In August 2016, one of the biggest hacks ever took place. 120 thousand bitcoin (BTC) were stolen from the crypto exchange Bitfinex. At the time, it was “only” worth $72 million. However, today that amount equates to an impressive $3.6 billion. Seven years later, the situation finally seems to be coming to an end, reports Persbureau Reuters.
One of the biggest bitcoin hacks ever
The story took a curious turn in 2022 when it came out who may have been behind the theft. The hackers responsible, a married couple consisting of Heather ‘Razzlekhan’ Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein, were arrested in February 2022. The couple has been able to enjoy their stolen loot, which is growing in value, undisturbed for almost five years.
However, the fun was soon over when the United States confiscated its billions in bitcoin. With loot worth $3.6 billion, it was the largest seizure ever. Shortly after this charge, Morgan was released on bail, citing health problems. Nor would there be enough evidence against her.
Lichtenstein, on the other hand, had to remain in custody because the evidence against him is much stronger. Lichtenstein is originally Russian and owned two passports. In 2019, the couple traveled to Ukraine under the guise of a ‘holiday’. However, the US suspects the couple of having set up money laundering practices for bitcoin there.
Reduced prison sentence in exchange for pleading guilty
Whether the couple were the actual hackers is not certain. However, they did have the full stolen amount. Of the 120 thousand bitcoin, the couple has already diverted roughly 25 thousand. The remaining 94 thousand BTC remained in their wallet.
The iconic ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ couple could expect a prison sentence of up to 25 years. The couple enters into a plea deal. Will plead guilty as part of the deal. As a result, the couple will not face a trial and will instead be given a lighter prison sentence.
2023-07-23 18:21:02
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