Roman Sterlingov, dual Russian-Swedish national and operator of Bitcoin Fog, sentenced to over 12 years in prison for running the darknet’s longest-lasting bitcoin mixer, laundering over $400 million in criminal proceeds. A jury found Sterlingov guilty of money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and money transmission without a license.
Key Points:
- Roman Sterlingov, 36, sentenced to 12 years and six months for money laundering conspiracy.
- Operated Bitcoin Fog, a notorious darknet crypto mixer, from 2011 to 2021, hiding illicit funds from law enforcement.
- Processed over 1.2 million bitcoins tied to drugs, identity theft, and child exploitation, valued at $400 million at the time.
- Additional penalties include a $395 million forfeiture order, seizure of 1,345 bitcoin (valued at over $103 million), and confiscation of crypto assets worth $1.76 million.
Short Narrative:
In a harsh sentencing, Roman Sterlingov received over 12 years in prison for his role as the mastermind behind Bitcoin Fog, the darknet’s oldest and most notorious bitcoin mixer. Bitcoin Fog operated for a decade, providing money laundering services for criminals seeking to mask their illicit profits. From narcotics to identity theft, Sterlingov’s mixer processed over 1.2 million bitcoins, equating to roughly $400 million in hidden funds. Authorities have dismantled the service, sending a clear message about the cost of enabling criminal transactions in the digital age.
Actionable Insight:
Sterlingov’s conviction reinforces the U.S. DOJ’s strategy against cybercriminals and those facilitating illicit finance on the darknet. With the rising influence of cryptocurrency in online crime, enforcement agencies remain vigilant against operators who attempt to anonymize dirty money, warning others of the severe penalties tied to digital money laundering.
Call for Information:
FinTelegram calls on readers with insights into other dark web financial networks or crypto mixing services to come forward. This sentencing is a stark reminder of the risks for those who support the digital underworld.
