The man who confessed to being behind the hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex, Ilya Lichtenstein, said he is being released from prison early and thanked President Donald Trump’s 2018 criminal justice reform law.
In an X post late on Thursday, Lichtenstein cited the First Step Act. The law aims to reform the federal prison system by reducing some sentences, expanding early release opportunities, and focusing more on rehabilitation.
“Thanks to President Trump’s First Step Act, I have been released from prison early,” he said. “I remain committed to making a positive impact in cybersecurity as soon as I can.”
In 2024, Lichtenstein was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the 2016 hack of Bitfinex, after being charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Soon after, his wife, Heather Morgan, was also sentenced, though prosecutors said she played a smaller role in the money laundering conspiracy. Morgan also goes by her rapper name “Razzlekhan.”
The pair was accused of laundering bitcoin, worth $4 billion at the time of the seizure, related to the 2016 hack. The government seizure of the stolen coins remains the largest in U.S. history. In 2023, Morgan and Lichtenstein pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracies.
In October 2025, Morgan posted on X from a bathtub that she had been released from prison early, thanking President Donald Trump. However, a White House official told CoinDesk that it was not involved with Morgan’s sentencing.
Trump has pardoned others connected to the crypto industry, including former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao and the operator of the darknet market Silk Road Ross Ulbricht.
As for Lichtenstein, he said he “executed the Bitfinex heist entirely” by himself. He also cited his work over the past few years helping the government recover assets. His name shows up in the Bureau of Prisons system with a release date set for Feb. 9.
A White House administration official said that Lichtenstein was on home confinement.
“This individual has served significant time on his sentence and is currently on home confinement consistent with statute and Bureau of Prisons policies,” the official said in an email.
The Bureau of Prisons did respond to a request for comment.
On Friday morning, Lichtenstein showed an interest in AI.
“I’ve been offline for 4 years,” Lichtenstein said on X. “What’s the fastest way to get up to speed with AI?”
Updated at 5:45 p.m. UTC time to include comments from the administration official
© 2025 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
