The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 21-year-old Evan Frederick Light from Lebanon, Indiana, has pleaded guilty to stealing over $37 million in cryptocurrency.
Case Details
Evan Frederick Light appeared in federal court on September 30, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. The charges stem from a cyberattack Light carried out in February 2022, targeting an investment holding company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Light and his accomplices stole customers’ personally identifiable information (PII) and siphoned off cryptocurrencies from nearly 600 victims, totaling more than $37 million in theft.
Authorities' Response
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell noted the significance of the conviction:
Potential Consequences
The charges carry harsh penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for each count, heavy fines, and three years of supervised release. Compensation for the victims may also be ordered by the court. FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. expressed the Justice Department’s commitment to combating cybercrime:
Evan Frederick Light has pleaded guilty to significant cybercrimes involving the theft of cryptocurrency. This event underscores the efforts of the Department of Justice and the FBI to combat cybercrime and protect affected individuals.
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