Notorious Crypto Couple in Plea Agreement Over 2016 Bitfinex Hack Laundering Accusations
In a significant development, the infamous crypto couple accused of attempting to launder billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin (BTC) from the massive 2016 Bitfinex hack seems to have struck a plea agreement with prosecutors. Court records reveal that Ilya Lichtenstein and his wife, Heather Morgan, have reached a deal, although specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed at this time.
The federal court docket entry indicates that the case involving the duo has been closed, strongly implying that they have already come to an arrangement with the prosecutors. A plea hearing is scheduled for August 3rd, as reported by CNBC.
The allegations against the couple revolve around their involvement in laundering the stolen Bitcoin, which was pilfered from Bitfinex when a hacker breached the exchange’s systems and transferred the ill-gotten crypto to a wallet under Lichtenstein’s control.
According to federal investigators, Lichtenstein and Morgan utilized a series of complex strategies to obscure their digital paper trail. Their methods allegedly included funneling the cryptocurrency through darknet markets, using fake identities, and leveraging US-based business accounts to give their banking activities an appearance of legitimacy.
In a significant seizure in February 2022, the US Department of Justice confiscated 119,754 BTC, worth an astonishing $3.6 billion at that time, from Lichtenstein and Morgan.
Heather Morgan, one of the accused, has a diverse background, having worked as a former Forbes columnist and served as the chief executive of a copywriting firm. Additionally, she is known as “Razzlekhan” on YouTube, where she is a rapper. Furthermore, she goes by nicknames such as “the Versace Bedouin” and “the Crocodile of Wall Street.”
Interestingly, the couple’s intriguing story has garnered enough attention that a television limited series titled “Razzlekhan: The Infamous Crocodile of Wall Street” is reportedly in development at Hulu.
It’s essential to note that while the plea agreement indicates progress in the legal proceedings, the full implications of the deal will become apparent once the details are made public. The case has captivated the crypto community and the public alike, with many eagerly awaiting further updates as the couple’s plea hearing approaches.
