2026-01-03 01:21:49

Ilya Lichtenstein, who was behind the most notorious hacking case in the crypto world in 2016, has just been granted early release. The Bitfinex exchange robber walked out of federal prison on January 2, 2026.

The turning point came from the criminal justice reform law known as the First Step Act, implemented during the Trump administration. This law provides inmates with the opportunity to earn sentence reductions through participation in rehabilitation and qualification programs. Lichtenstein happened to meet these conditions and thus was granted early release.
The original sentence was five years—resulting from his guilty plea in November 2024. However, he only served about 14 months in prison. The whole process seemed somewhat dramatic.

Returning to the case that shook the entire crypto community in 2016: nearly 120,000 bitcoins were stolen in the Bitfinex exchange hack. This is no small amount. U.S. law enforcement agencies subsequently launched a long-term investigation, ultimately not only recovering a large amount of funds but also successfully arresting Lichtenstein and his wife.

His wife, Heather "Razzlekhan" Morgan, was also sentenced to 18 months in prison for aiding money laundering and was similarly granted early release. This joint crypto case of the couple has taken a new turn in this manner.

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RugpullTherapist

· 13h ago

Out in just 14 months? This judicial reform is a bit too outrageous. Oh my god, 120,000 BTC, how much is it worth now... I'm really envious. A husband-and-wife hacker duo, I give this story a 9 out of 10, but the ending feels a bit off. So as long as you admit guilt and participate in a few projects, you can get a reduced sentence? I can't quite believe this logic. I will never forget the ID Razzlekhan, it's truly outrageous that he was released just like that. Isn't it supposed to be five years? Why did he only serve 14 months... The crypto world is really surreal. This Trump bill is quite something, it has given many people opportunities. 120,000 Bitcoins back then were so cheap, now this guy's out and he's really made a fortune. It seems the White House's attitude towards crypto has indeed changed, this case is proof. If they catch you and can release you so quickly, it's probably because they recovered the money, so they don't hate you that much.

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MetaverseLandlady

· 13h ago

Only 14 months after being locked up? The US prison system is really something, a five-year sentence cut down to just over a year :) Wait, how much were 120,000 BTC worth back then? Now that this guy is out of prison, he better lay low I’ve never forgotten the code name Razzlekhan, probably the most notorious money-laundering couple in the crypto world Honestly, Trump's law really released quite a few people, it feels a bit chaotic Do these two still dare to mix in the crypto scene? I think it's questionable

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ContractSurrender

· 13h ago

Coming out in just 14 months? This bill is a bit outrageous. A five-year sentence cut in half, anything can really happen in the crypto world. Wait, how much are the 120,000 Bitcoins worth now... A husband-and-wife hacker duo, even this script wouldn't dare to write. Is this what they call "reformation and qualification projects"? I'm wondering what needs to be reformed.

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ChainMelonWatcher

· 13h ago

Wait, only 14 months in custody and you're out? 1.2 million BTC, how is this deal so cost-effective... --- Is it the First Step Act again saving people? Should I also consider a sentence reduction program... Just kidding. --- I still remember the nickname Razzlekhan, the most outrageous couple in the crypto world. Now they're just going their separate ways? --- No, a five-year sentence directly discounted by 20%. The cost-performance ratio of federal prisons is just too high. --- 120,000 BTC, brother. I’ll never earn this amount in my lifetime... And the legal costs are so low. --- Two people go in together, come out together. This story could be written. --- It's absurd. The case from 2016 is only being discussed now. The crypto timeline is really all over the place.

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