Author: dfmines

Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity exclusively for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence centers.The move is part of a broader digital transformation plan spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council and backed by the Ministry of Finance, according to a May 25 report by local news outlet 24NewsHD TV Channel.In the first phase, the government plans to channel excess power into AI infrastructure and crypto mining operations. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the decision is expected to attract billions in foreign investment while generating high-tech employment across the country.The initiative’s second phase will introduce access to renewable energy for mining operations, aiming to balance growth with environmental responsibility.Related: Trump-backed World Liberty Financial partners with Pakistan Crypto CouncilPakistan unveils tax incentives to attract investorsPer the report, interest from international Bitcoin (BTC) miners and AI firms has already picked up. Officials confirmed that multiple foreign delegations have visited Pakistan in recent months to explore potential partnerships.To further incentivize investment, the Ministry of Finance announced a package of tax incentives for AI centers and duty exemptions for Bitcoin miners.Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, reportedly welcomed the development, calling it a “turning point” for the country’s digital economy.Saqib claimed that with clear regulations and a transparent framework, Pakistan could emerge as a significant player in the global crypto and AI sectors.Saqib first proposed using the country’s runoff energy to fuel Bitcoin mining at the Crypto Council’s inaugural meeting on March 21.The meeting included lawmakers, the Bank of Pakistan’s governor, the chairman of Pakistan’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), and the federal information technology secretary.Related: Pakistan proposes compliance-based crypto regulatory framework — ReportPakistan creates Digital Asset AuthorityOn May 21, Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance endorsed the creation of a dedicated body to regulate blockchain-based financial infrastructure in the country.The Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) will serve as a regulatory body to oversee licensing and regulating exchanges, custodians, wallets, tokenized platforms, stablecoins, and decentralized finance applications.The PDAA will also be tasked with tokenizing national assets and government debt, facilitating monetization of Pakistan’s surplus electricity through regulated Bitcoin mining, and helping startups build blockchain-based solutions at scale.Pakistan ranked highly in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption index, coming in ninth, mainly due to strong retail adoption and transactions at centralized services.Pakistan ranked highly in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption index, coming in 9th. Source: ChainalysisData from Statista also shows Pakistan’s crypto market is “experiencing rapid growth,” estimating the number of crypto users to amount to over 27 million by 2025, out of a population of 247 million.Magazine: Bitcoin bears eye $69K, CZ denies WLF ‘fixer’ rumors: Hodler’s Digest, May 18 – 24

Key points:Bitcoin is heading further away from its latest all-time highs as US trade tariffs dictate the mood.Traders are unfazed, arguing that BTC price action can retest even lower levels while maintaining its bull run.Hyperliquid trader James Wynn goes short BTC after closing a long worth $1.25 billion.Bitcoin (BTC) failed to maintain $108,000 into the May 25 weekly close as price action struggled to shake off new US trade war woes.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewTrump “hot air” blamed as Bitcoin halts price discoveryData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD staying near multiday lows.After snap losses accompanied comments by US President Donald Trump over 50% tariffs on goods from the EU, crypto immediately felt the heat, and $112,000 remained Bitcoin’s latest all-time high.Further episodes, this time involving goods from specific tech giants, continued the impact, leading market participants to complain about Trump’s hold over volatility.Source: Truth Social“More hot air from the Manipulator in Chief,” Keith Alan, co-founder of trading resource Material Indicators, wrote in part of a response on X.Alan nonetheless had good news for Bitcoin bulls, arguing that price had more room to retest support without extinguishing the broader uptrend.“The MACRO trend line and 2 key Moving Averages on the Bitcoin Daily chart currently have confluence with the Yearly Open,” he noted, referring to the BTC/USD 2025 opening level at around $93,500. “As long as BTC is trading above that zone, the Bull trend is still intact.”BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Keith Alan/XPopular trader Crypto Tony held a similar view, suggesting that even another $4,000 drop from current levels by the weekly close would be acceptable.$BTC / $USD – Update A close above $108,000 this week would be perfect, but a close above $104,000 is equally as ok as we clear the resistance zone pic.twitter.com/f1jYRouinj— Crypto Tony (@CryptoTony__) May 25, 2025Fellow trader Merlijn eyed a classic short-term BTC price magnet in the form of a new “gap” on CME Group’s Bitcoin futures.“$BTC just left a fresh CME Gap at $107,230,” he showed on the day. “These gaps don’t stay open for long. Expect price to come back and fill it. Eyes on that level.”BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Merlijn The Trader/XBTC trading giant Wynn flips shortIn a move that quickly caught the attention of market observers, meanwhile, one large-volume trader suddenly flipped short on BTC this weekend.Related: Bitcoin ‘looks exhausted’ as next bear market yields $69K targetAs Cointelegraph reported, Hyperliquid trader James Wynn had previously opened a $125 billion long position but began losing money over the Trump volatility.As noted by research firm Lookonchain, not only had Wynn closed his long but had replaced it with a new short position worth around $110 million.Top trader @JamesWynnReal has flipped bearish on $BTC, switching from long to short.He opened a $BTC short position of 1,038.7 $BTC($111.8M) at $107,711.1 an hour ago, with a liquidation price of $149,100.https://t.co/BMeuztgBNE pic.twitter.com/uLypq5kLTj— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) May 25, 2025“That’s a lot of trading for an illiquid choppy weekend,” trader Daan Crypto Trades wrote while reacting to the switch on X. This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

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Bitcoin is wrapping up the week with strength, trading above the $105,000 mark after a sharp rally that pushed prices to a new all-time high near $112,000. The move reignited bullish momentum across the market, with traders and analysts now turning their focus to what could be the next phase of this cycle. Related Reading: Tron Bulls Regain Control – On-Chain Data Shows Fresh Buying Pressure Despite the aggressive push higher, on-chain data suggests the market remains healthy. Top analyst Darkfost highlighted that net realized profits are still within normal levels for a bull run. According to his analysis, profit-taking is not a sign of weakness—it’s a necessary part of market structure during uptrends. “This is what keeps investors engaged and prevents parabolic exhaustion,” he noted. The recent price action points to a potential shift in market dynamics, as Bitcoin breaks out of its post-halving consolidation phase. With weekly support forming above $105K and realized profit metrics staying in check, bulls are eyeing higher levels. If this momentum holds, the $112K rejection may only be a short-term hurdle. As always, volatility remains in play—but this week’s close sends a strong signal: the bull market structure is still intact. Bitcoin Has Room To Grow As It Prepares For Historic Weekly Close Bitcoin is on track to record its highest weekly close in history, signaling growing strength as it prepares for what many believe could be the next major bullish phase. After surging to a new all-time high near $112,000 earlier this week, BTC is now stabilizing above the $105,000 level—positioning itself above key short-term support going into next week. Still, while price action paints a bullish picture, macroeconomic conditions continue to pose risks. High interest rates, tightening financial conditions, and broader market uncertainty remain major factors. Investors are cautiously optimistic, but volatility could quickly return if global risk sentiment deteriorates. On-chain data offers a more grounded view of the current cycle. According to Darkfost, CryptoQuant data shows that realized profits currently stand at 104,000 BTC, or around $11 billion. While that number may seem large, it’s still well below the historical danger zone of 350,000 BTC—a level that typically signals euphoric conditions or overheating. This suggests the market remains in a healthy profit-taking zone. “Profit-taking is not a red flag during a bull market,” Darkfost noted. “It’s necessary. It helps maintain momentum and keeps participants engaged.” The coming week will be critical. A confirmed weekly close above $105K could solidify this level as new support and set the stage for further upside. But if bulls fail to hold ground, the rally risks losing steam. For now, Bitcoin appears strong, but the market is entering a zone where conviction will be tested. Related Reading: Bitcoin Pulls Back To Daily EMA 8 – Can Bulls Hold Momentum? BTC Holds Key Support After Rejection From New ATH Bitcoin is currently trading around $107,750 after a volatile week that saw prices hit a new all-time high near $112,000. The daily chart shows BTC pulling back from overbought conditions but holding firmly above the 34-day EMA at $100,886—a level that has consistently acted as dynamic support during this uptrend. Price remains well above the 50, 100, and 200-day SMAs, confirming a strong bullish structure. The key horizontal support at $103,600—now reclaimed—is another crucial zone. This level previously acted as a resistance ceiling during the March-April range and now serves as a potential launchpad if BTC consolidates above it. Volume appears to be declining slightly on the pullback, which may suggest this is a healthy retrace rather than a reversal. As long as Bitcoin maintains above the $103,600–$105,000 zone, bulls remain in control. A deeper correction would find initial support around the 34 EMA and then the 100 SMA near $91,000. Related Reading: Ethereum Holds Above Key Prices – Data Points To $2,900 Level As Bullish Trigger For now, the bullish trend remains intact. However, rejection at $112K and slowing momentum call for caution. A weekly close above $105K would confirm strength, while a break below $103K could trigger short-term weakness. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Michael Burry, known for predicting the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, sold a major portion of his holdings during Q1 to focus on a single cosmetics stock: Estée Lauder. Analysts believe Burry expects a recession, based on the notion that makeup purchases tend to increase during economic downturns as consumers’ spending habits shift. Michael Burry […]

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A Manhattan crypto investor is facing serious charges after allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man in a disturbing bid to extract access to digital assets.John Woeltz, 37, was arraigned on Saturday in Manhattan criminal court following his arrest on Friday. He stands accused of holding a 28-year-old Italian man captive for weeks inside a luxury townhouse in Soho, reportedly rented for $30,000 per month.According to police reports cited by The New York Times, the victim arrived in the US on May 6 and was allegedly abducted by Woeltz and an accomplice.The attackers are said to have stolen the man’s passport and electronic devices before demanding the password to his Bitcoin (BTC) wallet. When he refused, the suspects allegedly subjected him to prolonged physical abuse.Source: Mario NawfalRelated: Violent crypto robberies on the rise: Six attacks that targeted investorsCrypto victim beaten, electroshockedThe victim described being beaten, shocked with electricity, assaulted with a firearm and even dangled from the upper floors of the five-story building.He also told police that Woeltz used a saw to cut his leg and forced him to smoke crack cocaine. Threats were also reportedly made against his family.Photographic evidence found inside the property, including Polaroids, appears to support claims of sustained abuse. The victim managed to escape on Friday and alert authorities, leading to Woeltz’s arrest.Woeltz was charged with four felony counts, including kidnapping for ransom, and entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Eric Schumacher ordered him to be held without bail. He is expected back in court on May 28.A 24-year-old woman was also taken into custody on Friday in connection with the incident. However, she was seen walking freely in New York the next day, and no charges against her were found in the court’s online database.Authorities have yet to clarify the relationship between the suspect and the victim or whether any cryptocurrency was ultimately stolen.Related: Crypto crime goes industrial as gangs launch coins, launder billions — UNCrypto executives turn to bodyguardsExecutives and investors in the crypto industry are increasingly seeking personal security services as kidnapping and ransom cases surge, especially in France.On May 18, Amsterdam-based private firm Infinite Risks International reported a rise in requests for bodyguards and long-term protection contracts from high-profile figures in the space.French authorities have responded by introducing enhanced protections for crypto entrepreneurs and their families, including security briefings and priority access to police assistance.This comes amid a recent surge in kidnappings and ransom attempts. David Balland, the co-founder of hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped in January 2025 and held for ransom for several days before being rescued by French police.In May 2024, the father of an unnamed crypto entrepreneur was freed from a ransom attempt after French law enforcement officials raided the location in a Paris suburb where the individual was being held hostage by organized criminals.Magazine: Bitcoiner sex trap extortion? BTS firm’s blockchain disaster: Asia Express

Bitcoin could climb higher before June wraps up, if today’s momentum holds. According to Shunyet Jan, Head of Derivatives at Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, a move to $125,000 by the end of Q2 is on the table. That’s a jump of about 16% from current levels near $108,000. It’s a bold call, but Jan ties it to clear rules, steady fund flows and a sliding US dollar. Related Reading: Investors Pour $2.75 Billion Into Bitcoin ETFs As Price Skyrockets Bitcoin: Bold Price Forecast Jan set the $125,000 target in a market update on Thursday. He argues that if big players keep buying, Bitcoin can make that climb from roughly $108,100 today to $125,000 in five weeks. It’s a tight window. The weeks ahead will matter most as prices test new highs and traders look for clues on follow-through. Bybit’s Head of Derivatives Predicts Bitcoin Could Reach $125K by End of Q2 — WF (@WhaleFUD) May 24, 2025 Three Main Drivers Regulatory clarity tops Jan’s list. Based on reports, the new GENIUS Act gives stablecoins defined rules, which could help banks and funds feel safer about crypto. He also mentions spot Bitcoin ETFs. These funds have pulled in fresh capital, offering a straight path for institutions to own Bitcoin. Finally, Jan points to a weaker US dollar. When the dollar dips, Bitcoin often shines as an alternative store of value, his view goes. Altcoin Outlook Mixed While Bitcoin gets the green light, Jan warns that smaller tokens may struggle. He says high interest rates and global uncertainty might limit gains for Ethereum and other major altcoins. If money slows or risk appetite wanes, altcoins could lag behind Bitcoin’s rally. Traders aiming beyond BTC may need to pick their spots more carefully. Other Expert Predictions Jan’s view isn’t alone. Scott Melker, host of The Wolf of All Streets podcast, thinks Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by December 31, 2025. He notes BTC’s volatility has fallen from about three times that of the S&P to under two times. On another front, Adam Back of Blockstream sees an even steeper climb to between $500,000 and $1 million per coin this cycle. Michael Saylor, CEO of Strategy, adds that recent hiccups below $150,000 are tied to short-term holders exiting. He says longer-term investors are moving in through spot ETFs and corporate buys. Related Reading: Think Big? Multiply It By A Billion — XRP Tied To ‘Greatest’ Global Meeting: CEO What Comes Next Investors will be watching ETF flow reports and any shifts in US rate plans. A surprise hawkish move from the Federal Reserve or a fresh regulatory twist could sway prices just as much as demand. If Bitcoin breaks toward $125,000, it would mark a major milestone. But as always, timing matters nearly as much as price targets. Featured image from Gemini Imagen, chart from TradingView

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