lul2200
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The US Department of Justice (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/bitcoin-fog-operator-sentenced-money-laundering-conspiracy) reports:
Roman Sterlingov, a 36-year-old citizen of Russia and Sweden, was sentenced to 12 years and six months for creating and operating the longest-running crypto mixer on the darknet, Bitcoin Fog. The service, which operated from 2011 to 2021, became a favorite money laundering tool for criminals hiding their income.
Over 10 years, Bitcoin Fog moved more than 1.2 million bitcoins, then valued at $400 million. These funds mainly came from drug deals, computer crimes, identity theft, and distribution of children's content.
In March 2024, after a month-long trial, Sterlingov was found guilty of conspiracy to launder money, operating without a license, and operating an unlawful money transmitter.
Sterlingov was ordered to pay a fine of $395,563,025.39 and forfeit $1.76 million in cryptocurrency and assets. He was also ordered to forfeit his Bitcoin Fog wallet, which contains 1,345 bitcoins (more than $103 million).
Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General of the United States: "Roman Sterlingov provided a safe haven for criminals of all stripes in the darkest corners of the internet. Today's sentence underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to disrupting criminal networks and holding those who enable criminals accountable."
The case against Sterlingov was made possible by an international alliance supported by the FBI and IRS cybercrime investigation teams.
Roman Sterlingov, a 36-year-old citizen of Russia and Sweden, was sentenced to 12 years and six months for creating and operating the longest-running crypto mixer on the darknet, Bitcoin Fog. The service, which operated from 2011 to 2021, became a favorite money laundering tool for criminals hiding their income.
Over 10 years, Bitcoin Fog moved more than 1.2 million bitcoins, then valued at $400 million. These funds mainly came from drug deals, computer crimes, identity theft, and distribution of children's content.
In March 2024, after a month-long trial, Sterlingov was found guilty of conspiracy to launder money, operating without a license, and operating an unlawful money transmitter.
Sterlingov was ordered to pay a fine of $395,563,025.39 and forfeit $1.76 million in cryptocurrency and assets. He was also ordered to forfeit his Bitcoin Fog wallet, which contains 1,345 bitcoins (more than $103 million).
Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General of the United States: "Roman Sterlingov provided a safe haven for criminals of all stripes in the darkest corners of the internet. Today's sentence underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to disrupting criminal networks and holding those who enable criminals accountable."
The case against Sterlingov was made possible by an international alliance supported by the FBI and IRS cybercrime investigation teams.