From Cointelegraph

May 18, 2025 8:29 pm:

Vladimir Smerkis, co-founder of Blum, a Telegram-based crypto project, was arrested in Moscow on fraud charges. He is no longer affiliated with Blum. Smerkis, a former Binance Russia executive, faces potential imprisonment of up to 12 years. Blum confirms Smerkis’ resignation and continues operations as usual. Blum integrates a decentralized exchange in Telegram Mini Apps for crypto trading and airdrops. Concerns arise about BLUM token airdrop following Smerkis’ arrest. Users may not receive BLUM tokens as planned. Blum users could earn tokens through a Drop Game. Community confidence in the BLUM token airdrop wavers after Smerkis’ arrest. Users demand clarification from Blum about the airdrop status.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Russia arrests Blum co-founder Vladimir Smerkis on fraud charges