Right now Virgil Griffith is seeking release on bail from charges of illegal travel to, & crypto currency assistance to, #NorthKorea. Inner City Press is the only media @SDNYLIVE Magistrates Court innercitypress.com/sdny1cryptonko… -US Attorney cites $250,000 assets- thread
US Attorney says Griffith in text message claimed to maintain the world's largest portal to the Dark Web. Mag Judge Moses asks if gov't thinks North Korea will send a private plane to pick him up
US Attorney says Griffith faces 15 to 21 months and since he never served time before he may seek to flee, says it only takes one mistake at the border
Griffith's lawyer says there is nothing illegal about using crypto currency. Offers to compile for court a list of his accounts, including it seems $65,000 in "old fashioned saving account"
Judge Moses: he didn't just invezt in crypto currency, he designs crypto currencies.
Defense lawyer: it's a developing market. It shouldn't harm him under Bail Reform Act
Defense lawyer: it's a developing market. It shouldn't harm him under Bail Reform Act
Defense lawyer: We've sought pre indictment discovery about his supposed discussion of rebouncing his US citizenship on his cell phone, "which we don't have"
Defense lawyer says #SDNY Judge Cote did not have all the facts when she ordered Griffith detained.
Will Mag Judge Moses "reverse" District Judge Cote? She is asking defense counsel how the last month has been spent.
Will Mag Judge Moses "reverse" District Judge Cote? She is asking defense counsel how the last month has been spent.
Defense lawyer says Griffith would live in Alabama with his parents (who are here in court). Inner City Press has seen them waiting here since morning, through the other case it has reported on
Defense lawyers: "Prior counsel for Doctor Griffith was in communication with one of the AUSAs on the complaint right up to arrest on Thanksgiving... He does own a residence in Puerto Rico."
Judge Moses: Why?
Judge Moses: Why?
Defense lawyer: "Puerto Rico is a developing area in the crypto space... He didn't purchase a return flight to Singapore, but to Baltimore, his sister's house."
AUSA: We were not informed there would be any more cooperation... We were unable to locate him. He has not given sufficient financial info. He may have misled Pre Trial Services: he owns property, and a shell company in Puerto Rico
AUSA: Griffith told his parents he might set up a money laundering company in North Korea.
Defense lawyer: Sorry I said he owns property in Puerto Rico. He rents, like in Singapore.
AUSA: He can acquire property overseas with his digital wallet.
Defense lawyer: Sorry I said he owns property in Puerto Rico. He rents, like in Singapore.
AUSA: He can acquire property overseas with his digital wallet.
Defense lawyer is reading out AUSA's email setting a meeting after Thanksgiving - then arrest..
Judge Moses: there are no conditions to assure defendant's presence. Bail is denied.
Judge Moses: there are no conditions to assure defendant's presence. Bail is denied.
Judge Moses: Defendant had a month to provide transparency into his accounts. I am somewhat troubled by delay in disclosing Puerto Rico residence. His private communications to his parents about renouncing citizenship and serting up money laundering in hostile NK
