Virgil Griffith, accused of collaborating with North Korea, pleads guilty

Virgil Griffith, a 38-year-old Ethereum developer, pleaded guilty to violating US sanctions law.

Yesterday in New York, Griffith admitted to violating provisions of the Act that prohibit US citizens from exporting technology and intellectual property to communist countries. The confession was made as part of an agreement with the prosecution. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Griffith faces up to 6 years in prison, while the charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Formal sentencing is scheduled for January 2022.

The plea deal ends a nearly two-year legal battle between Griffith and U.S. prosecutors over the developer's speech and presentation at a conference in Pyongyang. According to the prosecutor's office, his speech contained information about the possibilities of using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology for money laundering and evading international sanctions.

Virgil was arrested in the fall of 2019 after returning from North Korea. Last year, the accused was released on bail of $1 million, when he categorically refused to admit the charges. This summer, Griffith was arrested again. 

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