Changed his name and tried to flee to Russia: The Israeli who may face 40 years in prison

Alexander Gurevich, a Russian-Israeli citizen, was extradited to the U.S. and is accused of stealing approximately $2.9 million in digital currencies by exploiting a vulnerability in the "Nomad Bridge" smart contract. He changed his name, obtained a new passport, and was arrested at Ben Gurion Airport while attempting to flee to Russia. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison.

Alexander Gurevich, 49, a Russian-Israeli citizen, was extradited from the United States on Thursday and brought before the federal court of the Northern District of California. He is accused of stealing approximately $2.9 million in digital currencies by exploiting a vulnerability in the "Nomad Bridge" smart contract in August 2022. Gurevich changed his surname to Block, obtained a new passport, and was arrested at Ben Gurion Airport while attempting to flee to Russia. He was extradited after a year-and-a-half legal process conducted by the International Department of the State Attorney's Office. The indictment charges him with causing damage to a protected computer, transferring stolen funds between states, and money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. However, Judge Ohad Gordon ruled that if he is sentenced to imprisonment in the U.S., he will be returned to Israel to serve the sentence.