Virgil Griffith, accused of collaborating with the DPRK, pleads guilty

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

Yesterday inNew York Griffith admitted to the violationprovisions of the Act prohibiting 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 6years in prison, while the article of the charge provides for a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The official sentencing is scheduled for January 2022.

The plea bargain completes almosta two-year legal battle between Griffith and the US Attorney's Office related to the performance and presentation of the developer at a conference in Pyongyang. According to the prosecutor's office, his speech contained information on the possibilities of using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology for money laundering and evading international sanctions.

Virgil was arrested in the fall of 2019 afterreturning 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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