Spanish police have recently made an arrest in connection with Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith’s violation of U.S. sanctions and travel to North Korea. The individual in question is Alejandro Cao de Benos, who was found to be in Barcelona under a false identity and was subsequently apprehended at a train station in Madrid. In this article, we will delve into the details of the case and explore the implications of Cao de Benos’ arrest.
The Arrest and Release of Alejandro Cao de Benos
On November 30th, Spanish police arrested Alejandro Cao de Benos as he was preparing to travel from Barcelona to Madrid. However, on December 1st, he was released without any conditions after appearing before a High Court judge. It is worth noting that an extradition process is pending, but the U.S. must formalize its extradition request and provide the necessary documentation. Despite the accusations against him, Cao de Benos remains adamant that he will not be extradited, expressing his gratitude to the Spanish police for their treatment and support.
Virgil Griffith, an Ethereum developer, gained notoriety after traveling to North Korea to participate in a crypto and blockchain conference in April 2019. He was subsequently arrested in November of the same year for violating sanctions and providing information that could aid North Korea in evading sanctions and engaging in money laundering. Griffith’s case resulted in his conviction and sentencing in 2022, and he is currently serving time in prison.
The Allegations Against Cao de Benos
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that Alejandro Cao de Benos, through his organization called the Korean Friendship Association, collaborated with a U.S. businessman named Christopher Emms to organize the blockchain conference that Griffith attended in North Korea. Furthermore, Cao de Benos and Emms are accused of recruiting Griffith and facilitating his travel to the country. According to the DOJ, Cao de Benos informed Griffith that his passport would not be stamped, thus concealing his visit to North Korea. Additionally, it is claimed that Cao de Benos and Emms continued to work with Griffith on other North Korea-related blockchain initiatives after the conference.
Both Alejandro Cao de Benos and Christopher Emms have been charged with conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. However, it is important to remember that both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The arrest of Alejandro Cao de Benos sheds light on the ongoing legal repercussions surrounding Virgil Griffith’s visit to North Korea. While the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the extradition process will unfold and what evidence will be presented against Cao de Benos. As the story develops, it serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of involvement in activities that violate international sanctions and the importance of adhering to legal boundaries in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Leave a Reply