anheuser-Busch (AB) produces some of the most popular products in the world. In this episode, Spencer Gordon joins us to discuss how AB entered the Web3 space and how Anheuser-Busch is utilizing its heritage brands to deepen customer relationships and create unique connections through collectibles, communities and experiences.

Spencer Gordon, group vice president, consumer connections at Anheuser-Busch sits down with Avery and Sam to discuss AB’s long-term approach and Web3 strategy with legacy brands including Budweiser and Bud Light. Hear Spencer’s take on how to create longstanding value directly to consumers through targeted tactics that ladder up to a brand’s core strategy.

Links mentioned from the podcast: 

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From our sponsor:

Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26-28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code GENC to get 15% off your pass. Visit coindesk.com/consensus

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"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Adrian Blust, Uyen Truong and Eleanor Pahl. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this Long Reads Sunday, NLW reads:

The worst of Bitcoin mining in 2022 by Zack Voell 

What Will It Take for Bitcoin Mining Companies to Survive in 2023? By George Kaloudis 

Bitcoin Mining: A Positive or Negative Indicator for the Future of Crypto? By Daniel Kuhn 

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“The Breakdown” is written, produced by, and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with today’s editing by Michele Musso and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Image credit: Yuichiro Chino/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A roundup of the week’s most valuable crypto stories for Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. 

Missed any episodes of “The Hash” this week? Today’s recap episode will get you caught up.

“Hash Headlines” rounds up this week’s headline stories, including:

Links to the headlines:  

Sam Bankman-Fried Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ to Fraud, Conspiracy Charges

Bahamas-FTX Dispute Heats Up as Bankman-Fried Prepares for Trial

Silvergate shares tumble as crypto bank reveals $8.1bn fall in deposits  

Crypto Exchange Huobi Sees $60M Token Outflows in a Day: Nansen  

Tron's Price Sinks 8%, USDD Depegs Amid Drama at Justin Sun-Related Huobi Crypto Exchange

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This episode has been edited by Michele Musso. Our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Neon Beach.”

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since the House of Representatives can’t seem to elect a Speaker, can they be expected to pass crypto legislation?

On the first Weekly Recap of 2023, NLW hones in on the political impasse in Washington D.C. and explores whether a divided Congress (and a divided Republican party within Congress) might be good for crypto in a year when politicians are feeling animosity towards the industry. 

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“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with today’s editing by Michele Musso and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Image credit: mathisworks/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lawsuit is filed against Celsius, Silvergate drops 46%, and Huobi and Genesis layoff employees.

NLW profiles another brutal week in the crypto computation and cleanup following the disasters of 2022. 

He examines:

Disclaimer: DCG is the parent company of CoinDesk. 

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“The Breakdown” is written, produced by, and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with today’s editing by Michele Musso and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Image credit: CSA Images/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode is sponsored by the Galaxy Brains Podcast.

The most valuable crypto stories for Friday, January 6, 2023.

Crypto exchange Huobi saw turbulent trading in its HT token during Asian daytime hours after it confirmed a 20% staff reduction. The exchange has experienced outflows of $64 million in the past 24 hours, according to Nansen. "The Hash" group shares their hot takes on Huobi's latest development and other top stories of the day.

See also: 

Tron's Price Sinks 8%, USDD Depegs Amid Drama at Justin Sun-Related Huobi Crypto Exchange

Crypto Exchange Huobi Sees $60M Token Outflows in a Day: Nansen

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This episode has been edited by Adrian Blust. Our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Neon Beach.”

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Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=Hash&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aren't we supposed to stop the “Sam Bankman-Frieds” of the world from doing exactly what Sam Bankman-Fried did with this technology? Has the crypto community elevated the concept of “decentralization” to the point that we have lost sight of why we are here?

On this episode of “Money Reimagined,” which was recorded in December  Michael Casey and Sheila Warren have a chat session, together diving into all the happenings of the crypto environment in the past year of 2022. They discuss the rise and fall of bitcoin, the distance and disparities between how the crypto universe sees things and how others see things, Ukraine, DeFi, leverage, scaling, what the past year reveals for the new year to come and much more. 

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This episode was produced and edited by Michele Musso, and our executive producer, Jared Schwartz. Theme song used is by “Shepard.”

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.