Roman Sterlingov, a Russian-Swedish national, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Washington, D.C., for his role in operating Bitcoin Fog, a prominent cryptocurrency mixer operating on the dark web from 2011 to 2021. Bitcoin Fog served as a critical tool for cybercriminals to launder illicit proceeds, allowing them to obfuscate the origin of digital assets and withdraw them into “fresh” wallets. The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Bitcoin Fog laundered around $400 million in cryptocurrency, much of which was tied to illegal activities including narcotics trafficking, computer crimes, identity theft, and child exploitation.
The conviction of Sterlingov underscores law enforcement’s commitment to combating illicit activities facilitated by cryptocurrency platforms operating in the shadows of the dark web. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco praised the meticulous efforts of investigators in tracing Bitcoin transactions through the blockchain, ultimately leading to Sterlingov’s accountability. Sterlingov faces severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for money laundering conspiracy charges, along with additional charges related to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. The case serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks leveraging cryptocurrency for illicit purposes.
