Ethereum scientist Virgil Griffith arrested for visiting North Korea

The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI announced today that they have arrested and accused Virgil Griffith, an Ethereum researcher, of violating US sanctions laws and traveled to North Korea to "deliver a presentation and technical advice on use." cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to avoid sanctions. ”

"It was alleged that Virgil Griffith provided highly technical information to North Korea, knowing that this information could be used to help North Korea make money and avoid penalties," said US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman in a statement. statement. Endangered them sanctions that both Congress and the President have taken to put maximum pressure on North Korea's dangerous regime. "

According to US authorities, in April at 2019, Griffith traveled to North Korea to attend and attend the "Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference" conference despite the fact that the US State Department had not authorized him to travel to country. The principles of USA claimed that at the conference, Griffith and other participants "discussed how North Korea could use technology blockchain and cryptocurrency for legalization money and the avoidance of sanctions. "

After the conference, Griffith "began to formulate plans to facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrency between North Korea and South Korea, despite knowing that assisting in such a process would violate sanctions against North Korea."

Griffith was accused of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Financial Powers Act, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.