Staff Reports
Two brothers in their twenties, Anton Peraire-Bueno and James Pepaire-Bueno, were accused by the Department of Justice (DOJ) of stealing $25 million in cryptocurrency by attacking the Ethereum blockchain. The brothers are facing charges of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. According to prosecutors, the siblings used their knowledge of computer science and math to exploit the Ethereum blockchain’s integrity and carry out the theft in just 12 seconds.
The DOJ alleged that the brothers spent months planning a scheme to manipulate the Ethereum protocols, allowing them to access and alter victims’ transactions. Instead of returning the stolen cryptocurrency, the suspects reportedly intended to launder the money through a series of transactions involving shell companies and foreign cryptocurrency exchanges. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, accused the brothers of compromising the processes and protocols of the blockchain relied upon by millions of cryptocurrency users.
Two Brothers Educated In Prestigious University Stole Cryptocurrency Worth $25 Million In 12 Seconds, Feds Allege https://t.co/VNNUBJluNr via @DailyCaller
— Chris ?? (@Chris_1791) May 16, 2024
The brothers, who are graduates of a prestigious university believed to be MIT, could face up to 60 years in prison if convicted on all charges. The older brother earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, computer science, and aerospace engineering, as well as a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics. The younger brother recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering.
From a conservative perspective, the indictment of these individuals highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of financial systems and holding accountable those who engage in fraudulent activities, especially in emerging markets like cryptocurrency. It is concerning that individuals with advanced technical skills would allegedly exploit loopholes in blockchain technology for personal gain, ultimately undermining trust in digital currencies. This case serves as a reminder of the need for robust enforcement measures to combat financial crimes and protect investors and consumers in an increasingly digital world.
