Log in

Home
Research
Analysis
Community
  1. Cryptonary
  2. Archived Posts
  3. Couple charged with money laundering in connection with $4.5 billion Bitfinex hack
News

Couple charged with money laundering in connection with $4.5 billion Bitfinex hack

Updated: Aug 31, 2024
Published: Feb 8, 2022
0
Share:

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice seized more than $3.6 billion worth of Bitcoin in connection with the 2016 Bitfinex hack and charged a couple with attempting to launder the stolen cryptocurrency.

Post Feature Image

US government seized $3.6 billion tied to the hack

It was the most significant financial seizure ever conducted by the Justice Department. The seized amount corresponds to a series of transactions of Bitfinex hack BTC on February 1. According to a Justice Department statement, investigators gained access to the wallets on January 31, which means that the February 1 transactions took place one day later.

Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan were arrested in New York and are expected to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. The pair is accused of conspiring to launder 119,754 bitcoin that was stolen after a hacker attacked Bitfinex and made more than 2,000 unauthorized transactions.

How did Bitfinex respond?

In a statement, Bitfinex explained it "will work with the DOJ and follow appropriate legal processes to establish our rights to a return of the stolen bitcoin." The exchange also said that it "will within 18 months of the date it receives that recovery uses an amount equal to 80% of the recovered net funds to repurchase and burn outstanding UNUS SED LEO tokens."

Crypto platforms have faced a number of hacks and scams in recent months. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, hackers captured a record $14 billion in cryptocurrencies in 2021. Most recently, Wormhole, one of the most popular bridges connecting the Ethereum and Solana blockchains, lost about $320 million.

Continue reading by joining Cryptonary Pro

Save 23%

$1,548 $1,197/year

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.

As a Cryptonary Pro subscriber, you also get:

  • 3X Value Guarantee - If cumulative documented upside does not reach 300% during your 12-month membership, you can request a full refund.

  • 24/7 access to experts with 50+ years’ experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily insights on Macro, Mechanics, and On-chain

  • Curated list of top upcoming airdrops (free money)

3X Value Guarantee

If cumulative documented upside does not reach 300% during your 12-month membership, you can request a full refund.

Terms & Conditions apply

Star

Trusted by 300,000+ investors

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
  • Token
/images/advertorial/corpcomm1.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm2.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm6.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm1.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm2.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm6.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm1.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm2.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm6.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trust Cryptonary's calls?

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

Do I need to be an experienced trader or investor to benefit?

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

What makes Cryptonary different from free crypto content on YouTube or Twitter?

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

Why is there no trial or refund policy?

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Do I get direct access to the Cryptonary team?

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

How often is content updated?

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

How does the 3X Value Guarantee work?

We stand behind the value of our research. If the documented upside from our published research during your 12-month membership does not exceed three times (3X) the annual subscription cost, you can request a full refund. Historical context: In every completed market cycle since 2017, cumulative documented upside has exceeded 10X this threshold.

Recommended from Cryptonary
Market Update: Kevin Warsh Confirmed as Fed Chair Nominee
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Kevin Warsh Confirme...The market just got a new “boss.” And traders didn’t like it. Warsh is in and Bitcoin broke down fas...
7 min read
Jan 30, 2026
Market Pulse: Fed Holds Rates Amid Dovish Dissents
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Fed Holds Rates Amid ...The Fed kept rates unchanged as expected, but two dovish dissents hint at internal division. With no...
3 min read
Jan 29, 2026
Top 10 Airdrop Opportunities for 2026 (Part 3)
PRO
Airdrop Reports
Top 10 Airdrop Opportunities for 20...You made it to the final part. We saved the best for last. If you’ve been following the series up to...
22 min read
Jan 29, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Markets Flush to Major Lows
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Markets Flush to...Markets just snapped lower after BTC lost $80.5K and flushed into the $74K liquidity zone. Now we’re...
13 min read
Feb 3, 2026
Market Update: This Week's Setup
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: This Week's SetupThis week looks calm on the surface. But underneath, the market is being pulled in two directions, a...
7 min read
Feb 2, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Bitcoin and Ethereum Tap Key Supports
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Bitcoin and Ethe...A lot has happened in a short amount of time. Downside liquidity has been swept across majors, and w...
13 min read
Jan 30, 2026
Market Update: Kevin Warsh Confirmed as Fed Chair Nominee
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Kevin Warsh Confirme...The market just got a new “boss.” And traders didn’t like it. Warsh is in and Bitcoin broke down fas...
7 min read
Jan 30, 2026
Market Pulse: Fed Holds Rates Amid Dovish Dissents
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Fed Holds Rates Amid ...The Fed kept rates unchanged as expected, but two dovish dissents hint at internal division. With no...
3 min read
Jan 29, 2026
Top 10 Airdrop Opportunities for 2026 (Part 3)
PRO
Airdrop Reports
Top 10 Airdrop Opportunities for 20...You made it to the final part. We saved the best for last. If you’ve been following the series up to...
22 min read
Jan 29, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Markets Flush to Major Lows
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Markets Flush to...Markets just snapped lower after BTC lost $80.5K and flushed into the $74K liquidity zone. Now we’re...
13 min read
Feb 3, 2026
Market Update: This Week's Setup
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: This Week's SetupThis week looks calm on the surface. But underneath, the market is being pulled in two directions, a...
7 min read
Feb 2, 2026
BTC, ETH and More: Bitcoin and Ethereum Tap Key Supports
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Bitcoin and Ethe...A lot has happened in a short amount of time. Downside liquidity has been swept across majors, and w...
13 min read
Jan 30, 2026
Market Update: Kevin Warsh Confirmed as Fed Chair Nominee
PRO
Market Updates
Market Update: Kevin Warsh Confirme...The market just got a new “boss.” And traders didn’t like it. Warsh is in and Bitcoin broke down fas...
7 min read
Jan 30, 2026
Market Pulse: Fed Holds Rates Amid Dovish Dissents
Market Pulse
Market Pulse: Fed Holds Rates Amid ...The Fed kept rates unchanged as expected, but two dovish dissents hint at internal division. With no...
3 min read
Jan 29, 2026
Top 10 Airdrop Opportunities for 2026 (Part 3)
PRO
Airdrop Reports
Top 10 Airdrop Opportunities for 20...You made it to the final part. We saved the best for last. If you’ve been following the series up to...
22 min read
Jan 29, 2026
Research
Top PicksDeep DivesPassive IncomeAirdrop Reports
Analysis
Market UpdatesMarket DirectionMarket PulseLivestreams
Tools
Market DirectionAssets & PicksAirdropsPortfolio Tracker
Cryptonary
Affiliate programEducationPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsContact UsWrite for us
Stay connected
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Cryptonary is not a licensed financial advisor. All content is shared without any guarantee of accuracy or completeness. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions. Always do your own research and consult with a licensed professional before making financial choices. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

×
popupimage
Our Latest Utility Token Research ReportPreviously locked for Pro members, now available to read in full.
  • tickThe utility token we're tracking closely
  • tickWhy we believe it's still early in the cycle
  • tickWhat we're watching to confirm a structural shift
​
Germany

No spam. No hype. Just the research.