Lawyer Who Fought Big Tobacco and Opioid Industry Dies; Singaporean Admits Crypto Heist Role

Joseph Rice, a prominent Lowcountry lawyer renowned for his legal battles against major industries, has passed away at the age of 72. Rice was instrumental in securing multibillion-dollar settlements from tobacco companies and later from the opioid industry, with these legal victories contributing significantly to public health initiatives.

In parallel developments concerning financial crime, a Singaporean national has pleaded guilty in the United States for his participation in a substantial cryptocurrency heist. Malone Lam and his associates are accused of using the stolen digital assets to fund a lavish lifestyle. This case underscores the evolving nature of financial crime within the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector.