Pakistan Crypto Clarification: Pakistan’s virtual assets regulator (PVARA) asked a top Islamic seminary to distinguish speculative cryptocurrencies from asset-backed digital tokens after a fatwa said crypto purchases aren’t permissible under Islamic law. Ukraine Sanctions Update: Zelensky signed expanded sectoral sanctions on Russia’s financial sector, now explicitly targeting crypto and digital asset platform operators to block sanctions evasion. Bitcoin Rally Skepticism: Bitfinex says Bitcoin’s latest jump was “borrowed strength” driven by softer inflation expectations, not sustained spot buying; it flags a key acceptance zone around $68k–$68.3k. Wallet Security Clash: Onchain sleuth ZachXBT called current hardware wallets “garbage,” singling out Ledger as the worst, and urged a dedicated phone setup for critical signing. UAE Market Access: Revolut cleared an in-principle hurdle to offer crypto services in Dubai under VARA’s licensing framework. Crypto Crime & Laundering: U.S. prosecutors indicted a California duo accused of laundering darknet drug proceeds through cryptocurrency. Cybercrime Crackdown: The U.S. unsealed charges against Russian nationals and “bulletproof hosting” firms tied to cybercrimes against U.S. victims. Scam Warnings: The FTC warned of phone/text scams impersonating agency officials, urging people not to pay via crypto or payment apps. Regulation Flexibility Push: New Zealand’s ACT Party proposes “innovation trials” that let ministers pause crypto and digital finance rules for time-limited testing. World Cup Ticketing Stress Test: FIFA’s Avalanche-based ticketing saw resale prices drop about 28% after FIFA released more tickets directly at lower prices. Trading Platform Expansion: Interactive Brokers added Aptos (APT) to its crypto trading lineup, continuing TradFi’s push into digital assets.