Former Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith has received a reduced sentence for violating sanctions against North Korea. Judge Kevin Castel approved a reduction in Griffith’s prison term from 63 months to 56 months, as revealed in a court document on July 17.
Griffith was arrested in 2019 after attending a conference in Pyongyang, North Korea, where he gave presentations on how blockchain technology could be used to bypass international sanctions and launder funds. He pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to 63 months in prison and a $100,000 fine by April 2022.
During his 2022 sentencing hearing, Griffith expressed that he had moved past his fascination with North Korea. Judge Castel noted that Griffith seemed more interested in his central role in the events rather than any particular ideology, suggesting he could easily shift allegiances to suit his interests.
Earlier this year, Griffith’s legal team filed a motion to reconsider his sentence, proposing a range of 51 to 63 months instead of the original 63 to 78 months. Judge Castel agreed to a slight reduction, citing that Griffith no longer poses a significant risk to the public, despite violating prison rules such as attempting to steal soap and tea.
The crypto community has seen other high-profile figures facing legal repercussions, emphasizing the legal and ethical boundaries within the industry. Griffith’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences of crossing these boundaries in the crypto world.
