Today in crypto, French authorities have charged 25 individuals over a series of crypto-related kidnappings and attempted abductions, Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor puts his hand up to feature on the Joe Rogan Experience, and the SEC raises concern on REX-Osprey staking ETFs.
France charges 25 over crypto kidnapping spree in Paris
French authorities have charged 25 individuals, including six minors, over a series of kidnappings and attempted abductions linked to the country’s cryptocurrency sector.
The group, aged between 16 and 23, faces charges connected to multiple plots targeting prominent crypto figures and their families, Le Monde reported, citing an announcement from the Paris public prosecutor’s office on May 31.
Per the report, eighteen suspects are now in pre-trial detention, three have requested a deferred hearing, and four remain under judicial supervision.
The investigation centers on a failed May 13 abduction attempt in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. The targets were the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium.
Authorities say this was not the first attempt — a similar failed plot was staged the previous day. Days later, police also foiled another operation near Nantes.
Michael Saylor shoots his shot for Rogan spot: ‘Let’s talk about Bitcoin’
Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor has publicly expressed interest in discussing Bitcoin on the world’s most-listened-to podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
“Hey @joerogan, let’s talk about Bitcoin,” Saylor said in a May 31 X post in response to a Joe Rogan fan account asking, “Who’s one guest you’d love to see Joe Rogan interview that he hasn’t had on yet?”
Saylor’s post prompted speculation within the Bitcoin community. Popular Bitcoiner, The Bitcoin Therapist, said, “This interview will shatter the internet.”
Crypto analyst Kook told their 164,200 X followers that “Saylor is going to Bitcoin pill Joe Rogan.” Meanwhile, crypto commentator Brandon MacDougal said, “For the first time ever, I’ll be watching a Joe Rogan podcast if Saylor is there.”
The SEC says REX-Osprey staking funds may not meet legal definition of ETFs
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) raised concerns about the SOL and Ether REX-Osprey staked exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications due to their corporate structure, despite an effective registration filing from the ETF issuers on May 30.
According to a letter sent by the SEC to the ETF issuers, the agency says that the c-corp business structure used by the funds may make the investment vehicles ineligible to qualify as exchange-traded funds under existing US securities laws. The letter read:
"The Funds may have improperly filed their registration statement on Form N-1A and disclosures in the registration statement regarding the Funds’ status as investment companies may be potentially misleading."
Despite this minor setback, ETF analysts are confident that the issuers and the SEC will find a workaround and be able to list the investment vehicles on US stock exchanges.
