Ethereum Layer-2 network Polygon is reportedly looking to acquire US Bitcoin ATM provider Coinme for a purchase price between $100 million and $125 million. Sources familiar with the matter told CoinDesk that the ETH scaling network is “close to” acquiring the BTC ATM company, with Architect Partners serving as its financial advisor. Cryptonews has reached out to Coinme executives for confirmation. Coinme is one of the earlier entrants in Bitcoin ATM operations in the US. It first launched a crypto kio ...

Core Insights - The FBI reported a significant increase in Bitcoin ATM fraud, with losses reaching $333 million in 2025 [1][2] - Over 10,000 individuals were victims of Bitcoin ATM-related fraud in 2025, highlighting the growing issue [2] - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) noted that cryptocurrency scams, particularly involving Bitcoin ATMs, are becoming increasingly financially damaging [3] Industry Trends - The number of Bitcoin ATMs in the US surged to over 30,000 in 2024, accounting for approximately 81.27% of the global total [2] - Reported losses from Bitcoin ATMs increased from $78 million in 2022 to $114 million in 2023, indicating a more than twofold rise in just two years [3] Fraud Mechanisms - Scammers impersonate banks or companies, convincing victims to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs under the pretense of securing their funds [1] - The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recorded over 12,000 complaints related to Bitcoin ATM fraud from January to November 2025, with total monetary losses exceeding $333.5 million [2]

Core Viewpoint - Bitcoin Well Inc. announces a shares-for-debt settlement, the grant of stock options, and related early warning disclosure, aiming to enhance its financial position and support its mission to enable independence through bitcoin [1]. Debt Settlement - The company will settle C$291,095 of accrued interest obligations by issuing common shares [2]. - As of January 2, 2026, the company has a total debt of C$210,495 related to certain use of bitcoin agreements and a convertible debenture agreement, with C$96,683 settled by issuing 920,788 shares at C$0.105 per share and C$113,813 settled by issuing 1,354,916 shares at C$0.084 per share [3]. - The company also has C$80,600 in convertible debenture interest debt, which will be settled by issuing 739,449 shares at C$0.109 per share [4]. - Additionally, the company has C$62,905.50 in sponsorship agreement debt, settled by issuing 698,950 shares at C$0.09 per share [5]. - The overall debt settlement is subject to approval from the TSX Venture Exchange [6]. Private Placement - The company has closed its private placement offering, raising approximately C$12,492,081.22 from the sale of 122,471,380 units, including C$6,618,460 in cash and 37.31 Bitcoin valued at approximately C$5,873,621.11 [8][9]. Grant of Stock Options - The company granted stock options to purchase up to 8,292,500 shares at an exercise price of C$0.105 per share, with a vesting schedule over three years and a term of five years [10]. Related Party Transactions - Participation by certain directors and officers in the debt settlement and option grant constitutes related party transactions, with the company relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements [11]. Early Warning Disclosure - Adam O'Brien, the CEO, acquired 1,800,000 options, maintaining approximately 23.88% of the issued shares on a non-diluted basis and increasing to approximately 25.43% on a partially diluted basis following the option grant [12].

Core Insights - Bitcoin Bancorp plans to deploy up to 200 licensed Bitcoin ATMs in Texas starting Q1 2026 as part of its national growth strategy [1][3] - Texas is recognized as a crypto-friendly state due to its business-friendly regulations, lack of personal income and capital gains taxes, and a pro-innovation policy environment [2] Strategic Vision and Network Expansion - The expansion into Texas is seen as a critical step for the company's growth, transitioning from planning to execution [3] - Agreements are in place that may accelerate revenue growth for Bitcoin Bancorp in the coming year [3] - The company aims to expand its licensed Bitcoin ATM network nationwide, aligning with increasing consumer utilization of Bitcoin ATMs [3] Future Developments - Bitcoin Bancorp plans to introduce additional compliant functionalities across its ATM network, including digital-asset payments and stablecoin services [4] - The integration of patented Bitcoin ATM technology with blockchain infrastructure aims to create a nationwide network of blockchain-enabled micro-bank branches [4] - The focus remains on compliant growth, infrastructure scalability, and providing decentralized financial tools in accessible settings [5] Company Overview - Bitcoin Bancorp is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is publicly traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol (OTC: BCBC) [5] - The company specializes in blockchain technologies, software development, and Web 3.0, holding foundational patents for Bitcoin ATMs [5]

Core Points - Washington state regulators have ordered Coinme to cease operations and repay over $8 million in unclaimed customer funds, accusing the company of misclassifying unredeemed vouchers as income and violating money-transmission regulations [1][5] - Coinme allegedly claimed $8.37 million in unredeemed customer vouchers as income between January 2023 and December 2024, with $2.2 million from Washington customers at the end of 2023 and $6.17 million from both Washington and non-Washington customers at the end of 2024 [2] - The company sold crypto through paper vouchers that users purchased at kiosks, but many users did not redeem them, leading Coinme to treat these funds as its own income without proper disclosure [3] Regulatory Actions - Coinme has 20 days to request a hearing; if not, the cease-and-desist order will become permanent [4] - The order mandates Coinme to stop serving Washington customers, segregate customer assets, and pay restitution based on user payments or the crypto's value at the time of the order [5] - The Department of Financial Institutions intends to revoke Coinme's money transmitter license and impose a fine of $300,000 along with a $375 investigation fee [5] Leadership Implications - The charges also target Neil Bergquist, co-founder and CEO of Coinme, seeking to prohibit him and the company from participating in any money transmitter business for ten years [6] - Coinme's Chief Compliance and Consumer Protection Officer stated that the firm was unaware of the DFI's concerns until the announcement [6]

Core Points - Cash Cloud Inc., a bankrupt crypto company, has won an arbitration award of $18.47 million against BitAccess, a subsidiary of Bitcoin Depot Inc. [1][7] - Cash Cloud filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 7, 2023, citing debts exceeding $153.9 million due to various operational issues [2][3]. Company Overview - Cash Cloud was once a leading Bitcoin ATM operator with nearly 5,700 kiosks under the trade name Coin Cloud [2]. - Bitcoin Depot, founded in 2016, claims to have the largest market share in North America with approximately 8,800 kiosk locations [4]. Legal Dispute - The arbitration initiated by Cash Cloud in August 2022 against BitAccess was due to alleged breaches of a master purchase agreement, including the supply of faulty hardware and underperforming software [5]. - The arbitration award is a binding decision that can be enforced like a court judgment, and Bitcoin Depot has indicated plans to contest the award [7][9]. Financial Implications - The arbitration award of $18.47 million is a significant financial outcome for Cash Cloud amidst its bankruptcy proceedings [1][7]. - Cash Cloud's financial troubles were exacerbated by faulty machines, a failed software agreement, a costly hack, and alleged fraud by its chief marketing officer [3].

Core Viewpoint - Bitcoin Bancorp aims to expand its Bitcoin ATM network and enhance its patent portfolio through strategic enforcement and licensing opportunities [1] Financial Highlights - Revenues for Q3 2025 reached $684,493, marking a 93% increase from $354,900 in Q3 2024 [5] - Total revenues for the nine-month period amounted to $1,692,729, compared to $1,412,028 for the same period in 2024 [5] Operational and Strategic Update - The Bitcoin ATM industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 54.7% from 2025 to 2032, indicating strong long-term potential [2] - North America is expected to continue dominating global crypto ATM deployments, with the U.S. market size projected to increase significantly as mainstream adoption accelerates [2] Management Commentary - The company emphasizes disciplined execution and consistent year-over-year revenue growth, with a focus on deploying Bitcoin ATMs in strategic markets and protecting its patent portfolio [3] - The combination of patented technology, ATM expansion, and licensing opportunities positions the company for a strong performance in 2026 [3] Company Overview - Bitcoin Bancorp is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is publicly traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol OTC: BCBC [4] - The company holds two foundational U.S. patents for Bitcoin ATMs and operates a network of Bitcoin ATMs through licensed third-party operators [4] - Bitcoin Bancorp is committed to driving innovations in digital and blockchain-related platforms through technology and decentralized solutions [4]

Business Transaction - Bitcoin ATM operator is considering a sale targeting $100 million [1] Legal and Compliance - The CEO is facing federal money-laundering charges [1]

Bitcoin ATM Firm Weighing $100 Million Sale Following Money Laundering Charges► https://t.co/Dy34uxEy3g https://t.co/Dy34uxEy3g ...

Core Viewpoint - Crypto Dispensers, a Chicago-based operator of cryptocurrency ATMs, is considering a potential sale valued at approximately $100 million amid legal challenges related to a money laundering scheme [1][3]. Company Overview - Crypto Dispensers operates ATMs that allow users to buy and send Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies [1]. - The company and its founder, Firas Isa, have pleaded not guilty to a money-laundering conspiracy charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison [2]. Legal Challenges - The U.S. Department of Justice has filed charges against Crypto Dispensers and Isa, alleging involvement in a $10 million money laundering scheme [1][2]. - The DOJ claims that the company received funds from victims and criminals through Bitcoin ATMs, converting these illicit funds into cryptocurrency and transferring them to other wallets, despite KYC requirements [2]. Potential Sale - Crypto Dispensers is evaluating a potential sale and has retained advisors to support this review as consolidation accelerates in the cash-to-crypto and digital asset infrastructure sector [3]. - Isa stated that the review aims to understand the next stage of growth and determine the path that creates the most value for the platform [3]. Market Context - The potential sale comes as cryptocurrency markets have experienced a downturn, with Bitcoin's price falling to nearly $81,000, its lowest since April, after reaching a record high of $126,000 in early October [5].