An Ethereum [ETH] research scientist has been accused of helping North Korea evade the fiscal leverage of that Blockchain and that cryptocurrency. In an official statement, US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:
"As alleged, Virgil Griffith provided highly technical information to North Korea, knowing that it could be used to launder money and evade sanctions. In doing so, Griffith jeopardized the regulations that both Congress and the president have enacted to exert maximum pressure on the dangerous North Korean regime. "
Griffith reportedly traveled to North Korea to attend and perform at the "Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference," despite the US State Department denying any permission for it.
Griffith, who has a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology, is said to have taught his audience how to use Blockchain technology to evade sanctions, fully knowing that it is against the law.
According to the press release, Griffith and other attendees at the DPRK Crypto Conference discussed how the country could use Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to launder money:
Griffith identified several attendees at the DPRK Crypto Conference who appeared to be working for the North Korean government. During his presentation, they asked him specific questions about Blockchain and cryptocurrencies; they provoked debates on technical aspects of these technologies ”.
Following news of Griffith's arrest, Fabio Pietrosanti, a businessman, revealed that he had accompanied Griffith to the conference. His tweet read:
“I am seeking contact with his family and / or attorney as I read in the Affidavit many sentences that I feel have been misused and misinterpreted for the arrest warrant. I am willing to give my testimony to demonstrate your good faith ”.
There have been several cases in the past where Griffith had shown his interest in the DPRK. In fact, he even admitted his trips to the FBI, sharing all the details of the visit, as well as photos of him speaking at the conference.
