Story perspectives

Bitfinex Hacker Released Early, Pledges Cybersecurity Contribution

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ilya Lichtenstein (Bitfinex hacker) was released early under a bipartisan prison-reform law signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
He was sentenced to five years for money laundering tied to the Bitfinex hack and 120,000 bitcoin.
Heather Morgan, Lichtenstein's wife, pleaded guilty and served 18 months.
Morgan thanked Trump in a video, celebrating their reunion after a shortened sentence.
Both have pledged to contribute to cybersecurity after release.

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Story summary

Ilya Lichtenstein (Bitfinex hacker) was released early under a bipartisan prison-reform law signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
He was sentenced to five years for money laundering tied to the Bitfinex hack and 120,000 bitcoin.
Heather Morgan, Lichtenstein's wife, pleaded guilty and served 18 months.
Morgan thanked Trump in a video, celebrating their reunion after a shortened sentence.
Both have pledged to contribute to cybersecurity after release.