Tom Lee predicts Bitcoin could reach $150,000 as institutions buy crypto stocks, calling current rally just the first wave. Former SEC and CFTC officials co-signed a letter urging risk-calibrated regulation to attract offshore perpetual futures back to the U.S. Bitfinex Securities lists 5 tokenized notes linked to Strategy and other Bitcoin reserve companies. 21 global financial institutions commit to forming a joint stablecoin company targeting 2027 launch. Other key stories: OSL Group revenue up 65.8%, Kraken parent partners with LSE to tokenize 100 UK stocks, Fed's Barr warns of rate hikes if inflation persists, Singapore MAS consults on stablecoin regulation, Thai SEC proposes allowing retail to trade overseas crypto derivatives, and more.

South Korea’s Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency said its security investigation unit arrested four Uzbek nationals in April under the country’s Act on Prohibition Against the Financing of Terrorism, and disclosed the case on Tuesday. One of the suspects was listed on an Interpol Red Notice. Police described the matter as the first case they have identified in which cryptocurrency flowed out of a designated terrorist organization and was then converted into physical goods that were sent back as material support. Investigators said the alleged ringleader transferred 4,267 USDT to the Syria-based terrorist group Katibat Tawhid wal Jihad, or KTJ, in seven transactions between August 2024 and April 2025. Police also alleged that he received cryptocurrency from KTJ and used it to buy 11 used cars and two excavators worth about 170 million won, or roughly $121,000, before shipping them to Syria. The other three suspects are accused of helping with the purchase and export of the vehicles.

South Korean police have arrested four people on suspicion of using cryptocurrency to channel funds to a Syrian terrorist organization, according to Decrypt. The investigation revealed that the ringleader of the group also received cryptocurrency from the organization and, as compensation, sent 11 used cars and two excavators. Investigators said this is the first time they have encountered such a physical-goods transaction pattern in connection with cryptocurrency. Police believe the money may have been used to support terrorist activities, and the case highlights the potential risks of digital assets in cross-border illegal transactions. In response, South Korea's financial authorities are stepping up monitoring of digital assets to prevent them from being used for money laundering and terrorism financing. The case demonstrates that crypto can be involved in unusual payment methods, including the exchange of physical goods, and it reflects the continued law enforcement focus on tracking cryptocurrency flows that may be linked to international security risks.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency in South Korea has arrested and indicted four Uzbek nationals for allegedly using cryptocurrency to fund the UN-designated terror group Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (KTJ). The lead suspect, who was previously subject to an Interpol Red Notice, transferred 4,267 USDT to KTJ via seven transactions between August 2024 and April 2025. The group also received crypto from KTJ, using it to purchase 11 used cars and 2 excavators worth about 170 million won ($121,000), which were then shipped to Syria. Authorities say this marks the first case where funds were cycled from a terror group back into physical goods. The main suspect denies the charges, claiming the money was for living expenses.

South Korean police have arrested four Uzbek nationals under the Anti-Terrorism Financing Act, with the main suspect indicted and detained. Between August 2024 and April 2025, the lead suspect transferred 4,267 USDT in seven transactions to Katibat Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ), a Syria-based terrorist group designated by the UN and US. The suspect also received cryptocurrency from KTJ to purchase 11 used cars and two excavators worth 170 million won ($121,000), which were shipped to Syria. Three accomplices allegedly assisted in procurement and export. Police noted this is South Korea's first case involving receipt of crypto from a terrorist group to purchase and supply vehicles. The investigation continues, with the suspect using three personal wallets and depositing funds into his spouse's account. Interpol issued a red notice for one individual.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Aug. 25 that Washington is launching an "economic isolation action" against Iran, expanding sanctions pressure across finance and trade. The Treasury Department plans to sanction nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, individuals, and vessels tied to nuclear, missile, cyber, and oil networks. It also put five sectors under potential secondary sanctions scrutiny: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. Bessent said any entity that facilitates money laundering for Iran would be pushed out of the US dollar system, and warned that any economic dealings with Iran could expose responsible parties to the full force of US sanctions. He also said countries must shut down activities identified by the Treasury within a set time frame, including Iranian overseas bank branches, or face unilateral US financial action. According to Bessent, a major financial institution will be sanctioned over Iran before the weekend. The same press conference also included remarks on Syria, US Treasury operations, and trade tensions with Canada. Bessent said the US has not bought any bonds and that the next operation is scheduled for Sept. 9, while regular Treasury auctions will continue.

A paid Decrypt article outlines how crypto-backed loans work and uses Figure’s product to show the mechanics, pricing, licensing and risk terms attached to borrowing against digital assets. The piece says borrowers can pledge Bitcoin, Ethereum or Solana as collateral and receive cash while retaining ownership of the underlying coins, avoiding a sale that could otherwise trigger a taxable event. Figure’s offering is presented around four comparison points: fixed versus variable rates, regulatory licensing, same-day funding without a credit score requirement, and optional liquidation protection in select U.S. states. The article also includes detailed disclosures on availability, fees, APR ranges, repayment structure, company registrations and jurisdiction limits for U.S., New York and international customers. It further notes that liquidation protection does not apply to missed payments or defaults, and that crypto borrowing may generally be non-taxable while liquidation can create an IRS taxable sale. The content is explicitly labeled a paid endorsement by Figure Technology Solutions, Inc.

ChainCatcher, citing Jin10, reported that sources said Syria has agreed to sharply reduce its imports of Russian oil. The move was described as part of an effort to align with a potential U.S. decision to remove Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The report attributes the information to unnamed sources and did not provide additional detail on the scale of the cuts or a timeline for implementation.