Spanish authorities have detained Alejandro Cao de Benos, believed to have aided Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith in violating U.S. sanctions and traveling to North Korea. Reports indicate that Cao de Benos was apprehended in Barcelona under a false identity and was on his way to Madrid via train. The arrest was made on November 30 at a train station in Madrid. However, Cao de Benos was released without any conditions on December 1 after appearing before a High Court judge. While an extradition process is awaiting completion, the U.S. must officially request extradition and provide appropriate documentation. Despite the accusations, Cao de Benos expressed confidence that he would not be extradited, countering the U.S. accusations on social media and expressing gratitude towards the Spanish police. It is important to note that Cao de Benos highlighted a particular order issued under former U.S. President Donald Trump, implying potential political motivations.
The Case of Virgil Griffith
Virgil Griffith, an Ethereum developer, gained attention after his arrest in November 2019 for allegedly breaking sanctions by traveling to North Korea to participate in a crypto and blockchain conference. Subsequently, in 2021, Griffith was convicted and sentenced to prison for his actions. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Cao de Benos and another individual in April 2022 in relation to the case. However, an FBI poster suggests that charges were being pursued as early as January. According to U.S. authorities, Griffith not only violated sanctions but also provided information that could aid North Korea in evading further sanctions and engaging in money laundering. The DOJ claims that Cao de Benos, through his Korean Friendship Association, collaborated with Christopher Emms, an American businessman, to organize the blockchain conference Griffith attended. Furthermore, Cao de Benos and Emms allegedly recruited Griffith and arranged his travel to North Korea. The DOJ also asserts that Cao de Benos informed Griffith that his passport would not be stamped, allowing his travel to remain concealed. After the conference, Cao de Benos and Emms supposedly continued collaborating with Griffith on other blockchain projects linked to North Korea.
Potential Consequences
Both Cao de Benos and Emms now face charges of conspiracy to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, which can result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. It is essential to remember that they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest of Cao de Benos in Spain adds a new layer to this complex case, and the future of his legal proceedings remains uncertain. The U.S. will need to follow formal extradition procedures and provide the necessary evidence to support their request. Meanwhile, Cao de Benos will likely continue to contest the accusations against him, possibly invoking arguments surrounding political motivations and potential misrepresentations.
The arrest of Alejandro Cao de Benos in Spain brings additional attention to the case of Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith’s violation of U.S. sanctions by traveling to North Korea. It highlights the international nature of the investigation and the cooperation between law enforcement agencies involved. As the legal proceedings unfold, the allegations against Cao de Benos and his potential involvement with Griffith’s activities will be under scrutiny. It remains to be seen how the case will progress and whether the U.S. will succeed in securing his extradition.