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1. Tether: The Unregulated Backbone of Crypto's Wild Ride

"Tether's claims that its virtual currency was fully backed by U.S. dollars at all times was a lie."

The crypto lifeline. Tether, a stablecoin supposedly backed 1:1 by US dollars, became the backbone of the cryptocurrency world. It allowed traders to move money quickly between exchanges and provided a seemingly stable store of value in the volatile crypto market.

Questionable backing. Despite claims of full dollar backing, Tether's reserves remained shrouded in mystery. The company resisted full audits and faced ongoing scrutiny from regulators and skeptics. Investigations revealed a complex web of offshore accounts, Chinese commercial paper, and risky investments.

Survival against odds. Despite numerous crises and revelations about its questionable practices, Tether continued to thrive. Its ability to weather storms that sank other crypto companies raised both admiration and suspicion within the industry. By 2023, Tether had become one of the most profitable companies in the world, with billions in profits from interest on its reserves.

2. From Plastic Surgery to Crypto: The Unlikely Rise of Giancarlo Devasini

"All my work seemed like a scam, the exploitation of a whim."

Unconventional background. Giancarlo Devasini's journey from plastic surgeon to crypto mogul is a testament to the wild nature of the cryptocurrency world. Disillusioned with the superficiality of cosmetic surgery, he pivoted to electronics importing before stumbling into the world of Bitcoin.

Bitfinex and Tether. Devasini became a key figure in the crypto world as the de facto head of Bitfinex, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, and Tether, the dominant stablecoin. His business acumen and willingness to operate in regulatory gray areas allowed both companies to thrive despite numerous setbacks and controversies.

Secrecy and success. Devasini maintained a low profile, rarely giving interviews or appearing at public events. This air of mystery, combined with Tether's continued success in the face of skepticism, cemented his reputation as one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the crypto world.

3. Sam Bankman-Fried: The Boy Genius Who Built and Crashed an Empire

"I fucked up. I think really what I want to say is, like, I'm really fucking sorry."

Meteoric rise. Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) went from an unknown trader to a crypto billionaire in just a few years. His exchange, FTX, became one of the largest in the world, and he cultivated an image as the responsible face of crypto, advocating for regulation and philanthropy.

Effective altruism. SBF claimed to be motivated by effective altruism, a philosophy that advocates earning as much money as possible to donate to worthy causes. This narrative helped him gain trust and influence in both the crypto world and mainstream finance.

Spectacular fall. In November 2022, FTX collapsed spectacularly amid revelations of misused customer funds and fraudulent practices. SBF's empire crumbled, exposing the fragility of the crypto ecosystem and raising serious questions about the ethics and stability of the entire industry.

4. The Crypto Casino: Gambling, Scams, and the Illusion of Easy Money

"Number go up technology is a very powerful piece of technology. It's the price. As the price goes higher, more people become aware of it, and buy it in anticipation of the price continuing to climb."

Speculation frenzy. The cryptocurrency boom was driven largely by speculation and the promise of quick riches. Traders and investors poured money into a dizzying array of coins and tokens, often with little understanding of their underlying technology or purpose.

Pump and dump schemes. Many cryptocurrencies and NFT projects were little more than elaborate pump and dump schemes, where insiders would hype up a project, drive up the price, and then sell their holdings to unsuspecting buyers.

Real-world consequences. The crypto casino had real-world impacts, from individuals losing their life savings to entire economies being destabilized. The promise of easy money drew in people from all walks of life, often with devastating consequences.

5. NFTs: Digital Art or Elaborate Ponzi Scheme?

"I'm not going to lie. This was a lie."

NFT mania. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) exploded in popularity, with digital artworks and collectibles selling for millions of dollars. The Bored Ape Yacht Club became one of the most prominent NFT collections, attracting celebrity buyers and spawning an entire ecosystem.

Questionable value. Many critics argued that NFTs were little more than a speculative bubble, with prices driven by hype and celebrity endorsements rather than intrinsic value. The ability to easily replicate digital images raised questions about what buyers were actually purchasing.

Cultural impact. Despite skepticism, NFTs had a significant impact on the art world and popular culture. They sparked debates about the nature of ownership in the digital age and opened up new avenues for artists and creators to monetize their work.

6. Axie Infinity: The Play-to-Earn Dream That Turned Into a Nightmare

"It felt to me like I was watching my own house burn down or something."

Play-to-earn phenomenon. Axie Infinity, a blockchain-based game, became a sensation in the Philippines and other developing countries. Players could earn cryptocurrency by playing the game, with some claiming to make more than traditional jobs.

Economic impact. The game's popularity had real-world economic effects, with some players able to buy homes or pay for education with their earnings. However, the model relied on a constant influx of new players to sustain the economy.

Collapse and consequences. When the game's economy collapsed, many players lost significant amounts of money. The Axie Infinity story highlighted the risks of crypto-based economic models and the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations.

7. El Salvador's Bitcoin Experiment: A Cautionary Tale for Crypto Adoption

"No Acceptamos Bitcoin"

Bold national strategy. In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, spearheaded by President Nayib Bukele. The move was hailed by crypto enthusiasts as a major step towards mainstream adoption.

Implementation challenges. The rollout faced numerous technical and practical challenges. Many Salvadorans struggled to use the government-backed Bitcoin wallet, and businesses were reluctant to accept the volatile cryptocurrency.

Economic risks. El Salvador's Bitcoin experiment exposed the country to significant financial risks. The government's Bitcoin investments lost value as the crypto market crashed, potentially jeopardizing the country's economic stability.

8. The Dark Side of Crypto: Human Trafficking and Scams in Cambodia

"It's very difficult to breathe. You feel very dizzy and faint."

Scam compounds. In Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries, large compounds housed thousands of workers forced to perpetrate crypto scams. These operations often used human trafficking to acquire their workforce.

Tether's role. Many of these scams relied on Tether for moving money, highlighting the stablecoin's use in illicit activities. The ease of moving large sums anonymously made crypto an attractive tool for criminals.

Human cost. The victims of these operations faced brutal conditions, including physical abuse and the threat of death. Their stories revealed the dark underbelly of the crypto world and its potential for exploitation.

9. The Great Crypto Crash of 2022: Hubris Meets Reality

"Assets are fine. We don't invest client assets (even in treasuries)."

Market meltdown. In 2022, the cryptocurrency market experienced a spectacular crash. Major players like FTX, Celsius, and Three Arrows Capital collapsed, wiping out billions in value and customer funds.

Systemic risks exposed. The crash revealed the interconnected nature of the crypto ecosystem and the prevalence of risky practices like rehypothecation and unsecured lending. Many companies that appeared solvent were revealed to be deeply intertwined and vulnerable.

Regulatory reckoning. The crash prompted increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide. The fall of supposedly reputable companies like FTX highlighted the need for stronger oversight and consumer protections in the crypto industry.

Last updated: January 23, 2025