Binance Collaborates with Thai Police to Bust $277 Million Crypto Scam

Relic, a Tokyo-based provider of business co-creation services, has launched a fan-driven short anime project using NFT and blockchain technology in collaboration with MetaMe, a metacommunication service developed by mobile carrier NTT Docomo.Photo by Dex Ezekiel on UnsplashFan empowerment through DAO and NFTsAccording to a press release on PR TIMES, the project, set to officially launch on June 19, 2025, aims to be accessible even to newcomers to NFTs or Web3. It will strive to ensure sustainability through transparent fund management and community-driven decision-making. The project introduces a new anime production model called "Anime DAO," starting with a near-future anime set in Neo Tokyo in 2050 that features characters and the world of the popular NFT collection "NEO TOKYO PUNKS." Funding will be raised through crowdfunding and the sale of celluloid art NFTs. Supporters will have the opportunity to vote on production decisions and own iconic scene NFTs once the anime is completed. The finished anime will premiere on MetaMe, followed by exclusive streaming on d-anime Store, while also integrating with the blockchain game GT6551, where fans can use anime characters and vehicles. This cross-media project combines anime, NFTs and e-sports, enhancing both fan engagement and user experience. Growing blockchain adoption in animeThis further demonstrates how the animation industry is embracing blockchain technology. In January, the Animecoin Foundation—whose early key contributors include Los Angeles-based NFT project Azuki—introduced the ANIME token on Ethereum and Arbitrum. Its tokenomics indicate a total supply of 10 billion tokens. The Foundation aims to connect the global anime fan base to blockchain, enabling creators to gain clearer insights into fan engagement and attribution, potentially unlocking new revenue models to support their intellectual property (IP). Although established in March 2024, the Animecoin Foundation traces its origins to Azuki’s mission of building an open anime universe. Azuki focuses on using blockchain technology and community involvement to develop decentralized anime IP and enrich the fan experience.  In a separate development, South Korea’s blockchain gaming platform WEMIX inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan’s Toei Animation late last year. Known for producing iconic titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece and Slam Dunk, Toei Animation brings its storytelling and IP expertise, while WEMIX provides blockchain technology. The partnership aims to create an innovative blockchain-based gaming experience for a global audience.

Netmarble F&C, a subsidiary of South Korean game developer Netmarble, has taken action to lay off employees by notifying all 70 workers under its Metaverse World project to resign, according to industry sources on Friday (KST). Metaverse World, which had begun developing an IP-based metaverse platform, will be abandoned during an upcoming corporate reorganization process. Photo by julien Tromeur on UnsplashA brief journey from ambition to abandonmentMetaverse World was launched by Netmarble in 2022 by acquiring blockchain gaming platform ITAM Games and Web3 wallet developer Bono Technologies. It had been scheduled to hold a closed beta test last year, but no news of the development has resurfaced since then.  However, it was revealed today that the project will be abandoned during the corporate reorganization process. "We have been looking for a sustainable direction to take the project, but business conditions and market changes have pushed us to make the difficult decision to terminate the Metaverse World corporation, which was developing a metaverse platform,” a representative from the company disclosed. Fluctuating trendsThe metaverse first gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when gatherings were limited to online spaces. Since then, the industry and other related technologies like Web3, blockchain and NFTs also garnered significant attention, with various companies snagging investments to fund their projects. However, as the attention of tech and investment firms has shifted to AI, these companies have increasingly found themselves in difficult positions. Last September, Com2Verse, the metaverse arm of content provider Com2uS Holdings', also began streamlining its workforce, organizing voluntary retirement and transition arrangements for its employees.

Avalanche Blockchain Developer Expands into IndiaAva Labs, the company behind the layer one Avalanche blockchain, is setting its sights on a significant expansion in India.Seeking out state agency partnershipsThe move by the New York-based blockchain development firm reflects the growing interest in blockchain technology within the world’s most populous country. Ava Labs outlined that it is actively seeking partnerships with Indian government agencies and institutions to facilitate the development of applications on the Avalanche (AVA) blockchain, according to a blog post published by the firm on Thursday.While government and state agencies have not been terribly progressive when it comes to decentralized cryptocurrencies in India, they have been more receptive in terms of developing the underlying blockchain technology.Earlier this year, the Royal Bank of India (RBI) highlighted the importance of adopting blockchain technology. Last month, an RBI-led initiative emerged through India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to further explore blockchain technology relative to payment systems.Indian government’s initiatives, such as launching a Centre of Excellence in Blockchain Technology, align with Ava Labs’ expansion strategy. Moreover, Indian states like Goa and Telangana have demonstrated a proactive approach to leveraging blockchain for real-world use cases, including land records and vehicle registrations.Photo by Studio Art Smile on PexelsRecruiting local talentAs part of its plans, Ava Labs has made a few pivotal hires to lead its operations and business development in India. Devika Mittal, formerly the Head of Token Listings for OK Group company Okcoin, and Kamakshi Arjun, who has held leadership positions at Polygon (MATIC) India and Tech Mahindra, have joined the team. Both individuals bring extensive experience in the blockchain industry to their new roles.Mittal expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating:“I am so excited to help Ava Labs expand its reach and impact in the region, and am confident that Ava Labs is well-positioned to meet the demands of India’s large and growing population of tech-savvy individuals and businesses.”Equally Arjun, with her understanding of the blockchain market, is expected to play a critical role in Ava Labs’ expansion strategy.Business development fundMittal said in an interview with The Block that Ava’s operations in India would focus on several sectors, including ticketing, certification, and supply chains. She also highlighted the innovative features of Avalanche subnets. Notably, Ava Labs has a specific business development fund earmarked for India.There’s a lot of activity within India’s blockchain ecosystem, with projects like Loco, an esports and live-streaming platform, leading the way. Loco is developing a range of Web3 products and pioneering innovative fan experiences using a custom Avalanche Subnet.While Polygon Labs, the founder of Ethereum scaling network Polygon, operates on a fully remote basis, its origins can be traced back to India through its founders. One community member responded to this latest news, stating that the Avalanche development team has a lot of ground to make up by comparison with the progress recorded by Polygon in India in terms of partnerships and business development.Ava Labs is actively engaging with various prominent institutions and has already secured a partnership with a government agency, although specific details have not been disclosed.