Bitfinex Hacker Ilya Lichtenstein Should Serve 5 Years in Prison, DOJ Says
Prosecutors are urging the judge to impose a tougher penalty on Lichtenstein, alleging that he meticulously planned a cyberattack on Bitfinex over several months. They highlight that, despite lacking a prior criminal record, Lichtenstein engaged in various hacking and financial fraud endeavors from a young age. Before targeting Bitfinex in 2016, he stole around $200,000 from a different cryptocurrency exchange.
The prosecution argues that Lichtenstein’s history of unlawful activities demonstrates a pattern of criminal behavior and warrants a more severe punishment. They emphasize the calculated nature of his actions and the potential harm caused to victims, including the compromised security of Bitfinex’s systems.
As the case unfolds, the court will consider the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense to determine an appropriate sentence for Lichtenstein’s cybercrimes. The outcome of this high-profile trial will have implications for the regulation and security of the cryptocurrency industry as authorities crack down on cyber threats.
