Macafi, 75, was found dead in prison about 30 kilometers northwest of Barcelona. The cause of his death will be determined after the autopsy, but the prison authorities believe that Macafi has apparently committed suicide.
Several hours earlier, the Spanish National Court decided to extradite Macao to the United States. However, this court decision could be appealed, and the final decision on whether to extradite Macao to the United States was a matter for the Spanish government.
It has already been reported that Macafi was detained at Barcelona airport last October as he was about to fly to Istanbul. He has since been in custody.
Macafi was detained following a statement by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice that he had been charged.
The Ministry of Justice accuses him of tax evasion and deliberate failure to file tax returns for the period 2014-2018. The SEC accuses Macaqi of recommending digital currency to his followers on Twitter, concealing that he has been paid millions of dollars for such advertising.
Macafi’s bodyguard is also accused of participating in the scheme.
If Macafi is found guilty, he will face years in prison.
Macafi earned $ 100 million in the early days of the Internet in the 1980s by developing the first antivirus programs named after him. He also founded an antivirus software company named after him, but left it in the 1990s.
After Macao had lost most of his wealth due to a failed investment and financial crisis, he moved to Belize. In 2012, he came to the attention of the media when he fled Belize, where the authorities wanted to question him in connection with a murder case.
Macaqi fled Belize to Guatemala, which sent him to the United States. He registered as a candidate in the 2016 US presidential election.
Macao also registered as a candidate in last November’s presidential election, but ended his election campaign in March.
