A Russian-Israeli citizen linked to a major crypto hack faces extradition to the United States. Israeli police arrested Alexander Gurevich, 47, at Ben-Gurion Airport last Thursday. He was reportedly trying to fly to Russia under a false identity using a new passport.
Gurevich was behind a $190 million heist on California-based blockchain bridge Nomad last year, authorities assert. It happened in 2022 and almost collapsed the organization. The suspect made off with cryptocurrency using sophisticated digital tools after exploiting a weak spot on the site.
Crypto chaos ends in arrest at Israeli airport
Gurevich’s moves disrupted the crypto market. Investigators suspect that he made transfers of the stolen money in multiple wallets. He afterward demanded a reward of half a million dollars. Officials indicate that he cleaned the cash using multiple strategies to escape detection.
They followed him for months. His efforts to leave Israel led to him being arrested. There were irregularities in the papers as noticed by airport security. Further inspection showed he was using a new name. The police acted swiftly and arrested him.
American officials dispatched an extradition request shortly afterward. The warrant charges Gurevich with computer offenses, money laundering, and receiving goods acquired through robbery. He remains in legal proceedings in Israel pending extradition to the United States.
Nomad hack suspect named in crypto Probe
This is the first occasion when the principal suspect in the hacking of Nomad has been publicly identified. Previously, the suspect’s identity was not known. His arrest represents a significant turn in the ongoing inquiry.
The Nomad hack stunned the crypto market. The hackers used a vulnerability in the system and stole digital tokens in a matter of hours. The platform later conceded huge losses and was unable to recuperate. The attack revealed the risks posed by poor security in the digital finance segment.
Gurevich’s alleged involvement highlights increasing efforts worldwide to curb cybercrime. The officials of both nations are collaborating to extradite him. If he is found guilty in the US, he may spend several years in jail.
Authorities have not indicated whether others were involved. The investigation goes on. The case questions how criminals use international networks to conceal and transport cash. It also proves that even when fugitives assume new names, they are not uncatchable. For the meantime, Gurevich stays in Israeli custody. His next court hearing will determine when he will be extradited to the US.
