Bitcoin and Litecoin Hardware Wallet Scam Cost Victim $282M
On January 10, blockchain investigator ZachXBT described a hardware wallet social engineering scheme that stole $282 million in Bitcoin and Litecoin, the greatest individual crypto robbery of 2026.
It broke the August 2024 social engineering hack record of $243 million.
The current attacker instantly converted stolen assets into Monero on various instant exchanges, spiking XMR's price.
The perpetrator used Thorchain to connect Bitcoin to Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin to hide the funds' trail.
White House Crypto Advisor: DOJ Did Not Sell Forfeited Samourai Bitcoin
The US Department of Justice confirmed to Patrick Witt, executive director of the White House President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, that the assets were neither liquidated or sold.
“We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated,” Witt wrote on X on Friday, adding that the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would retain the Bitcoin.
Anchorage Digital Raises $400M for IPO
Anchorage's growth depends on its regulation. Anchorage Digital Bank National Association became the first US federally licensed crypto bank in 2021.
Anchorage has become more distinct as Washington formalizes stablecoin and digital asset infrastructure regulations.
Anchorage is positioning itself to lead stablecoin issuance and related services after the July GENIUS Act.
In September, CEO Nathan McCauley announced that the firm would quadruple its stablecoin team over the next year to meet bank, fintech, and worldwide institution demand for dollar-backed digital tokens.
Newrez Mortgage Uses Crypto Assets in Loan Decisions
Newrez will now examine acceptable crypto holdings alongside stocks and bonds, eliminating the need for borrowers to relinquish their digital assets before applying.
The lender will accept Bitcoin, Ether, spot ETFs backed by those assets, and U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins at launch.
US-regulated crypto exchanges, fintech platforms, brokerages, or national banks must hold the assets.
Newrez stated crypto valuations used in underwriting may be changed to reflect market volatility, but borrowers must pay closing fees and mortgages in US dollars.
