Virgil Griffith, Ethereum Developer, Released From Prison

Virgil Griffith, an Ethereum researcher, has recently been released from prison. His release was shared with the public by his lawyer, Alexander Urbelis, who expressed his joy in announcing Griffith’s freedom on April 9. This news was welcomed by many prominent personalities in the crypto community, including Zooko Wilcox from Zcash, journalist Naomi Brockwell, and former Coinbase executive Linda Xie. Additionally, former Ethereum core developer Joseph Delong and other Ethereum community members extended their well-wishes to Griffith upon his release.

Griffith’s journey with Ethereum dates back to 2016 when he played a pivotal role in the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). Despite his temporary freedom, Griffith has not received a pardon. His legal team is actively pursuing a presidential pardon, and attorney Alexander Urbelis has indicated that they have made significant progress in the process, particularly with the Trump administration.

Currently, Griffith has been relocated to a halfway house in Baltimore and his legal representatives are hopeful that he will soon transition to home confinement. Despite his release, Griffith will be subject to export restrictions until 2032, which prohibit him from engaging in any transactions involving software outside the U.S. These restrictions could pose challenges for Griffith, particularly in the crypto industry where his expertise lies.

Griffith’s legal battle began in 2019 when he was arrested for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In 2021, he pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting to traveling to North Korea without permission to present on various topics including the use of crypto to circumvent sanctions. Subsequent to his guilty plea, Griffith was sentenced to 63 months in prison in April 2022 and faced a $100,000 fine.

However, in July 2024, Griffith’s sentence was reduced to 56 months due to changes in sentencing rules for “zero-point offenders” without a criminal history. Despite opposition from U.S. authorities, his legal team successfully negotiated a reduced sentence. Looking ahead, Griffith’s legal team is focused on ensuring that Griffith can reintegrate into society and make positive contributions, although the specifics of his probation and release conditions remain uncertain.

Virgil Griffith’s story serves as a cautionary tale within the crypto space, underscoring the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding cryptocurrency and international relations. His release marks a new chapter in his journey, one that will undoubtedly be closely watched by the crypto community as he navigates the challenges ahead.