Pokémon collector found guilty in $55 million crypto hack case
A cybersecurity consultant, Jonathan Spalletta, has been convicted of stealing $55 million in cryptocurrency from the Uranium Finance exchange. Prosecutors revealed he used the stolen funds to purchase rare collectibles, including Pokémon cards and ancient coins.
Why it matters
The case underscores the intersection of digital asset theft and the high-end collectibles market, as well as the legal risks of using crypto mixers.
A cybersecurity consultant was found guilty of stealing nearly $55 million in cryptocurrency, some of which was spent to acquire rare Pokémon cards and other collectibles.
Jonathan Spalletta was convicted by a New York jury Wednesday after just over two hours of deliberation. Prosecutors accused Spalletta of carrying out two attacks in 2021 against Uranium Finance, a cryptocurrency exchange that shut down after he drained about $55 million from the platform.
Spalletta faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on a money-laundering count relating to his use of crypto mixers like Tornado Cash. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff set his sentencing for Feb. 16.
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