Share this article A retired man claims he lost his entire crypto savings after his Ellipal cold wallet was hacked and drained of 1.2 million XRP this month. The stash would be valued at over $3 million at current prices. “I’ve been in crypto since 2017,” said the victim, Brandon LaRoque, in a YouTube video posted Thursday describing how his life savings vanished overnight. “I’ve been accumulating XRP for the past eight years. I’ve accumulated over 1.2 million XRP, which is worth over three million dollars now.” The 54-year-old retiree said the breach occurred on a Sunday morning, later identified as Oct. 12 by blockchain sleuth ZachXBT. He didn’t realize what had happened until Oct. 16, when he checked his wallet and found that his XRP balance had been emptied. The unauthorized transactions began with two small transfers of 10 XRP each, followed by a large transfer of about 1.29 million XRP to a newly created wallet, according to Brandon. “They sent it to one wallet that had just been created a few minutes earlier, and then they turned around and sent that 1,290,000; they sent it out to about 30 different wallets,” he said. The stolen funds were then distributed across hundreds of wallets in a suspected mixing technique to obscure the transaction trail. “I guess it’s somewhere between 500 and 900 wallets,” Brandon explained. Brandon has filed a report with IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) and contacted local law enforcement, though local authorities indicated they lack expertise in crypto-related crimes. “We were planning on moving out to Las Vegas and buying a house. She was actually supposed to go look at one next week,” Brandon said, referring to plans with his wife, who is nearly 60 years old. “It was our whole retirement for my wife and I, and I don’t know what we’re gonna do. I guess we’re gonna go back to work.” Blockchain investigator ZachXBT identified the victim’s address and found that the attacker used Bridgers to create over 120 Ripple-to-Tron bridge transactions. The stolen XRP tokens were consolidated and laundered by Oct. 15 through OTCs tied to Huione, an illicit marketplace in Southeast Asia recently sanctioned by the US. 1/ A video went viral on YT this week after a US based victim lost $3.05M (1.2M XRP) from their Ellipal wallet. Here’s the tracing of where the stolen funds ended up and the biggest takeaways for similar thefts. pic.twitter.com/Gyw0OWjts4 — ZachXBT (@zachxbt) October 19, 2025 ZachXBT stated that the victim likely confused an Ellipal hot wallet with its cold storage product and added that recovery prospects are “low,” warning that “over 95% of recovery companies are predatory.” In a statement after the incident surfaced, Ellipal said it has been “in direct contact with the user” and is “doing everything possible to assist.” We’ve been in direct contact with the user and have been doing everything possible to assist. After investigating, we confirmed that the loss occurred because the cold wallet seed phrase was imported into the app, which turned it into a hot wallet. ELLIPAL’s cold wallets remain… — ELLIPAL (@ellipalwallet) October 19, 2025 The company’s investigation found that the loss occurred because the cold wallet’s seed phrase was imported into the Ellipal app, effectively converting it into a hot wallet.
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Coins Top 100 Coins Trending Cryptos Performance Recently Listed Gainers All Categories All Time High Blockchains Global Market Data Ecosystems Fundraising Funding Rounds Funds Analytics Dashboard IDO/ICO IDO/ICO IDO Launchpad ROI Launchpads CEX Launchpad ROI Launchpool Analytics Dashboard Node Sale Exchanges CEX CEX Transparency CEX Listing Performance DEX Exchange Tokens ETH Bridge Token Unlocks Token Unlocks Analytics VC Pressure Products Research Rewards Maps Drop Hunting Alerts Converter Widgets Market Data API Futures and Options Affiliate Program Watchlist Portfolio A resurfaced Ripple document has caught the crypto community’s attention after researcher SMQKE shared an internal page titled “XRP Demand Examined.” The paper lays out Ripple’s business model in unusually plain terms — showing that the company’s long-term plan for XRP’s success depends not on hype or speculation, but on real-world demandand actual network usage. According to the document, Ripple’s framework is built on a simple but powerful premise: if the Ripple protocol sees broad adoption, XRP demand will rise naturally — and so will its value. It’s not about short-term price action or trader excitement. It’s about sustained utility. The company explicitly states that for XRP’s demand to grow organically, the asset must serve a tangible purpose within the ecosystem. And that purpose, Ripple says, comes down to two main functions: securing the network and acting as a bridge currency for cross-ledger transfers. The document dives deeper into how XRP contributes to network security. Each transaction burns a small fraction of XRP — a deliberate design choice that prevents spam and denial-of-service attacks. This tiny burn cost ensures that only legitimate activity passes through, keeping the network efficient and reliable. Ripple’s note goes on to explain that XRP’s appreciation isn’t meant to happen “by default.” Price growth, it says, should come from adoption — from real businesses and institutions using the protocol. Speculation might move prices temporarily, but it’s not what Ripple is banking on. Instead, the focus is on building real utility and scaling genuine demand for XRP through financial use cases like cross-border liquidity, remittances, and settlement. In essence, Ripple made it clear that market value should follow utility, not the other way around. That message contrasts sharply with how many investors often view XRP — as a quick-trade asset, not as a backbone of financial infrastructure. After SMQKE’s post spread, XRP supporters jumped into discussion. Many highlighted Ripple’s transparent acknowledgment that the company’s success depends entirely on adoption, not speculation. One community member said plainly that “real usage drives the network — not hype,” while another user, Cedric Beau, pointed out that the document “proves XRP’s price potential is conditional on actual utility.” Beau’s comment resonated with many: if XRP isn’t being used at scale, there’s no organic reason for its price to rise. This clear separation between speculative excitement and functional demand reaffirms Ripple’s long-standing position — that XRP’s worth will come from measurable network activity and integration, not retail hype cycles. The resurfaced document ties back to something Ripple has been saying for years — real adoption is the foundation for XRP’s future. It’s not about who’s holding the token, but who’s using it. Every burned fraction of XRP, every cross-ledger transaction, and every integration with financial infrastructure strengthens that base. In short, Ripple’s vision hasn’t changed: network activity fuels demand, and demand determines value. If XRP truly becomes a key piece of global payments and liquidity, appreciation will follow naturally — not because of speculation, but because the system needs it. The post Ripple’s Internal Document Reveals XRP’s True Value Comes From Real Utility, Not Hype first appeared on BlockNews. Read More A resurfaced Ripple document has caught the crypto community’s attention after researcher SMQKE shared an internal page titled “XRP Demand Examined.” The paper lays out Ripple’s business model in unusually plain terms — showing that the company’s long-term plan for XRP’s success depends not on hype or speculation, but on real-world demandand actual network usage. According to the document, Ripple’s framework is built on a simple but powerful premise: if the Ripple protocol sees broad adoption, XRP demand will rise naturally — and so will its value. It’s not about short-term price action or trader excitement. It’s about sustained utility. The company explicitly states that for XRP’s demand to grow organically, the asset must serve a tangible purpose within the ecosystem. And that purpose, Ripple says, comes down to two main functions: securing the network and acting as a bridge currency for cross-ledger transfers. The document dives deeper into how XRP contributes to network security. Each transaction burns a small fraction of XRP — a deliberate design choice that prevents spam and denial-of-service attacks. This tiny burn cost ensures that only legitimate activity passes through, keeping the network efficient and reliable. Ripple’s note goes on to explain that XRP’s appreciation isn’t meant to happen “by default.” Price growth, it says, should come from adoption — from real businesses and institutions using the protocol. Speculation might move prices temporarily, but it’s not what Ripple is banking on. Instead, the focus is on building real utility and scaling genuine demand for XRP through financial use cases like cross-border liquidity, remittances, and settlement. In essence, Ripple made it clear that market value should follow utility, not the other way around. That message contrasts sharply with how many investors often view XRP — as a quick-trade asset, not as a backbone of financial infrastructure. After SMQKE’s post spread, XRP supporters jumped into discussion. Many highlighted Ripple’s transparent acknowledgment that the company’s success depends entirely on adoption, not speculation. One community member said plainly that “real usage drives the network — not hype,” while another user, Cedric Beau, pointed out that the document “proves XRP’s price potential is conditional on actual utility.” Beau’s comment resonated with many: if XRP isn’t being used at scale, there’s no organic reason for its price to rise. This clear separation between speculative excitement and functional demand reaffirms Ripple’s long-standing position — that XRP’s worth will come from measurable network activity and integration, not retail hype cycles. The resurfaced document ties back to something Ripple has been saying for years — real adoption is the foundation for XRP’s future. It’s not about who’s holding the token, but who’s using it. Every burned fraction of XRP, every cross-ledger transaction, and every integration with financial infrastructure strengthens that base. In short, Ripple’s vision hasn’t changed: network activity fuels demand, and demand determines value. If XRP truly becomes a key piece of global payments and liquidity, appreciation will follow naturally — not because of speculation, but because the system needs it. The post Ripple’s Internal Document Reveals XRP’s True Value Comes From Real Utility, Not Hype first appeared on BlockNews. Read More
London, UK – October 15, 2025 – In response to the growing threat of online fraud, Amdark Limited, a leading financial forensics and scam recovery firm, is proud to announce the expansion of its crypto scam recovery services worldwide, with a focused effort on tackling investment scams in Canada, as well as bolstering scam recovery initiatives across the UK and USA. As digital assets and online investments become more mainstream, so do the risks associated with fraudulent schemes. Amdark Limited is stepping up to meet this challenge head-on, combining advanced technology with experienced legal and investigative teams to recover lost funds and bring justice to scam victims globally. The past five years have seen a staggering rise in digital fraud. According to industry reports, investment scams in Canada surged by over 65% from 2023 to 2024, with crypto-related fraud leading the charge. Meanwhile, the UK’s Action Fraud and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the USA have reported billions lost in online investment scams and Ponzi-style crypto schemes. “In a borderless digital economy, scam victims often feel powerless,” said James Walker, Chief Recovery Officer at Amdark Limited. “Our mission is to restore hope through results-driven scams recovery in the UK, USA, and beyond. We combine deep digital forensics, legal expertise, and global partnerships to trace, freeze, and recover stolen assets.” Amdark Limited specializes in complex crypto scam recovery worldwide. Using blockchain analytics tools, cybersecurity intelligence, and legal coordination across jurisdictions, the firm has helped individuals and organizations trace and reclaim stolen cryptocurrencies from anonymous and decentralized platforms. Notable recoveries include: “Crypto scams are notoriously sophisticated,” said Walker. “But so are we. Our international recovery teams work tirelessly to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics.” What sets Amdark apart is its transparent, no-upfront-fee model. Clients only pay a service fee once funds are successfully recovered–reducing further risk and rebuilding trust. The recovery process involves: “Our success rate in crypto and investment scam recovery speaks for itself,” said Alan Kalbfell, Head of Client Services. “More importantly, we treat every client with empathy and confidentiality. You’re not alone–and there is a path forward.” In addition to recovery services, Amdark Limited is actively engaged in public education, offering free resources, webinars, and fraud alerts to help people identify and avoid scams. The company is also partnering with financial regulators and consumer protection agencies in Canada, the UK, and the USA to support prevention efforts and strengthen regulatory frameworks. Amdark Limited is a UK-based financial forensics firm specializing in crypto scam recovery worldwide and financial fraud investigations. With a dedicated team of digital analysts, legal advisors, and recovery agents, Amdark serves individuals and institutions affected by investment scams in Canada, the USA, and the UK. The company is committed to ethical recovery practices, client protection, and delivering real results in a complex digital landscape. Media Contact: Alan Kalbfell, Head of Client Services +44 7868 806502 help@amdarklimited.com www.amdarklimited.com The post Amdark Limited Expands Global Reach in Fighting Crypto and Investment Scams Across Canada, UK, and USA appeared first on Insights News Wire. COMTEX_469653014/2914/2025-10-19T10:19:06
Key points: Bitcoin can keep the bull market range in play if it reclaims $108,400 in the coming hours, says analysis. Volatility increases into the weekly close as thin order books see $200 million in 24-hour liquidations. Altcoin futures show just how traders have lost out since the last bear market bottom. Bitcoin BTCUSD teased volatility into Sunday’s weekly close as price approached a key reclaim level.
Trader sees more BTC price volatility to come Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTCUSD hitting $108,260 local highs. After a painful end to the TradFi trading week that saw Bitcoin dip below the $104,000 mark, sell-side pressure appeared to cool ahead of what X trader Daan Crypto Trades called an “interesting week.” “Volatility definitely high here due to the thin books post this massive market flush,” he wrote. Looking at liquidation data, Daan Crypto Trades predicted that volatility would continue “for a while.” “Books are thin. Especially after the massive liquidation event last week,” he added.
The latest figures from monitoring resource CoinGlass put total crypto liquidations for the 24 hours to the time of writing at more than $200 million. Both bid and ask liquidity thickened around price on exchange order books hours before the weekly close. “Bitcoin is not far away from securing a positive Weekly Close above $108381 to preserve the historical Weekly demand area (orange), despite the downside wicks below it,” trader and analyst Rekt Capital said while uploading the weekly chart to X.
Altcoin futures explain grim crypto sentiment The relief from further downside was enough to lift crypto market sentiment out of the “extreme fear” zone, per data from the Crypto Fear & Greed Index. The Index measured 29/100 Sunday, up seven points from six-month lows seen days before.
Commenting, crypto trader and analyst Luke Martin, host of the STACKS podcast, flagged altcoins as a major drag on the overall market mood. In an X post Saturday, Martin uploaded a chart showing the performance of Binance’s top 50 altcoin futures. The chart was created by Chris Jack, chief growth officer of algorithmic crypto trading company Robuxio. “This chart perfectly illustrates why sentiment is bearish/tired even though $BTC still above $100k,” he argued.
Ripple has moved a large amount of XRP in a way that has raised questions across the crypto community. The company transferred 220 million XRP—worth around $500 million—to a newly created account. This account does not have escrow or multi-signature protection. The transfer comes at a time when Ripple is working on plans to set up a $1 billion XRP treasury firm. Ripple transferred 220 million XRP to a new account that lacks standard security features. The transfer was flagged by XRP Ledger (XRPL) validator “Vet” on social media platform X. He pointed out that the account was not placed in escrow and did not use multi-signature protection, which would typically add extra security to such a large amount. According to data from XRP Scan, this account was created shortly before the transfer took place. Vet expressed surprise about the move, saying that such a large transfer without multi-sig was “genuinely surprising.” He also mentioned that Ripple often creates fresh accounts to manage its holdings, so the creation of the new wallet itself was not unusual. Ripple’s monthly routine involves unlocking 1 billion XRP from escrow. This $500 million transfer, however, is not part of that activity. The firm had already unlocked the scheduled tokens earlier this month. A portion of those coins were also re-locked into escrow shortly after. This latest transfer appears to be separate from Ripple’s regular operations. Its timing suggests a possible link to Ripple’s ongoing efforts to raise funds for a new treasury initiative. While Ripple has not officially confirmed the reason for the move, its recent actions support the idea that it could be part of the treasury plan. Ripple is working on launching a digital asset treasury (DAT) firm, according to reports from CoinGape. The company aims to raise up to $1 billion for this purpose. Ripple plans to contribute some of its XRP holdings to the treasury firm, and the transferred 220 million XRP may be part of that contribution. The new treasury firm would hold XRP as reserve assets. Ripple currently owns about 41.85 billion XRP, which includes coins locked in escrow. This represents around 35% of the total XRP supply. The treasury project is expected to manage a portion of these holdings more strategically. The validator Vet also shared his view that the treasury firm could support Ripple’s long-term distribution strategy. He stated that such a setup could help ensure XRP reaches entities that are more likely to hold the asset for extended periods. This could reduce the amount of XRP flowing directly to exchanges. In a post on X, Vet noted, “Distribution is the name of the game.” He said the more XRP that moves into long-term holding structures, the less selling pressure the market may face. Though market players may not see immediate changes, he noted that controlled distribution is one way to support more stable usage of XRP over time. Ripple has not yet released a detailed statement on the treasury firm or the recent transfer. However, the movement of such a large amount of XRP, especially to an unsecured account, has drawn attention and raised questions about the next steps in Ripple’s strategy. Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience in market analysis and expert commentary. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University and is known for meticulous research in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured in top publications including Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Coinedition, and Analytics Insight. Kelvin specializes in uncovering emerging crypto trends and delivering data-driven analyses to help readers make informed decisions. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures. TLDR Polymarket daily users jumped from 20K to 58K amid POLY token buzz. Platform confirms…
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