A federal jury has convicted Block Bits Capital co-founder Japheth Dillman of wire fraud and conspiracy after prosecutors said more than 20 investors lost nearly $1 million in a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading fund.

The U.S. Department of Justice said on Aug. 24 that the 48-year-old San Francisco resident was found guilty following a 10-day trial before U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg in the Northern District of California. Dillman remains free on bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 8.

Court evidence showed that Dillman helped raise money for Block Bits Capital between June 2017 and August 2018 by giving investors false information about the fund’s trading technology and performance. Prosecutors said Dillman and a co-conspirator promoted an automated cryptocurrency trading program called the “Autotrader” as a completed and functioning product.

The software was supposed to generate returns by automatically trading digital assets, but Dillman knew the algorithm did not work as represented, according to evidence presented at trial. Investor money therefore could not be deployed through the automated strategy investors had been told the fund would use.

Block Bits Capital investors were sold a non-working trading tool

While raising capital, Dillman and his associates presented Block Bits Capital as a fund capable of earning profits through automated cryptocurrency trading, according to the Justice Department. Prosecutors said the claims continued even though Dillman knew the Autotrader was not functioning.

Earlier regulatory records provide more detail about the technology behind those representations. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleged in a 2022 civil complaint that Block Bits never completed the trading bot and had only funded early development work. No functional version was tested or deployed, while trading of fund assets was instead carried out manually, the regulator said.

According to the SEC complaint, Dillman and Block Bits continued making statements about the bot in emails, offering materials and promotional communications even as internal discussions acknowledged that automated trading was unavailable. The agency alleged that Dillman told investors in 2017 that the system could conduct arbitrage across multiple cryptocurrency exchanges despite the software remaining unfinished.

Prosecutors also told the jury that investor funds were used for purposes other than the strategy that had been marketed. Dillman and his co-conspirator paid themselves and placed money into speculative cryptocurrency ventures without fully disclosing the risks to investors, the DOJ said.

Several of those positions produced substantial losses, according to trial evidence. Even as the investments lost money, Dillman falsely told investors that Block Bits’ cryptocurrency trading operations were generating significant profits, prosecutors said.

The SEC had separately charged Block Bits Capital, Block Bits Capital GP I, Dillman and co-founder David Mata in April 2022 over an alleged fraudulent and unregistered securities offering. The regulator said at the time that more than 20 investors had supplied almost $1 million after receiving misleading information about the fund’s automated trading system and the way their money would be handled.

Crypto fund fraud cases remain active in U.S. courts

Dillman’s conviction follows several recent federal cases involving cryptocurrency investment businesses accused of overstating returns or misusing customer money.

In June, federal prosecutors charged a Tennessee resident over an alleged $1.9 million crypto investment scheme operated through Star Credit Holdings. Authorities accused Misam Abidi of making false claims about returns, reserves and assets under management while directing more than $1.9 million to himself and family members.

Prosecutors said the Star Credit operation collected money from investors in several states, with some funds allegedly used to pay earlier participants and others diverted from legitimate trading. Abidi was charged with offenses including wire fraud, money laundering, operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and tax-related crimes. The charges in that case remain allegations unless proven in court.

Another large investment case advanced in July when Christopher Alexander Delgado, the chief executive of Goliath Ventures, pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges. Prosecutors said investors had transferred at least $400 million to Goliath Ventures after being offered returns from cryptocurrency liquidity pools.

As crypto.news previously reported, Delgado admitted responsibility for at least $250 million in investor losses and agreed to surrender assets including luxury homes, vehicles, watches, jewelry and other property. Prosecutors had previously accused the company of using investor funds to make payments to other participants and finance personal spending.

The Justice Department has also been pursuing the assets generated through international crypto investment scams. In July, federal prosecutors sought forfeiture of $25 million in cryptocurrency recovered through five investigations involving alleged fraud networks targeting victims in the United States and Canada.

According to federal authorities, the cases involved fake cryptocurrency investment platforms and relationship-based scams used to convince victims to transfer digital assets. The DOJ said assets seized through its Scam Center Strike Force had surpassed $800 million by the time the forfeiture actions were announced.

Dillman faces up to 20 years on each conviction count

Following the jury verdict, Dillman faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of conviction, according to the Justice Department. The charges cover wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and conspiracy to commit wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1349.

The maximum penalties do not determine the sentence Dillman will receive. Judge Seeborg will determine the punishment after considering federal sentencing guidelines and the factors set out under U.S. sentencing law, the DOJ said.

His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m. before Seeborg. Dillman will remain released on bond ahead of the hearing.

Federal agencies involved in the case included the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, while the SEC’s San Francisco Regional Office provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christiaan Highsmith and Charles Bisesto are prosecuting the case with support from Kevin Costello, Lynette Dixon, Andy Ding and Royce Epperson, according to the Justice Department.

Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket against Cameron Brink #22 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on August 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Luke Hales/Getty Images/AFP

LOS ANGELES — Angel Reese broke the WNBA single-game rebounding record with 26 while also breaking the league’s season record for rebounds as the Atlanta Dream beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-71 on Monday night.

Reese surpassed Chamique Holdsclaw’s record of 24 rebounds, set on May 23, 2003 for Washington.

The Dream star has 458 rebounds this season, seven more than A’ja Wilson’s mark set in 2024. Atlanta still has six games remaining in the regular season.

READ: WNBA: Angel Reese has career night as Dream hold off Mercury

The @AtlantaDream defeat the Sparks 78-71 👍

Allisha Gray: 20 PTS | 6 AST | 3 REB | 2 3PMRhyne Howard: 18 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 2 3PMAngel Reese: 11 PTS | 26 REB | 3 AST | 3 STL↪️set a new WNBA single-game rebounding record with 26 ↪️totaled 458 rebounds this season,… pic.twitter.com/exMvFremgM

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 25, 2026

“I’m just in awe watching her rebound,” teammate Allisha Gray said after the game. “That’s a talent.”

Reese finished with 11 points. She secured her WNBA-leading 27th double-double of the season on a basket with 13.9 seconds left in the game.

The Dream have won four straight games — all on the road.

Gray led Atlanta (25-13) with 20 points. Rhyne Howard added 18 points to eclipse 3,000 for her career. Gray set an Atlanta record for field goals in a season with 247.

READ: WNBA: Angel Reese has perfect shooting night in Dream win

Nneka Ogwumike had 27 points and 16 rebounds for Los Angeles (13-25), which has lost nine straight games in the series. Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink each scored 15 points.

Atlanta trailed 37-36 at halftime before starting the third quarter on a 9-2 run. The Dream also began the fourth on a 9-2 run to make it 71-57 with 6:57 left.

Up next

Dream: Host Portland on Friday.

Sparks: Host Washington on Friday.

A new rumor places a new Mac mini launching within days, and yes, ahead of the Apple event. Other new products are still coming in 2026 as well, like the iPad mini and AirPods 5.

While the Mac mini hasn’t received the M5 processor yet, it could also be upgraded with an M6 to kick off the new chip generation. Either way, it’s coming and soon enough to be Tim Cook’s last product as CEO.

According to a report from Bloomberg, a new Mac mini could be announced within the next few days. Anonymous sources familiar with Apple plans shared these details, and given the proximity, they’re likely right.

The report also shares that customers should expect ANC and standard versions of Apple’s fifth-generation AirPods as soon as the Apple Event in September. They would launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Ultra.

The OLED iPad mini is still on track for October along with other Mac upgrades like a new iMac and MacBook Pro. Apple’s Home Hub tablet, upgraded Apple TV 4K, and new HomePod mini are also slotted for 2026.

It’ll be a busy second half of the year for Apple, especially for the new CEO John Ternus, who takes over on September 1. Leave it to Tim Cook, the supply chain master, to slip in one last product before he steps down.

Lintons, located on Yorkersgate in Malton, has been launched by husband-and-wife team Hayley and Phil Thompson, who bring together more than 80 years of combined experience.

The firm aims to deliver a fresh, forward-thinking approach to supporting businesses, individuals, and families across North Yorkshire.

Hayley said: “What started as conversations around our kitchen table gradually became reality.

“I had already started building a bookkeeping and Making Tax Digital business of my own, and it became clear that by combining our skills, experience and shared passion for helping people, we could create something really special together.

“We wanted to build a practice where relationships come first, where clients feel comfortable picking up the phone, and where we’re genuinely invested in helping them achieve their goals.”

Lintons offers traditional accountancy services alongside proactive advice to help clients make informed decisions and plan for the future.

The firm’s name holds personal significance for the founders.

Hayley said: “It represents hard work, honesty, integrity and family values.

“Naming the practice after the farm felt like the perfect way to carry a little piece of that legacy into this exciting new chapter.”

Services include annual accounts, tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, and VAT.

The firm also places a strong emphasis on forward planning.

Phil, a Chartered Tax Adviser, said: “Of course compliance is essential – every business needs accounts and tax returns.

“But compliance is only part of the picture.

“The real difference comes from helping clients plan ahead.

“Whether that’s reducing future tax liabilities, preparing for retirement, succession planning, inheritance tax, trusts or making better business decisions, we want to help our clients make the most of every opportunity before it’s too late.

“We encourage clients to speak to us throughout the year, not just when their year-end comes around.

“The best advice is proactive, not reactive.”

In addition to compliance services, Lintons offers specialist advice on inheritance tax, trusts and estates, succession planning, retirement planning, and family wealth planning.

The team includes qualified accountant Jonathan Dowson, who brings more than 26 years of experience across accountancy, compliance, and business advisory services.

Phil said: “I’ve always believed good accountancy is about making life easier for business owners.

“Modern cloud technology gives clients access to better information than ever before, but technology alone isn’t enough.

“It’s about interpreting that information, providing practical advice and helping businesses make confident decisions.

“I enjoy working closely with clients to simplify their systems, improve efficiency and give them the financial insight they need to grow with confidence.”

Hayley said: “We offer fixed fees because we believe no fee should ever come as a surprise.

“Our clients know exactly what they’ll pay from the outset.

“They can pick up the phone whenever they need advice without worrying about unexpected bills.

“We want people to see us as part of their team rather than someone they only hear from once a year.”

Although based in Malton, Lintons supports clients across Ryedale, York, the Yorkshire Coast, and surrounding areas.

The firm offers flexible appointments at its office, online, or at clients’ homes or business premises.

Hayley said: “We’re incredibly proud to have opened in Malton.

“We’re passionate about supporting our local community and helping local businesses succeed.

“Whether someone needs help with their annual accounts, wants to reduce future tax liabilities, plan for retirement or simply wants an accountant who takes the time to understand them, we’re here to help.”

Lintons is based at 4 Yorkersgate, Malton.

SYDNEY — Shares in Australian defence technology company Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd. jumped more than 20 percent on Tuesday after the firm reported a sharp rise in first-half revenue and a record order book, signaling strong demand for its counter-drone and weapons systems.

The stock rose as high as $10.51, up $1.91 or 22.21 percent, in heavy trading on the Australian Securities Exchange. The move followed the release of results for the six months ended June 30, which showed revenue climbing to $168.8 million from $44.1 million a year earlier, an increase of about 283 percent.

Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization turned positive at $21.6 million, compared with a $14.9 million loss in the prior corresponding period. The company still recorded a statutory net loss of $33.7 million, narrowed from a $44.8 million loss a year earlier.

Management highlighted an unconditional order book of approximately $846 million as of June 30, up sharply from levels a year earlier and described as the highest in the company’s history. Unrestricted cash stood at $256 million, providing a stronger balance sheet position after capital raisings and recent contract wins.

The results reflect a period of accelerated growth driven by global demand for counter-unmanned aerial systems and remote weapon stations. Electro Optic Systems has secured multiple contracts in the Middle East and elsewhere, including a large order for its Slinger counter-drone system. The company completed the acquisition of MARSS Group earlier in the year, adding artificial intelligence-enabled command-and-control capabilities that have contributed additional orders.

In commentary accompanying the results, the company stated: “This has been a record period for EOS, with strong order growth reflecting global demand for our advanced defence technologies. We are seeing the benefits of our investments in manufacturing, and the MARSS acquisition provides us with new opportunities in AI-enabled systems.”

Defence spending in several regions has increased amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the proliferation of low-cost drones on modern battlefields. Electro Optic Systems has positioned itself as a supplier of both kinetic and directed-energy solutions, including high-energy laser systems. A factory for high-energy laser weapons was formally opened earlier in 2026.

The company also upgraded full-year revenue guidance for its base business, excluding the newly acquired MARSS operations. It now expects base revenue of between $280 million and $300 million for the 2026 financial year, up from a previous range of $240 million to $270 million. The guidance is based on the existing secured order book and does not include potential future contracts.

Gross margin for the half was reported at 58 percent, lower than the prior year as the product mix and scale of deliveries shifted. Contracts signed during the period totaled about $303 million across 10 orders, compared with $75 million across eight orders in the first half of 2025.

Investors have closely watched the company’s ability to convert its growing backlog into delivered revenue and improved cash flow. The first-half performance showed progress on that front, with underlying EBITDA moving into positive territory at scale for the first time. The narrowed statutory loss reflected higher operating costs associated with ramping production and integrating the MARSS acquisition, offset by the sharp rise in sales.

Electro Optic Systems operates in the defence and space sectors, designing and manufacturing electro-optic sensors, remote weapon systems and counter-drone technologies. Its products are used by military customers seeking to protect forces and infrastructure from aerial threats. The company has expanded manufacturing capacity in Australia and pursued international partnerships, including a joint venture arrangement in the United Arab Emirates linked to laser and remote weapon systems.

The share price rally on Tuesday extended a strong performance over the past year, during which the stock has more than doubled amid a broader re-rating of defence-related companies. Analyst coverage has generally remained constructive, with some brokers maintaining buy ratings and price targets above current levels on the expectation of continued order momentum.

Market reaction focused on the combination of revenue growth, the size of the order book and the move into underlying profitability. Trading volume was elevated as the results were digested. The stock has traded in a wide range over the past 12 months, reflecting both optimism about defence spending trends and concerns about execution risk, dilution from capital raisings and the path to sustained statutory profitability.

Management has emphasized that market conditions for counter-drone and related technologies remain supportive. The company plans to continue investing in production capacity and technology development while assessing further strategic opportunities. The MARSS integration is expected to broaden the product offering into AI-driven systems that complement existing hardware.

For the second half of the year, attention will center on the pace of deliveries against the large backlog, any additional contract announcements and progress toward full-year guidance. Cash generation and working capital management will also remain important as production scales.

Electro Optic Systems’ first-half figures illustrate the operating leverage available when order intake accelerates in a specialized defence niche. The near-tripling of revenue and the swing to positive underlying earnings provided tangible evidence of that leverage, even as the statutory bottom line remained negative due to non-cash and integration-related items.

The company’s focus on counter-drone systems aligns with a structural shift in military requirements. Low-cost unmanned systems have become a persistent threat across multiple conflict zones, driving demand for affordable and effective countermeasures. Electro Optic Systems’ remote weapon stations and emerging laser systems are designed to address that need across different ranges and environments.

As the results circulated, the stock’s sharp advance reflected investor confidence that the current momentum can be sustained. Whether that confidence proves durable will depend on continued contract wins, reliable delivery performance and the successful integration of recent acquisitions. For now, the combination of record revenue, a substantially larger order book and improved underlying profitability has driven one of the stronger single-day moves in the Australian defence sector this year.

The broader market backdrop of elevated geopolitical risk has supported valuations across many defence suppliers. Electro Optic Systems has benefited from that environment while seeking to differentiate itself through proprietary technology and a growing international customer base. The first-half numbers mark a notable step in translating that opportunity into financial results.

Todd Bridges was one of the stars of the classic ABC sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” which ran for eight seasons. Recently, while promoting his new horror film, “Skate to Hell,” he opened up about his experience on the show. Notably, he recalled former First Lady Nancy Reagan visiting the set and the mayhem the high-profile appearance caused.

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Reagan appeared on “Diff’rent Strokes” during its fifth season in order to promote her anti-drug campaign, “Just Say No,” for an episode titled “The Reporter.” However, due to heightened security, including Secret Service presence, the actors on the show were under more intense pressure than they typically experienced.

Bridges was featured on an August 2026 episode of the “Taboo’s Comics & Kicks” podcast and detailed the behind-the-scenes drama of the episode. He recalled, “Nancy Reagan was on the show, but the president [Ronald Reagan] came in the audience, and the audience was all Secret Service. It was the biggest, craziest nightmare ever. It was terrible.”

After that, Bridges stated that Universal Studios, where they filmed the show, was sealed off for Reagan’s appearance, including the airspace.

Todd Bridges Opened Up About The Security Needed For The High Profile Appearance

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Bridges continued his interview by delving further into the use of security, noting that he “learned a lot” about the Secret Service’s operations.

He explained, “One of the guys showed me in his trunk; they had surface-to-air missiles in there and stuff. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It was a no-fly zone. If they came close, they’d shoot you out [of] the sky.” After that, he discussed the measures taken for the actors and crew who were stationed inside the studio.

According to the actor, “Man, it was crazy. You got scanned when you came close, you got scanned again, then they would scan you again, and then scan you again before you actually got in the door. It was a nightmare. We couldn’t wait till she left.”

Todd Bridges Opened Up About Nancy Reagan’s ‘Just Say No’ Campaign Aided In His Personal Life

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Bridges interviewed with The Hollywood Reporter in 2016 and opened up about the time the former First Lady appeared on the classic ABC Sitcom. In describing the behind-the-scenes chaos, Bridges stated, “The audience held about 300 people in total. We didn’t know exactly how many of them were Secret Service, but it was a lot of them. Tons of them. They had guys on the roof. They had guys everywhere, man.”

He then said, “They were dressed just like normal people. The way I knew they weren’t our regular audience is that [the cast’s] jokes they weren’t laughing at, but when Nancy Reagan made a joke, they laughed at everything she said.”

After that, Bridges revealed that he’d retained Reagan’s “Just Say No” message and that it came into play during his later battle with drug use and addiction. The “Diff’rent Strokes” alum stated, “At my lowest point, I started remembering what she was talking about and the reason why the stuff was so bad. Once you figure out the root cause — what makes you do something [self-destructive] — you figure out how to stop.”

He added, “It’s really all about you when it comes down to it. You can’t blame anybody else. You can’t put it on whatever environment you grew up in. You have to quit blaming and put the responsibility on yourself to get off of it.”

Todd Recently Opened Up About His Relationship With Gary Coleman

Bridges made an appearance at the Fanboy Expo Knowville in early 2026. While there, he opened up about his relationship with his former “Diff’rent Strokes” costar Gary Coleman, who passed away in 2010. Notably, he shared that they’d reconciled before Coleman’s death after years of not speaking.

Per PEOPLE, the actor said, “The first three years [of Diff’rent Strokes] we were all very close, and then Gary’s parents came and changed a lot of stuff.”

He then shared about their reconciliation, “I’ll tell you a funny story. I hadn’t seen Gary in years or talked to him in years. I’m about to get on a plane, and somebody says, ‘Hey, man, your little brother’s here.’ I’m like, ‘I ain’t got no other brother; what are you talking about?’ He was like, ‘Your little brother’s here.’ I go, ‘Dude, I have no idea…’ He goes, ‘Gary Coleman.’”

Bridges stated that they were seated next to one another on the plane and that they spoke for the duration of the flight.

Todd’s New Movie Was Released In 2026

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Bridges remains active in Hollywood decades after starring in “Diff’rent Strokes.” One of his latest projects, “Skate to Hell,” had its Las Vegas premiere in January 2026 after securing over $55,000 for its production from crowdfunding, which began in 2024.

The movie was then released on DVD in March 2026 before going to digital platforms in April.

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