Brothers Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, accused of large-scale cryptocurrency theft, have filed a motion to exclude their search history as evidence.
History of the Allegations
The Peraire-Bueno brothers have been accused of stealing $25 million in cryptocurrency through a blockchain exploit in 2023. According to prosecutors, they used their skills and education to manipulate Ethereum's MEV-boost system, allowing them to intercept private transactions and fraudulently divert funds in just 12 seconds.
Arguments of the Parties
The brothers argue that their Google searches hold no evidentiary weight without proper context. Prosecutors contend that these searches indicate the defendants' consciousness of guilt, while the brothers maintain they are merely part of prudent legal consultation during an ongoing investigation.
Potential Consequences
If found guilty, the brothers face up to 20 years in prison. Their defense has also requested the exclusion of additional evidence, including a screenshot of fake signatures and news articles that provide inflammatory descriptions.
The case against the Peraire-Bueno brothers continues to evolve, with the court's decision regarding the admissibility of their search history potentially influencing the outcome of further hearings.
