Bitcoin Fog Founder Challenges 30-Year Sentence Recommendation

TLDR

Roman Sterlingov, founder of Bitcoin Fog, was convicted on money laundering charges in March 2024
Prosecutors recommend a 20-30 year prison sentence for Sterlingov
Sterlingov’s lawyers argue the proposed sentence is excessive and unwarranted
Bitcoin Fog allegedly facilitated laundering of about $400 million in Bitcoin from 2011 to 2021
The case highlights increasing legal scrutiny of cryptocurrency mixing services

Roman Sterlingov, the founder of cryptocurrency mixing service Bitcoin Fog, is challenging a potential 30-year prison sentence following his conviction on money laundering charges.

In March 2024, a jury found Sterlingov guilty of four counts related to money laundering through the operations of Bitcoin Fog.

Prosecutors allege that Sterlingov operated Bitcoin Fog from 2011 to 2021, facilitating the laundering of approximately $400 million in Bitcoin tied to illicit activities. The U.S. government claims the service was used by criminals to hide funds from law enforcement, with transactions linked to drug trafficking, identity theft, and computer fraud.

On August 15, 2024, Sterlingov’s legal team filed a memo in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing against the government’s recommendation of a 20 to 30-year prison term. The defense asserts that such a lengthy sentence is excessive and inconsistent with penalties in comparable cases.

While Sterlingov’s lawyers did not suggest a specific alternative sentence, they emphasized that the proposed 20 to 30-year term is unjustified. They contend that the evidence presented during the trial was largely circumstantial, noting that key pieces of evidence such as the Bitcoin Fog server, server logs, private keys, or ledger were never introduced in court.

The defense argues that Sterlingov’s verdict is more consistent with aiding and abetting rather than directly operating Bitcoin Fog. They claim he was connected to the service but not responsible for its daily operations. Sterlingov’s attorneys also highlight his personal history and commitment to family and friends as grounds for a reduced sentence.

Initially, Judge Randolph Moss had scheduled Sterlingov’s sentencing for August 21, 2024. However, the court will first hear arguments regarding the government’s forfeiture order. This includes potential seizure of assets such as 1,354 Bitcoin in a wallet untouched since 2012, and a possible $395 million judgment.

The case against Sterlingov is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny on cryptocurrency mixing services. These platforms, designed to enhance privacy by blending multiple transactions, have drawn attention from law enforcement due to their potential use in money laundering schemes.

In a related case, Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm is set to face trial in December 2024 on similar charges. Another developer associated with Tornado Cash, Alexey Pertsev, reported in August 2024 that he was appealing a 5-year sentence for money laundering following a guilty verdict in May.

Despite legal challenges, some mixing services continue to see significant activity. Tornado Cash, for instance, reportedly processed over $1.8 billion in deposits during the first half of 2024, a 45% increase compared to the total amount deposited throughout 2023.

Sterlingov’s defense team maintains that much of the evidence against him is circumstantial, and that the proposed sentence does not align with outcomes in similar cases.

They argue for a “far lower sentence,” citing Sterlingov’s personal history and commitment to family.