Roman Sterlingov, the founding father of Bitcoin Fog, is difficult a proposed 30-year jail sentence. He was convicted on cash laundering costs in March 2024. A jury discovered him responsible of working Bitcoin Fog, a crypto mixing service. Prosecutors declare the service facilitated laundering almost $400 million in Bitcoin from 2011 to 2021. His authorized workforce argues that the federal government’s proposed sentence is extreme.
On August 15, Roman Sterlingov’s attorneys submitted a memo to the U.S. District Court docket for the District of Columbia. They disputed the prosecutors’ suggestion for a 20 to 30-year sentence. The protection emphasised that a lot of the proof was circumstantial. They argued there was no direct proof of Sterlingov’s management over Bitcoin Fog. The memo acknowledged that his verdict aligns extra with aiding and abetting, not truly working Bitcoin Fog.
Sterlingov’s Protection Challenges Conviction, Cites Lack of Proof
Prosecutors declare criminals used Bitcoin Fog to cover the origins of their funds. The U.S. authorities alleges the service processed transactions linked to drug trafficking, identification theft, and pc fraud. They accuse Sterlingov of managing these operations, which led to his conviction.
Sterlingov’s protection argues he was related to Bitcoin Fog however didn’t management its day by day actions. They emphasize that key proof, corresponding to server logs and personal keys, was not offered at trial. In consequence, this absence raises doubts concerning the justification for a prolonged sentence.
Moreover, the protection highlights Sterlingov’s robust dedication to his household and mates. They recommend this dedication warrants a a lot lighter sentence.
Crypto Mixer Instances Spotlight Rising Authorized Strain on Business
Sterlingov’s sentencing, set for August 21, has been postponed. The court docket will first handle the federal government’s request to grab belongings linked to Bitcoin Fog. This consists of 1,354 BTC held in a pockets since 2012. The potential forfeiture may attain $395 million.
Because the case strikes ahead, Sterlingov’s authorized workforce continues to argue in opposition to the proposed sentence’s severity. In the meantime, different comparable instances are creating. Twister Money co-founder Roman Storm faces trial in December. One other Twister Money developer, Alexey Pertsev, is interesting a five-year sentence for cash laundering.
As these instances proceed to unfold, they underscore the rising consideration on crypto mixers and their position in unlawful actions. Consequently, the outcomes might considerably affect how authorities method comparable platforms sooner or later.