An Israeli-Russian nationwide was arrested final week whereas allegedly trying to flee Israel beneath a false id, and now faces extradition to the US in reference to a significant crypto hack that precipitated almost $190 million in damages.
Alexander Gurevich was taken into custody on Might 1 at Ben-Gurion Airport simply earlier than boarding a flight to Russia, native media reported.
Authorities mentioned he had legally modified his identify and obtained a brand new passport the day earlier than his arrest. He’s accused of stealing tens of millions in digital property from a US-based crypto agency in 2022 and trying to extort a reward afterward.
Hacker’s calls for
US federal prosecutors allege that Gurevich exploited a vulnerability in a blockchain platform generally known as Nomad on Aug. 1, 2022, withdrawing roughly $2.89 million in crypto. Others later exploited the flaw, resulting in whole losses of roughly $190 million.
Following the incident, Gurevich allegedly contacted Nomad’s chief know-how officer by encrypted messaging apps, admitted to the theft, and transferred again about $162,000 in stolen tokens.
He additionally reportedly requested a $500,000 reward in trade for particulars about how the vulnerability was found. Nonetheless, when the corporate countered with a smaller provide, equal to 10% of the quantity he had withdrawn, Gurevich minimize off communication and vanished.
The FBI’s San Francisco subject workplace later opened a felony investigation, resulting in an eight-count indictment filed in August 2023 within the Northern District of California.
Fees embrace wire fraud, cash laundering, and transportation of stolen property. If convicted, Gurevich might withstand 20 years in jail for essentially the most critical offenses.
Escape try thwarted
Gurevich reentered Israel on April 19, through the Passover vacation, and was instantly ordered by authorities to look for an extradition listening to.
Nonetheless, Gurevich ignored the summons and legally modified his identify within the Inhabitants Registry to “Alexander Block.” He subsequently utilized for a brand new passport and tried to flee to Russia on Might 1 after securing it.
He was arrested simply earlier than departure and appeared in courtroom the subsequent day in handcuffs. Prosecutors from Israel’s State Legal professional’s Workplace submitted a proper request to declare him extraditable on Might 2.
Decide Einat Avman-Moller ordered Gurevich to stay in custody forward of a scheduled listening to. The Public Defender’s Workplace represented him through the listening to. Israeli authorities concerned within the operation embrace the Nationwide Fraud Unit and the Tel Aviv Fraud Division.
As a result of Gurevich was not residing in Israel on the time the alleged crimes have been dedicated, he’s unlikely to serve any sentence in Israel if convicted overseas.