Key Takeaways:
- Bitfinex Hacker Confession: Ilya Lichtenstein publicly accepted full responsibility for the 2016 Bitfinex hack and emphasized his wife, Heather Morgan, was uninvolved in the hacking itself.
- Massive Crypto Theft: The 2016 Bitfinex breach resulted in the theft of 119,754 BTC, now valued at over $12 billion, making it one of the largest crypto thefts in history.
- Restitution Plans: U.S. authorities recovered much of the stolen Bitcoin, with reimbursements for affected users expected to begin in early 2024.
Ilya Lichtenstein, the hacker behind the 2016 Bitfinex breach, issued a public apology following his sentencing to five years in prison, taking full responsibility for the massive cryptocurrency theft.
In a social media video, Lichtenstein confessed to planning and executing the heist alone, urging others not to blame his wife, Heather Morgan, for the hack.
I have something to say#FreeRazzlekhan pic.twitter.com/9HIvOxcbgr
— Ilya Lichtenstein (@unrealdutch) December 19, 2024
While Morgan, known for her rapper persona “Razzlekhan”, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for laundering the stolen funds, Lichtenstein insisted she was unaware of the hack for years.
The 2016 Bitfinex hack remains one of the largest crypto thefts in history, involving 119,754 BTC—now valued at over $12 billion.
Arrested in 2022, Lichtenstein admitted to the crime, and authorities have since recovered much of the stolen Bitcoin.
Plans are underway to reimburse affected users in early 2024, with a restitution hearing set for February.
The case, which inspired a Netflix documentary, highlights the challenges of cybercrime investigations.
Lichtenstein also refuted media speculation about his father’s alleged involvement, emphasizing his sole culpability.
The case underscores the enduring impact of cryptocurrency crimes and their legal, financial, and personal consequences.
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