Bitcoin Hits $120,000: Record-Breaking "Uptober" Begins Amid Shocking Crypto Home Invasion and Citi's Bullish $181K Prediction

Bitcoin Soars to $120,000 as October Begins with a Bang

October 2, 2025, has been a day of both market excitement and security concerns in the crypto world. Bitcoin has shattered previous records by crossing the $120,000 threshold, kicking off "Uptober" with remarkable momentum. Financial giant Citi has projected even higher values, suggesting Bitcoin could reach up to $181,000 in 2026 as institutional adoption continues to accelerate.

While markets celebrate these milestones, the day's news also brings sobering reminders of security challenges faced by crypto investors. Let's dive into the top 5 crypto stories you shouldn't miss.

Crypto-Related Home Invasion in Val-de-Marne, France

A disturbing incident occurred on October 1, 2025, when three masked men broke into a family home in Val-de-Marne, France. The mother and her two children were threatened by the assailants, who demanded information about cryptocurrency investments belonging to the father, described as a crypto investor.

While authorities haven't disclosed the amounts involved, the investigation is being handled by local police and the anti-organized crime brigade. Officials believe this was a targeted and premeditated attempt at extortion.

This type of attack has become increasingly common across Europe in recent months, targeting investors whose identities or success have become public. The incident highlights the critical importance of operational security and personal protection measures for both individual and institutional investors in the crypto space.

CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Trading in Early 2026

In a move that could transform the derivatives market, CME Group has announced plans to enable 24/7 trading for its crypto futures and options contracts beginning in early 2026, pending CFTC approval. Currently limited to business days, these products would become continuously accessible via CME Globex, with only a two-hour maintenance window on weekends.

This expansion addresses growing demand for uninterrupted risk management capabilities and represents another step in CME's broader strategy to enhance its cryptocurrency derivatives offerings.

Polymarket Planning US Return After Regulatory Resolution

Prediction market platform Polymarket is preparing to resume operations in the United States nearly four years after being barred by the CFTC. The company had ceased U.S. activities in 2022 after offering unauthorized derivative contracts to American residents. However, the CFTC has since abandoned its pursuit of legal action against the platform.

The platform, which gained significant visibility during the 2024 presidential election, currently shows approximately 60% probability of a U.S. government shutdown according to its markets. Discussions with regulators have reportedly resulted in a framework for resumption that includes enhanced KYC procedures and increased transaction monitoring.

Tether Launches USAT Stablecoin for U.S. Market with Rumble

Tether has announced USAT, a new stablecoin specifically designed for the American market, with video platform Rumble as its distribution and promotion partner. The initiative aims to meet local regulatory requirements while strengthening Tether's position in the stablecoin sector, where its USDT already dominates with a market capitalization exceeding $110 billion.

Details regarding the launch date, reserve composition, and banking partners have not yet been disclosed. This collaboration leverages Rumble's mainstream audience reach to expand the user base and explore new adoption channels.

Robinhood CEO: "Tokenization Will Devour Finance"

Speaking at Token2049 in Singapore, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev delivered a bold prediction, claiming tokenization is irreversible and will eventually lead to on-chain registration of all assets. Robinhood has already launched tokenized stocks in Europe with 24/7 blockchain trading, including private shares of startups like OpenAI, to increase global access to U.S. assets. The company is also targeting real estate tokenization.

Meanwhile, players like FG Nexus and Securitize have begun tokenizing Nasdaq-listed shares on Ethereum, offering legal rights equivalent to traditional securities with instant settlement. Other initiatives are underway at Gemini, Ondo Finance, and Kraken. Tenev highlighted the regulatory lag in the U.S. compared to Europe, suggesting American regulators see little urgency to reform a system they consider functional.

Between Bitcoin's bullish momentum and these institutional announcements, October 2nd proved to be a dense news day, all against a backdrop of heightened security awareness in the crypto sphere.