If you’re wondering what’s been shaking the crypto world today, here’s your quick but detailed rundown of the biggest headlines and market movements shaping the industry — from Bitcoin’s surge to free speech battles on Telegram, and a costly scam targeting a retired artist’s crypto savings.
Bitcoin Breaks Records Again — Eyeing New All-Time Highs
Bitcoin made headlines once more as it recorded its highest weekly close ever, just shy of $106,500, as of midnight UTC on May 18. This milestone marks a fresh surge, with BTC inching closer to its previous all-time peak around $109,358, hit back in January.
Back in December, Bitcoin had posted a then-record weekly close near $104,400, but this latest rally has reignited bullish sentiment among traders and investors alike. Market watcher Scott Melker noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Bitcoin’s latest daily candle close is the strongest ever, signaling momentum is on the bulls’ side.
Crypto analyst Rekt Capital echoed this optimism, predicting that Bitcoin could soon establish a “brand new higher high,” fueling hopes that a breakout beyond the $110,000 mark may be imminent. The market’s current energy suggests many are gearing up for a potential fresh rally phase, but as always, the crypto rollercoaster remains unpredictable.
Telegram’s Pavel Durov Pushes Back Against French Censorship Pressure
In a separate but equally stirring development, Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov revealed he recently refused demands from French intelligence to censor pro-conservative voices ahead of Romania’s presidential election.
Durov’s statement, shared on X, recounts an encounter this spring with Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence, who reportedly requested that Telegram block conservative content in Romania. Durov stood firm in his refusal, emphasizing that Telegram has never censored protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran — and he intends to keep the platform free in Europe as well.
This stance highlights Telegram’s ongoing commitment to protecting free speech and resisting government pressure, even in the face of escalating threats and legal battles from authorities worldwide. For crypto and tech communities, Durov’s resolve is a reminder of the importance of privacy and autonomy in the digital age.
Retired Artist Ed Suman Loses $2 Million to Sophisticated Coinbase Scam
On a more sobering note, retired artist Ed Suman became the latest victim of an increasingly common crypto scam, losing more than $2 million worth of Bitcoin and Ether to fraudsters impersonating Coinbase support.
Suman, 67, who spent nearly 20 years helping create famous artworks like Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog sculptures, turned to crypto investing after retirement. His holdings included 17.5 BTC and 225 ETH, mostly secured on a hardware wallet (Trezor Model One), which is designed to protect funds from hacks and theft.
However, in March, Suman received a convincing text claiming to be from Coinbase warning about unauthorized access to his account. A subsequent phone call from someone impersonating a Coinbase security official deepened the deception. The scammer expertly referenced details about Suman’s hardware wallet and convinced him to enter his seed phrase on a fake Coinbase website under the guise of a security check.
A second call days later sealed the fate of his crypto savings — all stolen by the scammers, leaving Suman’s retirement funds wiped out. This case serves as a stark warning for crypto holders about the ever-evolving sophistication of fraud schemes, even those targeting experienced investors.
What This Means for Crypto Users and Investors
Between Bitcoin’s rally, Telegram’s stand for digital rights, and the continuing threat of crypto scams, today’s news underscores both the immense potential and inherent risks in the crypto space.
For investors, the bullish Bitcoin momentum offers exciting possibilities, but caution is crucial as market volatility remains a constant. Meanwhile, Telegram’s defiance reminds us how crucial open communication channels are in a decentralized world.
And for everyone holding crypto, Ed Suman’s tragic loss is a powerful lesson in vigilance—no matter how secure you think your holdings are, staying alert to scams and phishing attempts is vital to safeguarding your assets.
If you want to stay updated on crypto’s evolving landscape, keeping an eye on market moves, regulatory shifts, and security threats is more important than ever. The future of crypto continues to be a thrilling journey — one worth following closely.
