In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, January 2026 has already delivered a flurry of activity and speculation, with several high-profile tokens drawing both investor excitement and controversy. At the center of the buzz are DeepSnitch AI, a newcomer making waves with its presale, and AAVE, a decentralized finance (DeFi) stalwart holding its ground amid shifting whale activity. Meanwhile, the recent crash of the NYC token has embroiled former New York mayor Eric Adams in a swirl of accusations—allegations his camp vehemently denies.
On January 17, 2026, a spokesman for Eric Adams stepped forward to address the rumors that have been swirling in crypto circles. After the NYC token plummeted by 80%, wiping out more than $3.4 million in value, online chatter accused Adams of orchestrating a so-called "rug pull." Todd Shapiro, Adams’s spokesperson, refuted these claims, stating, "Eric neither moved investor funds nor profited from the launch." According to Blockchain Reporter, Shapiro emphasized that the token remains dedicated to funding education programs and scholarships for underserved New York City students. While on-chain analysts have pointed to deliberate liquidity removal, Adams’s team maintains that the NYC token is still a vehicle for social good, not personal gain.
As the fallout from the NYC token crash continues to ripple through the market, attention has shifted to the presale of DeepSnitch AI, which has entered what many are calling the "11th hour." With rumors swirling that the project will launch in less than 13 days, investors have been snapping up DSNT tokens at the current presale price of $0.03469. Only 35% of the total supply—1 billion DSNT coins—are available during this stage, making the rush even more frantic as the window for early entry narrows.
So, what’s fueling the excitement around DeepSnitch AI? According to Blockchain Reporter, the project’s appeal lies in its unique blend of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. DeepSnitch AI boasts five specialized AI agents—SnitchGPT, SnitchScan, SnitchFeed, AuditSnitch, and SnitchCast—that provide 24/7 market analysis. These tools offer real-time insights into whale activity, trending projects, and even smart contract audits, all delivered directly to users' Telegram accounts. The platform is being hailed as a potential game-changer for both retail and institutional traders who want to stay ahead of the market without the need for constant monitoring.
AuditSnitch, for instance, allows users to verify smart contracts, aiming to protect them from low-liquidity traps or potential rug pulls—an especially relevant feature given recent events in the crypto space. The project’s tokenomics are designed to mirror the explosive price movements seen in meme coins, but with an added layer of utility and security. As of mid-January, DeepSnitch AI has already raised more than $1.19 million in revenue, with projections suggesting it could surpass $1.5 million by the end of the month.
Speculation is rife that DeepSnitch AI could deliver returns of 100x to 300x for early investors. The platform’s low market cap and rapid adoption have led some analysts to suggest it could outperform established AI blockchain projects like Bittensor. As Blockchain Reporter notes, "If you want to 100X your portfolio, DeepSnitch AI could be one of the top AI crypto coins 2026 you should buy." While such claims should always be taken with a grain of salt, there’s no denying the mounting FOMO (fear of missing out) as the presale draws to a close.
Bittensor’s TAO coin, meanwhile, continues to attract attention in its own right. As of January 15, 2026, TAO was trading at $286.21, according to CoinGecko data. The $300 level has proven to be a stubborn resistance point, but some analysts believe a rally to $350 could be on the horizon if bullish momentum builds. Over the past week, TAO’s price has increased by 5.9%, with a 9.3% gain over the month, signaling that the project remains a contender in the AI blockchain space.
Another name making the rounds is the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance coin (FET), which has found solid footing around $0.28. The coin has been consolidating between $0.27 and $0.31, and a breakout above $0.31 could pave the way for a move to $0.45. Over the past week, FET has climbed 5.1%, demonstrating resilience even as the broader market remains cautious.
While newcomers like DeepSnitch AI chase explosive growth, established DeFi platforms are navigating their own crosscurrents. AAVE, for example, has been holding steady near the $170 mark despite heightened whale activity and broader market uncertainty. According to recent reporting, a whale wallet labeled 0xE9D accumulated 11,089 AAVE tokens—worth nearly $1.9 million—after weeks of inactivity. This wallet now holds over 355,000 AAVE, valued at approximately $59 million, suggesting growing confidence in the token’s prospects.
At the same time, wallets linked to the asset manager 21Shares have transferred about 35,700 AAVE tokens (roughly $5.7 million) to exchanges and Flow-traders over the past three weeks. This tug-of-war between accumulation and distribution has kept AAVE’s price action tightly range-bound. As reported by Onchain Lens and The Data Nerd, such periods of consolidation often precede sharp price movements—either up or down. AAVE has repeatedly defended the $165 support zone, and if it can break through the $180 resistance, analysts believe it could rally toward the $200–$210 range.
Looking ahead, AAVE is expected to trade between $160 and $190 throughout January, with the possibility of targeting $250–$350 later in the year if market conditions improve and DeFi sentiment turns bullish. For now, the prevailing view is that whales are repositioning rather than exiting outright, setting the stage for a potential breakout once the current standoff resolves.
As the crypto market barrels toward the end of January, the landscape remains as dynamic as ever. DeepSnitch AI’s presale frenzy, the resilience of established players like AAVE and Bittensor, and the controversy swirling around the NYC token all serve as reminders of both the risks and rewards inherent in this fast-moving sector. For investors and observers alike, the coming weeks promise to be anything but dull.