Today in crypto, South Korea moved to block Polymarket over gambling concerns. In the US, prosecutors charged Edward Zimbardi over an alleged $165 million crypto Ponzi scheme, while the Treasury advanced proposed rules to implement the GENIUS Act.
South Korea moves to block Polymarket over gambling concerns
South Korean authorities ordered access to Polymarket blocked, saying its winner-takes-all prediction markets amount to illegal gambling. The regulator cited markets covering politics, sports and weather, as well as Polymarket’s role in setting rules, handling crypto deposits and withdrawals, and collecting fees.
Polymarket argued it had removed Korean-language services, does not accept Korean won and uses noncustodial smart contracts. Authorities rejected the arguments, saying decentralization does not exempt the platform from South Korean law.
Alleged $165M crypto Ponzi mastermind faces US charges after Fiji deportation
Edward Zimbardi was deported from Fiji to the US to face fraud and money laundering charges over an alleged $165 million crypto Ponzi scheme.
Prosecutors say Zimbardi promoted “The Crypto Program” between June 2022 and August 2023, promising investors 25% monthly returns. Thousands allegedly sent more than $165 million in crypto to wallets he controlled. More than $34 million was reportedly placed in risky forex trades, while at least $10 million was spent on personal expenses.
US Treasury advances GENIUS Act rules ahead of 2027 rollout
The US Treasury opened a 60-day public comment period on proposed rules for the GENIUS Act, which sets a federal framework for payment stablecoins.
Signed into law in July 2025, the act is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 18, 2027, or 120 days after final rules are issued. Several agencies are still working on the framework, raising the possibility that the law could take effect before all regulations are finalized.
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