Executives from Trump Media & Technology Group are spearheading a $179 million special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that could target the acquisition of a U.S.-based crypto or blockchain firm. This move is in line with their view of the Trump administration’s efforts to integrate digital assets into the national financial strategy. According to a March 14 regulatory filing, the Cayman Islands-based SPAC, named Renatus Tactical Acquisition Corp I, plans to raise capital through a mix of public and private offerings.

Renatus Tactical is helmed by individuals closely linked to Trump Media. CEO Eric Swider, who is also a director at Trump Media, previously led Digital World Acquisition Corp., the SPAC responsible for taking Trump Media public. Alexander Cano, the company’s operating chief, formerly served as president of Digital World, and Devin Nunes, CEO and chair of Trump Media, is also the chair of Renatus Tactical. While the SPAC hasn’t pinpointed specific acquisition targets, its filing indicates an interest in the crypto, blockchain, data security, and dual-use technology sectors. Its primary focus is on high-growth U.S.-based businesses, but it’s open to global opportunities. The filing also referenced the Trump administration’s recent actions to incorporate digital assets into federal policy.

It highlighted Trump’s March executive order proposing the establishment of a Bitcoin reserve and crypto stockpile, alongside a January directive to create a working group for cryptocurrency regulations. Despite this regulatory backing, Renatus Tactical acknowledges potential challenges due to its association with Trump, noting that some firms might be reluctant to engage with the SPAC because of its ties to the former president and Trump Media.

On Twitter: “Trump Media execs lead a $179M SPAC, eyeing potential acquisitions in the U.S. crypto and blockchain sectors. #SPAC #Crypto #Finance”

In the latest episode of *SlateCast*, CryptoSlate’s Editor-in-Chief, Liam “Akiba” Wright, engaged in a discussion with Brent van der Heiden, the founder and CEO of MapMetrics. Their conversation explored how MapMetrics is transforming navigation, data privacy, and user incentives through the emerging DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) sector.

MapMetrics introduces a “drive-to-earn” model that allows users to earn crypto rewards by contributing traffic and navigation data. Unlike traditional GPS services that monetize data without compensating users, MapMetrics returns control and profit to its users. Brent explained, “Almost all the DePINs need a map to showcase where the data is located, so we’re building something akin to a renewed Google Maps — but for DePIN.” By allowing anonymous data contribution, MapMetrics offers a privacy-first alternative to big tech services.

A core aspect of MapMetrics’ platform is incentivized crowdsourcing, where users provide live traffic data and rich metadata like menu photos and street updates. This data helps create an evolving map powered by both users and AI tools. “We’re going to send people on quests and use our AI tools to fill the data gaps,” Brent explained, providing a smarter, more personalized navigation experience.

To support its tokenomics and reward system, MapMetrics is developing a business-to-business model alongside its user features. Brent emphasized the need for real-world revenue to sustain token distribution and prevent inflation. The company is offering DePIN projects free access to its mapping infrastructure, creating a powerful ecosystem effect.

Maintaining data authenticity amidst spoofing and bot farms is a critical challenge for DePIN projects. Brent highlighted the importance of their custom Secure Position Tracker (SPT) device, which encrypts user data to verify its legitimacy, ensuring data reliability and protecting reward systems from malicious actors.

MapMetrics is already integrating with other DePIN projects like Silencio, SkyX, and Ambient. Their future vision includes an AI-powered search engine, Milo, which uses hyperlocal data to deliver context-rich results directly on the map, fostering a circular economy with micro-payments to partners.

Brent concluded with an optimistic view of DePIN’s future independence from broader crypto market fluctuations, emphasizing that their efforts are driven by necessity rather than trend. The SlateCast episode highlighted MapMetrics’ approach to data monetization, AI-powered mapping, and hardware-based security, positioning itself to redefine decentralized navigation services. As DePIN matures, MapMetrics’ focus on sustainable growth and fair value distribution illustrates the potential for community-driven platforms to reshape mapping and data ecosystems.

Check out more insights and updates @MapMetrics on Twitter.

A Russian court has sentenced a man to 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of sending cryptocurrency to the Ukrainian military. According to a report from TASS, a state-run news agency, the individual is from Oryol Oblast, located about 370 kilometers south of Moscow. The court was informed that the man used cryptocurrency to transfer money to the Armed Forces of Ukraine on multiple occasions.

The unnamed man faced treason-related charges, brought by the Federal Security Service (FSB), which has been intensifying its crackdown on Russian supporters of Ukraine’s military forces. The FSB likely employs various blockchain analytics tools to monitor individual crypto users, tools which were first implemented by Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service in early 2023.

Additionally, the court imposed a 500,000 ruble fine (approximately $6,000) on the man. The FSB’s press service accused him of being part of Telegram channels run by “Ukrainian terrorist organizations.” The agency reported that the funds were used to purchase drones, weapons, ammunition, and tactical equipment for the Ukrainian army to aid in military operations against the Russian Armed Forces. The man was convicted of “high treason” and “assisting a terrorist activity,” violating the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. A video released by the FSB includes a “confession” from the man, where he admits to sending crypto assets to groups supporting Ukraine.

In recent months, the FSB has conducted several similar arrests, including a case in Nizhny Novgorod where a man was accused of sending crypto to Ukraine-based militants. The agency reported that these funds were used to purchase drones.

The FSB also made an arrest on March 19 in Krasnodar Krai of a man accused of providing the Ukrainian special services with information about a Russian military facility. According to another TASS report, the man allegedly contacted representatives of the Ukrainian army to disclose the location of the facility near his home.

The FSB claims that Ukraine’s military uses Russian crypto donations to acquire unmanned thermal imaging sights, aircraft, ammunition, and uniforms. Other individuals facing similar charges include a Moscow-based scientist and a resident of Khabarovsk Krai in Russia’s Far East.

### Twitter Updates

– Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy to the Middle East, states that a meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is “likely to happen,” and suggests a full ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could be reached in a couple of weeks.

– Russia has increasingly turned to cryptocurrencies to facilitate its oil trade with China and India, allowing it to bypass Western sanctions.

– Data shows Russian oil cargo transferred from sanctioned tankers has been discharged into China.