Bitfinex Bitcoin thief released early, 120,000 Bitcoins money laundering case ushers in a new turn

2026-01-02 14:48:10

【ChainNews】The 2016 Bitfinex Bitcoin theft that shook the crypto world has new developments. Hacker Ilya Lichtenstein has been released early due to participation in a reform program. The reason behind this is the First Step Act signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, which provides inmates with the opportunity for sentence reduction through rehabilitation.

The full story is as follows: Lichtenstein was sentenced to 5 years in prison in November 2024 for assisting in money laundering involving nearly 120,000 Bitcoins (worth approximately $4.5 billion at the time of the incident). His wife Heather Morgan (online alias Razzlekhan) was sentenced to 18 months for co-participation in the crime and was released in October 2025.

This case was once one of the largest thefts in cryptocurrency history, but now it has taken a turn due to the existence of a reformative law. Many are discussing how to view the impact of judicial sentence reduction policies on major economic crime cases.

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ImpermanentTherapist

· 21h ago

Did this guy just need some modifications to get out? Really? A money laundering case involving 120,000 Bitcoins wrapped up so easily?

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ExpectationFarmer

· 21h ago

How is it so easy to release... Trump's reform bill really has some substance --- 120,000 Bitcoins, this guy made a huge profit, only served a short time --- Something's off, it feels like this bill was played out clearly --- Even the wife is out, these two are truly legends in the crypto world --- A $4.5 billion case, just reformed and reformed, it's ridiculous --- So is Bitcoin still in their hands now? That's the real question --- The First Step Act is truly awesome, now I understand why it was signed --- Laugh out loud, washing 120,000 Bitcoins and still getting reduced sentences through "reform," I really can't understand this logic --- The couple both went to jail and can both be released early, this case is handled like a joke --- The biggest theft case in the crypto world has now become an inspirational story, truly incredible

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