While the price of Bitcoin is gradually clawing its way up from the lows, testing the $69,000 level, the US Department of Justice has brought charges against ten executives and employees of crypto companies.

The companies named include Gotbit, Vortex, Antier, and Contrarian. They are accused of manipulating the cryptocurrency market. According to court filings, the defendants allegedly boosted trading volumes and token prices artificially through so-called wash trading. This method involves creating the appearance of active demand and interest in certain assets, misleading real market participants. Then, taking advantage of the generated hype, the defendants sold their tokens to unsuspecting investors at inflated prices, realizing substantial profits.

A notable aspect of the operation is that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service actively participated in the investigation. Law enforcement agents not only collected evidence but also took the unprecedented step of creating their own tokens. This allowed them to monitor the perpetrators' actions and methods in real time and to participate directly in their apprehension. Such tactics, at the forefront of the fight against cybercrime, helped expose the complex fraud scheme and bring the guilty parties to justice.

As for the recent spike in the crypto market observed since last night, it is once again being pinned on Trump and his statements about an imminent end to the war with Iran — nothing new.

Trading recommendations

Technical outlook for Bitcoin

Buyers are currently targeting a return to $69,700, which would open a clear path to $71,400, with $72,500 within easy reach. The farthest target is the high around $74,600; breaking that would signal attempts to return to a bull market. In case of a drop, buyers are expected around $67,800. A return of the price below that area could quickly push BTC toward $66,500. The most distant downside target is around $64,900.

Technical outlook for Ethereum

A clear hold above $2,175 would open a direct path to $2,238. The farthest upside target is the high near $2,296; surpassing that would indicate strengthening bullish sentiment and renewed buyer interest. In case of a decline, buyers are expected around $2,121. A drop below that area could quickly push ETH toward $2,058. The most distant downside target is around $1,978.

What's on the chart

• The red lines represent support and resistance levels, where price is expected to either pause or react sharply.
• The green line shows the 50-day moving average.
• The blue line is the 100-day moving average.
• The lime line is the 200-day moving average.

Price testing or crossing any of these moving averages often either halts movement or injects fresh momentum into the market.