Crypto Moves – Bitcoin and Ethereum intensely plummet; Terraform and other VCs sued; Over-the-counter crypto trading in Dubai

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency internationally, hits a new low since December 2020 on Sunday. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 19 June 2022
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Crypto Moves – Bitcoin and Ethereum intensely plummet; Terraform and other VCs sued; Over-the-counter crypto trading in Dubai

RIYADH: Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency internationally, hits a new low since December 2020 on Sunday, falling by 10.30 percent to $18,294.50 as of 9:00 a.m. Riyadh time.

Ethereum, the second most traded cryptocurrency, was priced at $954.45 plummeting by 11.38 percent, according to data from Coindesk.

Investors sue Terraform Labs and other VC firms

Coindesk reports that an investor sued Terraform Labs, its founder Do Kwon, and several venture capital firms in Luna Foundation Guard for allegedly violating federal securities laws and misleading investors.

In an attempt to recover damages and any injunctive and punitive fees from a jury trial, Plaintiff Nick Patterson filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status on Friday.

Coindesk added that the plaintiff argued that “Terra Tokens,” resembled securities, as marketed by Terraform Labs and LFG’s VCs, even if investors couldn’t recognize them as securities.

Aside from Terraform Labs and Do Kwon, the suit also names Defiance Capital/DeFinance Technologies Oy, GSR/GSR Markets Limited, Jump Crypto, Jump Trading LLC, Nicholas Platias, Republic Capital, Republic Maximal, Three Arrows Capital, and Tribe Capital as defendants, Coindesk concluded.

Dubai now offers over-the-counter cryptocurrency trading

In Dubai, Coinsfera has opened its over-the-counter shop where people can exchange their cryptocurrencies for cash or bank transfers, according to a statement.

By using this new system, people can take advantage of the current market situation by selling and purchasing cryptos in the UAE, it said.

Coinsfera is a physical cryptocurrency exchange located in Dubai and many other countries.

Moreover, Coinsfera has launched its new crypto-fiat payment solutions for companies as well as consumers.

In the UAE, with Coinsfera, people can sell cryptocurrencies instantly to avoid losses and also earn profits from the sale.

Users do not have to be UAE residents, only a valid ID and proof of address are required, the statement added.

Bitriver cooperates with Russian oil giant Gazprom Neft

Gazprom Neft, Russia's third-largest oil producer, will run data centers operated by the country's leading crypto mining company, Bitriver.

The electricity needed to produce the cryptocurrency will be generated using petroleum gas, a form of natural gas found in oil deposits, Bitcoin.com reported. 

The arrangement is part of a memorandum of cooperation signed by the two companies during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, RBC Crypto reported, quoting a Bitriver representative.

The mining company will develop the digital infrastructure at Gazprom Neft’s oil fields and provide services relying on computing hardware, according to the report.

Gazprom Neft’s business model does not encompass digital currencies but the oil giant is seeking solutions that would allow the beneficial use of the associated gas obtained during oil extraction.

The infrastructure necessary to use associated gas in the energy-intensive mining of crypto assets has already been built at Gazprom Neft companies in three Russian regions, according to Bitcoin.com. 

Meanwhile, Oman has announced a plan to employ gas associated with bitcoin mining, with the aim of reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere where this gas is usually vented or burned.


Free trade negotiations between GCC, India mark a new phase of partnership, says secretary-general

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Free trade negotiations between GCC, India mark a new phase of partnership, says secretary-general

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council’s secretary-general affirmed that the negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC and India, and the signing of the joint statement, represents a new phase of strategic partnership.

Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said that this contributes to enhancing close cooperation and strengthening economic and trade ties, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

This came during the signing ceremony of the joint statement on launching the free trade agreement negotiations between the Al-Budaiwi and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, which took place in New Delhi, on Tuesday.

During the signing ceremony, Al-Budaiwi said that the Terms of Reference, signed on Feb. 5, provide a comprehensive and clear framework for these negotiations. The two nations agreed to discuss enhancing cooperation in vital strategic areas, including trade in goods, customs procedures, and services.

Additionally, the framework covers Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, intellectual property rights, cooperation on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, along with other topics of mutual interest. This reflects the comprehensive nature of the agreement and its ability to keep pace with the future economy.

Al-Budaiwi expressed hope that these negotiations would lead to a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement that works to remove customs and non-customs barriers, enhance the flow of quality investments in both directions, and achieve further liberalization in trade and investment cooperation between the GCC and India for mutual benefit. 

This would provide a stimulating economic environment and an investment climate that opens broad horizons for the business sector, supports supply chains, and accelerates the pace of economic growth in line with the ambitious developmental visions of the GCC states. 

The top official affirmed the full readiness of the General Secretariat to host the first round of negotiations at its headquarters in Riyadh during the second half of this year.

The two sides held a meeting during which they reviewed the existing cooperation relations between the GCC and India and discussed ways to develop and elevate them to broader horizons, serving mutual interests and enhancing opportunities for strategic partnership between the two sides, particularly in the economic, investment, and trade fields.

They praised the role undertaken by the negotiating teams from both sides, appreciating the efforts contributing to reaching a comprehensive agreement that enhances economic integration and supports the smooth flow of trade between the two nations.