In 2025, cryptocurrency transfers linked to suspected human trafficking activities increased by 85%, with total flows reaching several hundred million dollars. According to blockchain analytics from Chainalysis, the funds moved through international escort services, scam-related labor recruitment channels, and sellers of child sexual abuse material, raising fresh concerns about illicit crypto use.

Kalshi has entered a sports performance hedging partnership with Game Point Capital after its Super Bowl Sunday trading volume surpassed $1 billion and January activity hit a record $9.6 billion. The collaboration allows teams to hedge performance bonus payouts, with early NBA contracts on Kalshi reportedly pricing significantly below over-the-counter market quotes.

In Virginia, a federal court sentenced Praetorian Group International chief executive Ramil Ventura Palafox, 61, to 20 years in prison for operating a Bitcoin-based Ponzi scheme that raised over $200 million from investors between December 2019 and October 2021. Prosecutors said the operation took in more than 8,198 BTC and over $201 million in total, caused at least $62.7 million in losses, and falsely promised daily returns of up to 3%.

Crypto markets remained in a high-volatility deleveraging phase during the week of February 6–13, 2026. While Bitcoin (BTC) stabilized in the mid-$60,000s, structural shifts dominated the headlines: Tether executed a record $3.5 billion USDT burn, and global regulators tightened the noose on offshore stablecoins. With the Fear & Greed Index hitting historic lows at 5–10, institutional giants like MicroStrategy reported staggering $12.6 billion paper losses, signaling a brutal but necessary reset of the Digital Gold narrative.

On February 11, 2026, BlockFills said on X it had temporarily suspended client deposits and withdrawals after taking the action last week; trading access remains for managing positions. The Chicago-based firm serves about 2,000 institutional clients and processed $60 billion in 2025. Bitcoin touched $60,000 last Friday as analysts, including Alex Damsker, urged caution.

On February 12, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs registered – $410.2 million in net outflows, while Ethereum ETFs saw – $113.1 million, taking single-day withdrawals above $520 million. BlackRock and Fidelity products led the red prints, according to figures cited in the article, as Solana ETFs posted a $2.7 million net inflow and XRP ETFs recorded – $6.42 million in net outflows.

Strategy's preferred dividend stock STRC traded above $100 again after two weeks of inactivity, opening room for fresh issuance and renewed Bitcoin exposure. At these levels, Strategy processed STRC volumes large enough to potentially fund the acquisition of up to 1,557 BTC while still servicing its 11.25% monthly dividend obligations. The long-term sustainability of this approach remains closely tied to a continued Bitcoin bull market and stable performance of related equity such as MSTR.

On 13 February 2026 at 10:35, the CFTC announced a 35-person Crypto Innovation Advisory Committee, bringing crypto and traditional finance leaders into policy talks. The group will advise on innovation, risk controls, market structure, and integrating blockchain products into regulated venues, potentially informing how U.S. digital asset oversight develops.