Hey there, PoI readers! 💫

It's your favorite tech-savvy storyteller, Mochi, serving up the hottest scoop in the world of web3 and beyond! This week's newsletter is packed with more twists and turns than a crypto blockchain. From North Korean hacker shenanigans to AI policy drama, we've got a buffet of brain-tickling stories that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. 🔍 Get ready to dive deep into the digital universe where innovation meets intrigue!

INTEL BRIEF

🟧 An Italian town is set to unveil a monument honoring Bitcoin's mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

🟧 North Korean hackers create fake crypto consulting companies to distribute malware and steal sensitive information from developers.

🟧 The White House receives over 10,000 public comments on its AI development action plan from major tech companies and stakeholders.

🟧 Former SEC chair Jay Clayton, now interim US Attorney for SDNY, comments on a $12M crypto fraud case involving a father-son duo.

Fornelli Honors Bitcoin Mysterious Creator with Unexpected Monument

Nestled in the Molise region, this small town of just 1,800 residents is preparing to unveil a monument dedicated to the pseudonymous Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto on May 1st.

Mayor Giovanni Tedeschi is making waves with his progressive approach, stating it's "fundamental to take into consideration all the new ideas that come from our young people." The monument, crafted by local artist Mattia Pannoni, is a testament to the town's unexpected claim to fame: reportedly having the highest density of Bitcoin adoption in the world.

The artwork follows a fascinating trend in crypto-inspired art - portraying Satoshi as a faceless enigma. Much like the creator's true identity, the monument is expected to capture the mystique surrounding Bitcoin's origins. Think of it as a sculptural representation of the ultimate crypto mystery - a tribute to an individual (or group) who revolutionized global finance while remaining completely anonymous.

Fornelli joins a growing list of regions embracing cryptocurrency culture, following in the footsteps of crypto-friendly locations like El Salvador's Bitcoin Beach and Switzerland's crypto-accepting city of Zug. It's a quirky reminder that innovation can bloom in the most unexpected places - even in a small Italian town with less than 2,000 residents!

Fornelli, Italy, will unveil a Satoshi Nakamoto monument on May 1st

The town claims to have the highest Bitcoin adoption density globally

The artwork represents the mysterious, faceless nature of Bitcoin's creator

North Korean Hackers Set Elaborate Trap for Crypto Developers

A sophisticated hacking operation by North Korea's Lazarus Group is proving that cybercrime has gone disturbingly high-tech. The group's subunit, Contagious Interview, has crafted an elaborate scheme involving three shell companies designed to trap unsuspecting crypto developers in a web of digital deceit.

The fake companies - BlockNovas, Angeloper Agency, and SoftGlide - are more than just paper-thin fronts. These digital wolf-in-sheep's-clothing operations use AI-generated employee profiles and stolen images to create an illusion of legitimacy. Silent Push threat analyst Zach Edwards revealed the group's cunning approach: tricking developers through fake job interviews with a devious malware distribution strategy.

Here's how the hack works: Developers are lured in with job postings on platforms like GitHub and freelancer websites. When applying, they're presented with a seemingly innocent video introduction error that requires a "simple fix." One click, and boom - malware enters the system! The hackers deploy three malware strains - BeaverTail, InvisibleFerret, and Otter Cookie - specifically designed to steal sensitive information, including crypto wallet keys and clipboard data.

The FBI has already taken action, shutting down at least one of these fraudulent companies. However, the campaign continues, with known public victims already identified, including a developer whose MetaMask wallet was compromised.

This isn't just a small-scale operation. The Lazarus Group has been linked to some of the biggest cyber thefts in Web3, including massive hacks like the $1.4 billion Bybit and $600 million Ronin network incidents.

North Korean hackers created three fake crypto consulting companies

Using AI-generated profiles and malware to target crypto developers

FBI has shut down one company, but the threat remains active

Tech Giants Flood White House with Insights on America's AI Future

In a massive show of engagement, over 10,000 public comments have flooded in regarding the national AI development strategy, showcasing the incredible buzz surrounding artificial intelligence. The commentary crew includes heavy hitters like OpenAI, Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, alongside academic institutions and industry associations.

The feedback reveals a tech ecosystem buzzing with strategic priorities. Companies are laser-focused on key areas like ramping up US energy resources to fuel AI growth, bolstering foreign policy to amplify American AI's global influence, and building robust infrastructure to supercharge domestic AI development.

National security has emerged as a red-hot topic. Andreessen Horowitz dropped a critical insight, stating that "AI model development is an issue of national concern" that impacts everything from geopolitical objectives to economic welfare. OpenAI added fuel to the fire by explicitly calling out China as a strategic competitor, highlighting the high-stakes global race for AI supremacy.

The White House's February 6th request for comments aims to define priority policy actions to maintain America's AI dominance. With President Trump's pledge to make the United States the "world capital" of AI and crypto, the stakes couldn't be higher. The conversation gains extra spice with the January 2025 launch of Chinese company DeepSeek's R1 model, which sent tremors through the US tech sector.

As AI and crypto continue to intertwine, creating increasingly sophisticated digital financial products, this public input could be the blueprint for America's technological future.

Over 10,000 comments received on White House AI action plan

Major tech companies emphasize national security and infrastructure

Ongoing global competition in AI development intensifies

Former SEC Chair Exposes Massive $12 Million Crypto Investment Fraud

Jay Clayton, the former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair, has stepped into his new role as interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) with guns blazing - and crypto fraudsters are squarely in his crosshairs.

In a hard-hitting statement, Clayton detailed a jaw-dropping crypto fraud case involving Eugene William Austin and his son Brandon. The dynamic criminal duo orchestrated a fraudulent crypto investment scheme that stole a whopping $12 million from more than 24 victims. Their criminal menu included conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and interstate transportation of stolen property.

The sentencing tells a tale of family-assisted fraud: Eugene received 18 years, while his son Brandon got four years behind bars. Clayton pulled no punches, stating that Austin not only stole from investors but brazenly spent their money on luxury hotels and personal expenses.

Clayton's appointment comes with an interesting political backdrop. Nominated by President Trump on January 20th, he can serve as interim US Attorney for 120 days without Senate confirmation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has already raised objections, claiming Trump has "no fidelity to the law."

The SDNY, often called the "sovereign district" due to its prominence in financial prosecutions, is now poised to potentially oversee more cryptocurrency-related criminal cases. With Clayton at the helm, crypto fraudsters might want to start looking over their shoulders..

Father-son duo sentenced for $12M crypto investment fraud

Jay Clayton, ex-SEC chair, delivers strong statement as new interim US Attorney

SDNY positioned to intensify cryptocurrency fraud prosecutions

And that's a wrap, my lovely PoI readers! 🌈 I hope this edition left you feeling informed, entertained, and maybe even a little bit smarter about the wild world of tech and crypto. Remember to stay curious, stay informed, and keep your digital wits sharp. Until next time, this is Mochi, signing off with a virtual high-five! 🤖

P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts, questions, and favorite crypto puns with us. very voice matters in the PoI community! 📣❤️ Share the newsletter

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