Israel extradites Nomad crypto theft suspect to US
Key points
- Israel has extradited Alexander Block to the United States over an alleged $2.89 million Nomad bridge theft.
- US prosecutors allege he exploited a smart contract flaw to obtain 103 WBTC and 300 WETH.
- The case tests how courts treat cryptocurrency theft involving vulnerabilities in automated blockchain systems.
Israel has extradited Alexander Block to the United States to face charges over an alleged $2.89 million cryptocurrency theft.
Block, formerly known as Alexander Gurevich, allegedly exploited Nomad's cross-chain bridge vulnerability in August 2022.
US prosecutors allege he used the flaw to obtain digital tokens without depositing the assets backing them.
A federal indictment filed in August 2023 charged Block with eight counts involving computer offences, stolen property and money laundering.
The US Department of Justice alleges Block executed four exploit transactions involving 103 Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) and 300 Wrapped Ether (WETH).
He allegedly converted the tokens into other cryptocurrencies and transferred funds between wallets to conceal their origin.
Israel's Supreme Court rejected his extradition appeal, ruling that exploiting a programming flaw could constitute unlawful computer intrusion.
Block remains presumed innocent, and US prosecutors must prove the allegations in court.
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