Crypto Claus’s 2019 Report: The Naughty and Nice Lists of the Cryptocurrency World

The Infamous Naughty List

Ah, the naughty list! It’s like the Oscars for the cryptocurrency world, but instead of golden statues, they receive lumps of coal. Let’s dive into who was caught misbehaving in 2019.

John McAfee: The Blockchain Maverick Gone Rogue

If there were a reality show for crypto personalities, John McAfee would be its star. Right from the get-go, McAfee decided to make headlines by fleeing the U.S. thanks to tax indictments. Along the way, he threw in a candid presidential run—because if you’re going to be chased by the IRS, why not throw in a campaign for good measure?

• Presidential Bid: Running for U.S. president while on the run? Check.
• Satoshi Nakamoto Mystery: Teasing us with claims of revealing Bitcoin’s creator? Double check.
• Crypto Coins: Launching an “Epstein Didn’t Kill Himself” coin? That’s some innovative madness.

Craig Wright: The Man Who Cried Bitcoin

Next up is ‘Satoshi’ Craig Wright, who spent 2019 entrenched in a legal maze. Wright seemed hell-bent on proving he was the Bitcoin creator but instead produced a year full of lawsuits and signatures.

“I’m not a fraud, I’m just misunderstood!” – Probably Craig Wright

Among his antics were copyright claims of Bitcoin’s white paper and a high-profile lawsuit against the estate of his late partner. Let’s just say the courts were not very jolly on this one.

Brad Sherman: The Crypto Grinch

And who could forget Congressman Brad Sherman? This guy practically drags the industry down like he’s auditioning for a role in a horror movie. Calling for an outright ban on cryptocurrencies, Sherman claimed, “Mark Zuckerberg is sending a friend request to oligarchs, drug dealers, and terrorists.”

The Heartwarming Nice List

On a brighter note, let’s tip our hats to the unlikely heroes of 2019 who stepped up and spread some cheer in the crypto community.

Keith Mali Chung: The Bitcoin Good Samaritan

Then we have Keith Mali Chung, known as the “African Bitcoin Bull.” When he accidentally received $80,000 in BTC, instead of running off to buy a Lamborghini, he launched a Twitter campaign to return it. Bless his blockchain heart!

The Davids of Charity: BitPay and Binance

In the world of charitable giving, BitPay and Binance emerged as heroes. BitPay began processing donations for the Wikimedia Foundation while Binance provided meals to over 200 students in Uganda!

Countries Going Crypto-Crazy

Countries like Australia, Portugal, and Germany made substantial legal strides for cryptocurrency. With tax exemptions and clear regulations, they are setting the stage for a more welcoming environment for the blockchain industry!

Cautionary Tales and Future Insights

The wild ride of 2019 taught us valuable lessons. As Crypto Santa gears up for 2020, one thing is clear: actions in the cryptocurrency world don’t just impact the individual; they affect the entire community. We shall see who lands on the nice list next year!