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Bitfinex Hacker Credits Trump for Prison Release
cryptocurrencycrimePolitics

Bitfinex Hacker Credits Trump for Prison Release

January 5, 2026•5 min read•896 words
Bitfinex Hacker Credits Trump for Prison Release
Bitfinex Hacker Credits Trump for Prison Release
📋

Key Facts

  • ✓ The White House defended the release of Ilya Lichtenstein from prison to home confinement.
  • ✓ Lichtenstein stole over 119,000 Bitcoin in 2016.
  • ✓ The White House did not take credit for the release action.

In This Article

  1. Quick Summary
  2. The White House Response
  3. The 2016 Bitfinex Heist
  4. Implications of the Release
  5. Conclusion

Quick Summary#

The White House has addressed the release of Ilya Lichtenstein, the individual behind the massive 2016 Bitfinex hack. Lichtenstein was moved from prison to home confinement, a decision that has sparked significant interest given the scale of his crimes.

He was responsible for stealing over 119,000 Bitcoin, an amount that represents a multi-billion dollar theft. While the administration defended this move, they made it clear that they are not taking credit for the release. This distinction is crucial in understanding the current administration's stance on the matter.

The White House Response#

The White House has issued a statement regarding the release of Ilya Lichtenstein from prison to home confinement. Lichtenstein is known for his involvement in the 2016 hack of the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange. During this cyberattack, he managed to steal more than 119,000 Bitcoin.

Despite the gravity of the offense, which involved one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history, the administration defended the decision to alter his incarceration status. However, the statement emphasized a specific nuance: the White House did not take credit for the action. This suggests that the decision may have originated from other judicial or administrative channels.

The 2016 Bitfinex Heist 📉#

The crime at the center of this controversy is the 2016 hack of Bitfinex. This event remains one of the most significant breaches in the history of cryptocurrency. The hacker, Ilya Lichtenstein, successfully transferred 119,754 Bitcoin out of the exchange's wallets.

At the time of the theft, the value of the stolen assets was substantial, but the subsequent rise in Bitcoin's price has inflated the value to billions of dollars. The modus operandi involved sophisticated techniques to bypass security measures and launder the funds. The sheer volume of stolen currency makes this case a landmark example of cybercrime.

Implications of the Release#

The move to release Lichtenstein to home confinement raises questions about the handling of high-profile financial criminals. The White House's defense of the release indicates that there are factors at play beyond the simple administration of justice. By refusing to take credit, the administration may be signaling a hands-off approach to specific judicial outcomes.

This situation highlights the complex intersection of cryptocurrency regulation, criminal justice, and political responsibility. Observers are watching closely to see if this decision sets a precedent for similar cases involving digital asset theft.

Conclusion#

In summary, the release of Ilya Lichtenstein has been confirmed and defended by the White House. The hacker responsible for the theft of over 119,000 Bitcoin is now serving his sentence in home confinement. While the administration supports the decision, they have explicitly denied taking credit for it. This distinction leaves the actual origin of the release decision open to speculation, though the outcome is now a matter of public record.

Original Source

Decrypt

Originally published

January 5, 2026 at 07:56 PM

This article has been processed by AI for improved clarity, translation, and readability. We always link to and credit the original source.

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