Ethical Hacking News
Cybercrime Beneficiary Claims Thanks Trump for Early Release Amidst Controversy Over Role of President's First Step Act
Ilya Lichtenstein, one of the masterminds behind the 2016 Bitfinex heist, was released from prison early due to President Trump's First Step Act. Lichtenstein pleaded guilty to money-laundering charges in August 2023 and had been serving a reduced sentence. His wife Heather Morgan (aka Razzlekhan) also received an early release from her 18-month sentence under similar circumstances. The Bitfinex heist, which involved the theft of approximately 120,000 bitcoins worth around $4 billion, remains one of the most notable cybercrime cases in recent history. Lichtenstein's claim of receiving early release due to President Trump's First Step Act has sparked controversy and debate among experts.
In a bizarre turn of events, Ilya Lichtenstein, one of the masterminds behind the 2016 theft of approximately 120,000 bitcoins from the Hong Kong-based Bitfinex exchange, has been released from prison early, thanks to what he claims is President Trump's First Step Act. This development comes amidst a complex web of cybercrime and money laundering charges that have captivated the attention of law enforcement agencies worldwide.
As part of the infamous Bitfinex heist, Lichtenstein pleaded guilty to money-laundering charges in August 2023, alongside his accomplice Heather Morgan (aka Razzlekhan). The duo was arrested in February 2022 and subsequently spent several months behind bars. In a surprising move, it has come to light that Lichtenstein's prison sentence was reduced under the terms of President Trump's First Step Act.
In a recent post on X, Lichtenstein expressed his gratitude towards President Trump for what he perceived as an early release from prison. "Thanks to President Trump's First Step Act, I have been released from prison early," Lichtenstein stated in his message. He further reaffirmed his commitment to making a positive impact in the cybersecurity sphere upon his release. Furthermore, Lichtenstein expressed a sense of gratitude towards those who supported him during his ordeal.
In addition to Lichtenstein's recent release, his wife Heather Morgan (aka Razzlekhan) also received an early reprieve from her 18-month sentence under similar circumstances. She had been arrested alongside her husband in February 2022 and subsequently served a mere nine months of her prison term before being released.
Heather Morgan's spouse expressed her sentiments about her early release to the public via social media, stating that it was "the best New Years present I could get." This news has sparked widespread attention among cybersecurity enthusiasts and the wider public alike.
The Bitfinex heist, which occurred in 2016, remains one of the most notable cybercrime cases in recent history. During this incident, hackers stole approximately 120,000 bitcoins from the Hong Kong-based exchange. The stolen assets are estimated to be worth around $4 billion.
It is essential to note that Ilya Lichtenstein's claim of receiving early release from prison due to President Trump's First Step Act has sparked controversy and debate among experts. As a result, it will be crucial to monitor this situation closely in the coming days and weeks.
To provide further insight into the implications of this case, cybersecurity is an increasingly vital aspect of modern society, given its potential impact on various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.
In conclusion, Ilya Lichtenstein's recent release from prison has brought attention to the complex web of cybercrime and money laundering charges. Furthermore, his claims that President Trump's First Step Act played a role in his early release have sparked controversy among experts. As cybersecurity continues to evolve as a critical component of modern society, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging threats.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Cybercrime-Beneficiary-Claims-Thanks-Trump-for-Early-Release-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/01/02/bitfinex_crypto_thief_released/
Published: Fri Jan 2 14:31:38 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
