- Spanish authorities have apprehended Alejandro Cao de Benos over a U.S.-linked crypto conspiracy.
- The case resulted from his alleged connival with crypto researcher Virgil Griffith to unlawfully provide crypto providers to North Korea.
- Nonetheless, Cao de Benos has been launched whereas awaiting the U.S. to formalize its extradition request.
Spanish authorities introduced the arrest of Alejandro Cao de Benos, a Spanish nationwide sought by america in reference to an alleged crypto conspiracy involving North Korea. The event was captured in a latest report by Reuters, noting the arrest occurred on Thursday at Atocha practice station in Madrid.
For context, the U.S. Division of Justice charged Alejandro Cao de Benos, the founding father of a pro-Pyongyang affinity group, in 2022. The cost resulted from his alleged connival with crypto researcher Virgil Griffith to unlawfully provide crypto and blockchain expertise providers to North Korea. Griffith had beforehand been sentenced to 5 years and three months in jail in 2022 for his position within the conspiracy.
In line with Reuters, Spanish nationwide police revealed that Cao de Benos was found in Barcelona utilizing a false id and was apprehended en path to Madrid. In the meantime, following the arrest, Cao de Benos appeared earlier than a Excessive Court docket choose on Friday.
Nonetheless, the choose launched him with out situations whereas awaiting the extradition course of. The judicial supply emphasised that america must formalize the extradition request and submit the required documentation.
Alternatively, Reuters famous that in a publish on social media platform X on Friday, Cao de Benos refuted the U.S. allegations. Cao de Benos, going through a possible 20-year jail sentence if convicted, expressed confidence in his innocence. He acknowledged on X, “There isn’t any extradition. Moreover being false, the US accusation doesn’t exist in Spain.” Notably, Reuters acknowledged that the id of Cao de Benos’ authorized illustration stays unknown as of now.
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