Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein, the couple who were arrested last year for the massive 2016 Bitfinex hack, have pleaded guilty to laundering $4.5 billion.
Morgan, who goes by the moniker âRazzlekhan,â and Lichtenstein, a former tech entrepreneur, pleaded guilty in a Washington federal court on Thursday.
Husband Pleads Guilty to Stealing 120,000 Bitcoin in Hack
In addition to laundering, Lichtenstein also pleaded guilty to stealing the funds. Prosecutors estimated that roughly 120,000 Bitcoin were stolen from Bitfinex in 2016, which the couple then laundered using exchange wallets, chain-hopping, and privacy coins.
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Detectives found folders on Liechtensteinâs computer with fake personas the couple used to set up accounts on exchanges. Additionally, authorities discovered a plastic bag labeled âburner phonesâ under the coupleâs bed.
At the time of the coupleâs arrest, the Department of Justice said the crypto seizure was their largest ever. At Bitcoinâs peak, the seized crypto was worth around $4.5 billion.
Razzlekhanâs Days Are Numbered
In court papers, prosecutors alleged Morganâs involvement in various âcontradictoryâ things.
She coached people on social engineering their way into any situation and released numerous rap videos under the pseudonym âRazzlekhan.â She also claimed to be a writer and an economist.
The couple initially entered a plea deal at the end of last month and now await a sentencing hearing. Morgan could serve 10 years in prison, while Lichtenstein faces a maximum of 20 years.
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