The US Treasury has sanctioned a TRON wallet address as part of a crackdown on the Russian-based Aeza Group, which US authorities say is enabling ransomware attacks. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated that Aeza Group was using the TRON address to provide Bulletproof Hosting (BPH) services that allow hackers to easily host ransomware servers without being accountable for their actions. According to US authorities, the BPH servers were purpose-built for criminal activities. The TRON wallet contained $350,000 in funds as of the time of this report. Aeza Group was also connected with information-stealing operations, which involve phishing attacks, often aimed at crypto holders and stealing their private keys. Most online attacks in 2025 were phishing attacks targeting crypto wallets. The US Treasury also sanctioned other entities and individuals connected with Aeza Group, including Russian and UK firms. OFAC sanctioned a TRON wallet address TU4tD…CnJ4F, connected with Aeza Group, allegedly mediates payments for their hosting services. Cryptocurrency was used to conceal payments so that customers could use the servers for illicit activities, such as hosting ransomware attacks, and could avoid detection from traditional payment methods. Phishing attacks and ransomware still pose an ongoing threat to the crypto community. The TRON address was being used to receive payments from Aeza Group and then transfer funds to exchanges so that it could withdraw cash from the hosting services. US authorities also allege that the crypto address was connected with the Garantex exchange, which has been controversial recently. The TRON address was further associated with information-stealing malware vendors, which operated on the darknet, and contributed to the crime wave affecting crypto traders worldwide. According to blockchain analysts, there may be more addresses out there that are being used to inject illicit funds into the economy.  The US Treasury released a statement announcing its efforts to target the Russian-based Aeza Group, which it alleged is responsible for facilitating cybercrime through its Bulletproof Hosting service business model. Criminal activities enabled by the group include ransomware attacks, technology theft, and information stealing, such as phishing attacks. The Bulletproof Hosting servers allowed hackers to operate their schemes with relative impunity. OFAC announced they were sanctioning four key individuals alongside businesses affiliated with the Aeza Group. OFAC believes that it is essential to shut down these criminal networks to revive the economic health of the US economy—the effort to target businesses associated with the group involved cross-border collaboration with UK authorities. Businesses related to the group include Aeza International Ltd, Aeza Logistics LLC, and Cloud Solutions LLC.  Arsenii Penzev, Aeza Group CEO, has been linked to illicit activities and is most likely one of the individuals designated as ‘key personnel’ by US authorities. Penzev will most likely have property and assets frozen in America, as part of the sanction process, which covers many areas of the US financial system. According to OFAC, US sanctions aim to dissuade individuals from engaging in illegal activities. The sanctions also disrupt criminal networks that build cross-border infrastructures that enable criminal activities. US authorities have taken a national security approach to sanctioning Aeza Group by pointing out that the illicit activities, including ransomware and Bulletproof Hosting servers, undermine the economic health of America and pose an immediate threat to the security of US businesses. In the announcement, OFAC also referred to this sanction as a proactive approach to preventing illicit activities from becoming more ingrained in the US financial system.  St. Petersburg, the alleged location of Aeza Group, was where sophisticated infrastructure was created, including bulletproof hosting services to evade law enforcement and facilitate ransomware attacks. Hacking groups such as Meduza and Lumma used the service to make phishing attacks against US defence contractors. Hackers also used the Bulletproof systems to target US technology companies and deploy information-stealing malware programs. Hacking has been accelerating in recent years, especially with the onset of cryptocurrency, allowing criminal groups to steal digital assets with minimal risk. We could be entering a period similar to the era of bank robberies, only with decentralised banks as the target. There seems to be a surge in bank robberies every one hundred years, with bushrangers in the 1800s, gangsters in the 1900s, and now hackers in the 2000s. US authorities are aware of the growing threat of cybercrime. Even small phishing attacks add to the cybercrime economy, selling stolen information on the black market, contributing to further attacks. 

Tron (TRX) is currently navigating a prolonged consolidation phase that began in December 2024, with prices oscillating between key levels and no clear breakout direction in sight. Despite this range-bound action, Tron remains firmly in the spotlight as fundamental developments capture market attention. The most significant news came two weeks ago, when reports revealed that Tron is preparing to go public via a reverse merger with Nasdaq-listed SRM Entertainment. This potential listing could mark a major milestone for the blockchain platform, potentially making it the first major crypto network to enter US public markets directly. At the same time, on-chain data signals growing momentum beneath the surface. According to insights from CryptoQuant, DeFi activity on the Tron network has been steadily expanding. Rising transaction volumes, increasing deposits in JustLend, and record swap activity on SunSwap point to deepening liquidity and user engagement. These developments highlight a maturing ecosystem, but the market has yet to price in a breakout move. As consolidation continues, traders and investors are closely watching for the next major catalyst. Whether Tron’s public listing or accelerating DeFi traction triggers it remains to be seen, but momentum is quietly building. Tron DeFi Growth Signals Underlying Strength Tron is testing critical price levels after months of sideways movement, consolidating between $0.211 and $0.295. This range has acted as a structural base since late 2024, and a clean break in either direction could determine Tron’s next major trend. A breakout above $0.295 would likely trigger fresh momentum toward new local highs, while failure to hold support could expose the asset to deeper corrections. While the broader crypto market anticipates upward expansion—supported by the rally in US equities and a more stable macro backdrop—Tron remains trapped in this tight band. Volatility persists, and without a decisive breakout, market participants remain cautious. Still, underlying fundamentals suggest TRX may be quietly gathering strength. According to CryptoQuant data, DeFi activity on the Tron network is rising rapidly. SunSwap has surpassed $3 billion in monthly swap volume consistently throughout 2025, with May setting a record at $3.8 billion. Meanwhile, JustLend deposits have more than tripled year-to-date, peaking at $740 million. These developments point to deepening liquidity and growing demand across Tron’s DeFi ecosystem. Stablecoin inflows and increasing borrowing activity further reinforce Tron’s expanding utility, suggesting the network is becoming a robust settlement layer. While the price remains range-bound for now, the fundamentals hint at a strong foundation for future upside, once the technical breakout finally materializes. TRX Price Consolidates Near Resistance TRX is currently trading around $0.2813, maintaining its position near the upper boundary of the long-standing consolidation range that began in December 2024. The asset has shown resilience above the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, all of which are trending upward, supporting the bullish outlook. The 50-day SMA at $0.2508 and the 100-day SMA at $0.2289 are providing dynamic support, indicating strong buyer interest on dips. Price action throughout June remained sideways, with low volatility and volume consistent with a classic consolidation phase. Despite multiple rejections below the $0.295 resistance, TRX has not shown any signs of structural weakness, holding firmly above $0.26–$0.27 and gradually building pressure toward a breakout. Volume has remained stable, though not yet signaling the kind of breakout momentum that would confirm a move into higher price discovery. Traders are watching closely for a clean candle close above $0.295 to validate a bullish continuation. If successful, TRX could rally toward the $0.32–$0.35 zone, with minimal overhead resistance. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Tron (TRX) is once again in the spotlight as it tests the upper and lower boundaries of a key consolidation range that has held for months. The price has been oscillating between $0.211 and $0.295—a range that has acted as both support and resistance since the start of the year. With volatility gradually returning to the crypto market, a breakout from this zone could set the stage for a major directional move. A confirmed push above $0.295 could open the door for a rally toward uncharted territory, while a break below $0.211 might signal a deeper correction. According to new data from CryptoQuant, large transactions are currently driving volume dominance on the Tron network. While the majority of transactions on TRON are under $1,000 in size—showing that retail users are actively engaged—it is the high-value transfers that account for most of the total volume, highlighting growing institutional or whale interest in the network. As broader market conditions remain uncertain and altcoins begin to show signs of life, the coming weeks will be critical for TRX. Whether bulls or bears take control will likely depend on how the price reacts to this well-defined consolidation range. Tron Eyes Expansion Amid Growing Network Activity Tron has captured significant attention in recent weeks, driven by a combination of major announcements and strong on-chain activity. A report two weeks ago revealed that Tron is preparing to go public via a reverse merger with Nasdaq-listed SRM Entertainment. While full details have yet to be confirmed by official channels, sources familiar with the matter suggest the process is underway. If completed, this move could mark a historic moment for the blockchain space, giving Tron greater exposure to traditional investors and boosting institutional legitimacy. Despite these developments, price action remains locked in a consolidation phase. The broader market’s volatility and macro uncertainty continue to suppress directional momentum for TRX. However, network fundamentals tell a different story—Tron’s on-chain activity is booming. Top analyst Darkfost highlighted a key insight: large transactions currently drive volume dominance on the TRON network. Although more than 1 million USDT transactions on TRON are below $1,000, just 16,000 transfers above $100,000 dominate in terms of volume. This divergence shows that while retail usage is high, major players are still actively moving large amounts of capital on the network. The consistent dominance of small transfers reflects Tron’s accessibility and everyday utility among users, while the growing transaction count signals expanding adoption. Together, these factors suggest that Tron is building strong foundations, regardless of short-term price direction. The coming weeks could be pivotal, especially if the public listing advances and TRX breaks its multi-month price range. TRX Consolidates Near Resistance Amid Growing Momentum Tron is currently trading at $0.2787 after several weeks of sideways movement, as shown in the chart. The asset remains in a well-defined consolidation range between the $0.211 support zone and the $0.295 resistance. Despite several attempts, TRX has been unable to decisively break through the upper boundary, signaling market hesitation. However, the overall price structure remains constructive. The 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA) are all trending upward, with price currently testing the 50-day SMA as dynamic resistance. This alignment supports the argument for a longer-term bullish structure, even as short-term consolidation continues. Volume has slightly picked up in recent days, suggesting a growing interest among traders. A clear breakout above $0.295 would likely trigger a new upward phase and bring fresh highs into play. Until then, traders are watching for confirmation, as the market tests the upper boundary of the range. With strong fundamentals, increasing on-chain activity, and speculation about Tron’s public listing via reverse merger, momentum could accelerate soon. If bulls can maintain the $0.27–$0.28 level and push above $0.295, TRX could enter price discovery for the first time in months, opening the door to higher valuations. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView