Coinspeaker Bitfinex Hacker Admits Solo 120k BTC Heist, Disputes Netflix Documentary
Ilya Lichtenstein, the notorious hacker behind the 2016 Bitfinex heist, has publicly confessed his crimes yet again. This time, however, he insisted he acted alone, without any support from his wife, Heather Morgan. The statement comes amid efforts to counter narratives in Netflix’s recent documentary about the historic crypto theft.
In a video released from his detention at a federal prison in the United States, Lichtenstein apologized for orchestrating one of the most infamous heists in the crypto industry. He claimed to have laundered the stolen Bitcoin (BTC) using dark web channels without any assistance from Morgan.
“In many ways, my wife … is just another victim of my bad decisions,” Lichtenstein said in the video.
Contradicting Netflix’s “Biggest Heist Ever”
His comments directly contradict the portrayal in Netflix’s documentary “Biggest Heist Ever”, which depicted the couple as the “Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde” as they were described by the media.
Furthermore, Netflix insinuated in the film that his father or even a foreign spy agency such as Russia might have been involved in the exploit.
However, in his statement, Lichtenstein claimed that this narrative was wrong, seeking to clear his father’s name.
“My dad is no hacker, he doesn’t even know how to use Instagram […] I offer my sincerest apologies to Bitfinex for all the stress that I have caused them. I knew what I was doing was wrong and I did it anyway because I didn’t care. I look back at the person I was then, and I hate myself. I hate myself.”
He further expressed the desire to use his skills for positive purposes upon release, indicating plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Heather Morgan Breaks Silence
Speaking to CoinDesk about her husband’s recent video, Morgan claimed that certain details of the case have been misrepresented. She stated that restrictions imposed during the criminal proceedings had prevented her from sharing her version of events.
“While our criminal case was open, I was unable to speak publicly or tell my story. This also meant I could not publish any articles or release any new artworks or songs the last three years. Now that the case is over, I look forward to freely expressing myself creatively again. … I am eager to tell the story of what really happened.” Morgan said.
To further exonerate herself from the incident, Morgan reiterated her husband’s claims that she was not involved in the theft. She disclosed that she already had her “Razzlekhan” personality before meeting Lichtenstein.
Where is the Stolen Bitcoin Now?
Both Lichtenstein and Morgan pleaded guilty in August 2023 to charges of money laundering related to the stolen funds. Lichtenstein received a five-year prison sentence, while Morgan was sentenced to 18 months.
The 120,000 Bitcoin stolen by Lichtenstein in 2016, after exploiting vulnerabilities in Bitfinex’s security system, remains only partially accounted for. While prosecutors have confiscated some of the assets, Lichtenstein stated he has been cooperating to ensure the stolen funds are returned.
“For the past three years, I have worked hard to account for and return all assets down to the last satoshi, as required by my plea agreement, and I will continue to do so,” Lichtenstein said.
The court has, however, fixed a restitution hearing for February 2025 to determine whether the recovered Bitcoin should be distributed to Bitfinex or directly to its customers who were affected by the hack.
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Bitfinex Hacker Admits Solo 120k BTC Heist, Disputes Netflix Documentary
