Two brothers manipulated Ethereum protocols to steal $25M — Justice Dept

As a researcher with a background in blockchain technology and cybersecurity, I find this case particularly intriguing and concerning. The alleged actions of the Peraire-Bueno brothers represent a new level of sophistication in cryptocurrency theft, one that calls into question the very foundations of the Ethereum blockchain.


The US Department of Justice has made public an accusation against two individuals, stating they illegally obtained $25 million worth of cryptocurrency through a method that reportedly undermined the reliability of the Ethereum blockchain.

In a May 15 announcement, the Justice Department accused brothers Anton Peraire-Bueno and James Pepaire-Bueno of conspiring to commit wire fraud, committing wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. As reported by U.S. authorities, the siblings allegedly obtained $25 million in crypto assets in just seconds through a questionable scheme that raises serious concerns about the security and trustworthiness of the blockchain system.

According to Thomas Fattorusso, a special agent at the IRS Criminal Investigation’s New York Field Office, these brothers are accused of carrying out an unprecedented fraud against the Ethereum blockchain. By deceitfully securing control over pending transactions, they reportedly modified the transfer of digital currency and successfully pilfered $25 million from unsuspecting victims.

As a crypto investor, I can tell you that according to U.S. authorities, those brothers allegedly refused to return the stolen digital assets and instead employed intricate methods to conceal them using shell companies and foreign cryptocurrency exchanges. They reportedly moved the funds to multiple wallets for added secrecy. If found guilty, they could be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 20 years per count.

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

Read More

2024-05-15 20:11