3 sources·Business

Tech Entrepreneur Sentenced for Massive Bitcoin Theft and Money Laundering

Ilya Lichtenstein sentenced to five years in prison for hacking $7.6 billion worth of Bitcoin and laundering funds with wife.

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
Balanced
The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.
Subscribe to unlock this story

We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!

Get Started

No highlights available for this story.

Updated: Nov 14th, 2024, 10:43 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Ilya Lichtenstein, a tech entrepreneur, was sentenced to five years in prison for masterminding a 2016 hack of Bitfinex, stealing 120,000 Bitcoin worth over $7.6 billion today. His elaborate laundering scheme, conducted with his wife Heather Morgan, involved complex financial maneuvers to conceal the stolen funds. The couple was arrested in February 2022, during which time significant portions of the stolen Bitcoin were recovered. Lichtenstein expressed remorse and hopes to contribute positively to society post-incarceration. Morgan awaits sentencing next week.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

This story is either non-partisan or does not have the required sources to create partisan perspectives.