Two Europeans, Alejandro Cao De Benos from Spain and Christopher Emms from the UK, have recently been indicted for allegedly collaborating with a cryptocurrency specialist to assist North Korea in circumventing US sanctions. The trio had orchestrated the Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference, where Virgil Griffith, the crypto expert, provided guidance on money laundering using crypto and utilizing blockchain smart contracts in nuclear weapons negotiations with the US.
Cao De Benos, known for founding the pro-North Korean organization, the Korean Friendship Association, and Emms, described as a cryptocurrency businessman by the Department of Justice, were accused of educating North Korean officials at the conference on evading sanctions through blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. Post-conference, they allegedly continued their conspiracy by attempting to establish crypto infrastructure and equipment in North Korea, as well as facilitating connections between conference attendees and cryptocurrency service providers. Additionally, plans for a second conference in 2020 were said to be in the works.
US attorney Damian Williams emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “As alleged, Alejandro Cao de Benos and Christopher Emms conspired with Virgil Griffith to teach and advise members of the North Korean government on cutting-edge cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to evade US sanctions meant to halt North Korea’s hostile nuclear ambitions.” Emms, in his pitch, reportedly highlighted the ease of transferring money globally using cryptocurrency technology, regardless of sanctions imposed on any country.
Despite being at large, extradition treaties between the US, UK, and Spain increase the likelihood of Cao De Benos and Emms facing charges of conspiring to violate and evade US sanctions, which could result in a maximum 20-year prison sentence.
The case sheds light on the significance of enforcing sanctions against North Korea to safeguard American security interests. Law enforcement agencies, both domestic and international, are actively working to combat such illicit activities.