US DOJ arrests brothers for stealing $25m crypto in 12 seconds

As an experienced financial analyst following the cryptocurrency market, I am deeply concerned about the recent arrest of Anton and James Pepaire-Bueno by the U.S. Department of Justice for their alleged involvement in a $25 million cryptocurrency theft. The brothers, with backgrounds in computer science and mathematics from one of the world’s most prestigious universities, reportedly exploited the maximal extractable value (MEV) loophole on the Ethereum blockchain to manipulate transactions and steal assets within seconds.


Two brothers have been taken into custody by the United States Department of Justice for allegedly stealing $25 million worth of cryptocurrency.

According to a report from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Anton and James Pepaire-Bueno are accused of making off with millions in cryptocurrency through the Ethereum blockchain in a mere 12 seconds.

The brothers are accused of employing the Maximal Extraction Value (MEV) scam to misappropriate funds from users, and they face charges for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

“Two individuals with backgrounds in computer science and mathematics from a renowned global university are accused by the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, of exploiting their expertise to illicitly modify and manipulate Ethereum’s relied-upon protocols, affecting millions of users worldwide.”

According to IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso’s remarks, the brothers are accused of carrying out a novel swindle on the Ethereum blockchain through deceit. They reportedly managed to interfere with ongoing transactions, changing the course of digital currency flow and consequently misappropriated assets.

As a dedicated investigator specializing in financial crimes for the IRS-Criminal Investigation unit, I personally spearhead our team’s relentless pursuit in solving even the most intricate cases.

This month, the Department of Justice chose consulting firm Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA) to serve as Binance‘s oversight body, observing the company’s activities for a period of three years.

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms of the agreement. They are granted permission to inspect internal documents, facilities, and personnel in order to report back to the Ministry of Justice regarding the current status of the exchange.

Read More

2024-05-15 21:00