A 21-year-old Indiana man has admitted to his involvement in a cybercrime scheme that resulted in the theft of over $37 million in cryptocurrency. Evan Frederick Light, of Lebanon, Indiana, pleaded guilty on Monday, September 30, to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
U.S. Justice Department Says It’s Determined to Crack Down on Cryptocurrency Theft
According to federal prosecutors, Light was part of a group that hacked into an investment holdings company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in February 2022. The hackers stole personal information from hundreds of customers and then used that data to transfer millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency from the victims’ accounts.
Light faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count, along with a fine, supervised release, and a special assessment. Restitution to the victims may also be ordered.
“This case demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to identifying and bringing cybercriminals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Cyber-intrusions pose a serious threat to both individuals and businesses, and we are dedicated to protecting the public from these sophisticated attacks.”
