U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel has reduced the prison sentence of Virgil Griffith, an Ethereum developer, in a sanctions case. Griffith’s term, originally set at 63 months, was shortened to 56 months.
The case originated from Griffith’s 2019 visit to North Korea, where he presented on using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to bypass sanctions. He later admitted guilty to breaking sanctions laws in 2021.
Judge Castel’s decision to cut the sentence took into consideration Griffith’s behavior and the challenges he faced while in prison. The judge acknowledged Griffith’s violations of prison rules alongside the difficulties he encountered. Moreover, the court recognized a decreased likelihood of Griffith committing future offenses.
Despite the reduction, Judge Castel underscored the seriousness of the crime, emphasizing the necessity of a significant prison term. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams opposed any reduction, citing Griffith’s deliberate actions to aid North Korea, a nation known for hostility toward the U.S. and human rights violations.
During his time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan, Griffith faced several infractions, including allegations of attempting to steal prison supplies. His defense team highlighted instances of improved behavior, such as reporting potential conflicts to prison authorities.
Griffith’s lawyers had sought further reduction based on changes to U.S. sentencing guidelines, hoping for potential release in January 2025. However, the judge’s decision means Griffith will serve a longer term than anticipated.
In addition to his criminal case, Griffith is subject to a 10-year export privilege denial order from the U.S. Department of Commerce, limiting his involvement with export-controlled items until 2032.
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