**Longest-Running Bitcoin Laundering Service Operator Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison**

A dual Russian-Swedish national, Roman Sterlingov, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for running the darknet's longest-operating bitcoin money laundering service, Bitcoin Fog. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the verdict following a detailed investigation and a one-month trial in the District of Columbia, concluding in March 2024, where Sterlingov was found guilty of multiple charges including money laundering conspiracy and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.

From 2011 to 2021, Sterlingov's Bitcoin Fog gained notoriety among criminals seeking to launder over 1.2 million bitcoin, equivalent to approximately $400 million at the transaction time. The operation's illicit activities involved proceeds from darknet marketplaces focused on illegal narcotics, computer crimes, identity theft, and child sexual abuse material.

In addition to his prison term, Sterlingov has been ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment amounting to $395,563,025.39. He also faces the forfeiture of seized cryptocurrencies and monetary assets valued at approximately $1.76 million and his interest in the Bitcoin Fog wallet, containing around 1,345 bitcoin currently valued at more than $103 million.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the gravity of Sterlingov's actions, stating, "Roman Sterlingov ran the longest-running bitcoin money laundering service on the darknet, and today he paid the price." Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, highlighted the significant impact of Sterlingov's actions on criminal activities. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia remarked that the sentence sends an unmistakable message regarding the serious penalties for aiding criminal activities online.

Contributing to the investigation were the IRS Criminal Investigation’s District of Columbia Cyber Crime Unit and the FBI Washington Field Office, with essential support from international partners in Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Romania, the UK, and Europol.

Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI reiterated the agency's commitment to disrupting the cybercriminal ecosystem, warning that the sentence should serve as a message to all cybercriminals. The prosecution team included Trial Attorneys Jeff Pearlman and C. Alden Pelker from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown from the District of Columbia.